Language support

Many people face language barriers when accessing benefits. This is heightened by the technical language used. Individuals with lower levels of literacy may experience barriers when the language is confusing, or forms are complicated.

Even without specialized knowledge of benefits, you can play a critical role by providing language support to people who need it.

  • Help to translate or explain information so that your clients can make informed decisions and navigate benefits processes effectively.
  • Translate documents or help a person to make a phone call for support. Deaf persons may also need language support in the form of an ASL interpreter.
  • Help a person find a tax clinic that offers services in different languages. Go to Find a tax clinic in your area and select the language required. If you require information on other types of language support visit 211.ca.

  • Use plain language and infographics when writing flyers, creating documents for participants.
  • Consider providing language support tailored to meet the needs of your target clients. An example of this could be actively recruiting CVITP volunteers that speak multiple languages or ensuring you provide a range of accessible services.