Limited English Proficiency
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) refers to individuals who do not speak, read, write, or understand English well enough to participate fully in daily activities. This can affect their ability to communicate in various settings, such as at work, in school, or when accessing services. LEP individuals may come from diverse backgrounds and may speak different languages.
In the United States, laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require that organizations provide language assistance to LEP individuals. This ensures that they have equal access to programs and services, such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance, regardless of their English language skills.