Executive Order 120

On July 22, 2008, Mayor Bloomberg signed Executive Order 120, which requires that all City agencies put in place a plan to provide language access services for New Yorkers with limited English proficiency.   As part of an ongoing commitment to better serve the needs of the public, in late 2007 the ECB first piloted using "Language Line" at the tribunal.

Language Line is a dial in interpretation service that gives users access to more than 150 languages.   In the months since its introduction, access to Language Line has been expanded to each borough office and the response has been very positive. Some highlights of the Language Line service include:

• Court certified language interpretation in more than 150 languages



• Interpretation is available with no advance notice



• Assistance in language identification



• Interpretation services provided at no cost to the respondent

The provision of a language interpretation service has made the adjudication process more accessible and efficient for New Yorkers with limited English proficiency.   If you are a respondent requiring interpretation into your first language,  please let a receptionist know when you arrive or tell the Administrative law Judge before you begin your hearing.