Language Access Plan

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) believes that limited English proficiency (LEP) should not be a hindrance to accessing the services and information the Agency provides. Without language access services, consumers would not be able to file complaints or know their consumer rights; business owners would not be able to navigate the DCWP rules and regulations that govern commerce and the workplace in New York City, nor would they be able to apply for a DCWP license; and workers would not be able to make inquiries and file complaints. DCWP’s language access implementation plan is intended to help staff provide excellent service to ensure meaningful language access for our customers. To ensure meaningful language access, DCWP:

• Translates documents most commonly distributed to the public into the 10 designated citywide languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu).
• Provides free interpretation services, including telephonic interpretation, in up to 240 languages.
• Uses multilingual signage and collateral to inform New Yorkers of the availability of free interpretation services.

DCWP’s language access implementation plan describes how DCWP intends to provide language access services. DCWP has a Language Access Coordinator (LAC) who will facilitate the implementation of the language access plan Agencywide and serve as a resource to the Agency on all language access issues.

The Language Access Implementation Plan explains how DCWP will provide language access services to people who have limited English proficiency. It outlines our policies, procedures, and resources for ensuring meaningful access to our program and services. DCWP's Language Access Implementation Plan has been last updated on June 28, 2024.

Download the DCWP Language Access Implementation Plan

If you have any questions or concerns about getting translation and interpretation services at DCWP, please contact DCWP's Language Access Coordinator:
Kristen Johnson
DCWP Language Access Coordinator
LanguageAccess@dcwp.nyc.gov

You can file a complaint if you did not receive service from DCWP, because of the language you speak. You can file a complaint anonymously and regardless of your immigration status.

You are not required to leave your name, if you want to be anonymous.

You can file complaints by:

• Emailing the DCWP's Language Access Coordinator at LanguageAccess@dcwp.nyc.gov, or
• Calling 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675)

It helps if you can provide this information:

• What the problem was
• When it happened
• Who you spoke with
• Office address you went to or the phone number you called
• Language you speak

DCWP's website is provided in English. However, the "Google Translate" option may assist you in reading it in other languages. Please note that “Google Translate” cannot translate all types of documents, and it should not be relied upon for vital information. DCWP does not guarantee the accuracy of the translation provided by this tool.