A legislative roundtable this week has sparked a coordinated push to strengthen language access for Guam residents, particularly those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have limited English proficiency. Senator Shelly V. Calvo, chair of the Committee on Disability Services, announced plans to establish an interagency working group to implement long-delayed Language Access Plans (LAPs) across government agencies.
“Language access is essential to ensuring every resident of Guam can fully participate in public life,” Calvo said during Monday’s hearing. She emphasized that LAPs must cover both the DHH community and individuals with limited English skills, underscoring that “their needs are just as urgent, and our response must be clear and respectful.”
The discussion, held Sept. 15, drew leaders from the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), Guam Department of Education, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, University of Guam, Department of Public Health and Social Services, and Guam Legal Services Corporation – Disability Law Center. The Judiciary and Guam Police Department also submitted testimony. Participants highlighted urgent needs, including qualified interpreters, better visual and captioned emergency communication, and sustainable funding to support workforce development.
DISID Director Michelle L.C. Perez called the implementation of LAPs a vital step toward fairness. “It emphasizes the importance of clear communication so that all members of our community can access the support they need,” she said, adding that LAPs must extend to both persons with disabilities and non-English speakers. The proposed working group, led by DISID, will set benchmarks, coordinate training, and ensure agencies follow through with the requirements of Executive Order 2015-015.
