Quincy LEP and Disabilities Communications Needs Assessment and Access Plan
Quincy, Massachusetts
Barrett Planning Group and the City of Quincy, Massachusetts recently completed the City's first Needs Assessment and Action Plan for LEP and Disability Communications Access.
The recommendations of this project will enable the City to advance social justice, inclusion, and fairness for those with Limited English Proficiency and those with mobility, cognition, independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care disabilities in one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the Greater Boston area.
The Plan, going beyond the conventional requirements of a language access plan (LAP), was a product of a substantial outreach process that involved resident surveys translated into four languages, staff focus groups, and interviews with communications experts across the United States. The Plan discusses the strengths and limitations often experienced by organizations trying to improve their meaningful access to communications, and highlights lessons learned and best practices.
The Quincy City Council recently appropriated $150,000 to language and communications access as a result of the Plan, directly applying the funds toward the improvement of municipal operations and constituent services.
QATV Interview with Barrett Planning Group, Melissa Pond, Senior Principal Planner, and Council President Nina Liang on January 11, 2021
Related article: The Patriot Ledger, May 10, 2021, Diversity Deficiency: Does town hall reflect the South Shore in race, gender, and ethnicity? by Mary Whitfill
Barrett Planning Group LLC provides high-quality, customized planning and community development services for cities and towns and non-profit organizations throughout greater Massachusetts and New England. Barrett Planning Group is known for our creative approach to planning and problem-solving, our expertise as trainers and technical assistance providers, our attentiveness to clients, and our expertise in capacity building. Our offices are located in Hingham, MA. Contact us to work together.