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Language Services Section

You may have the right to a court-appointed interpreter.
If one is not provided, call
1.888.317.3177
Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Learn more

Interpreter Availability

Roster interpreters are available telephonically and via video to assist courts.

How to Find an Interpreter

Roster of Interpreters

Interpreter Recruitment Brochure

Language Access Plan (PDF | Word)

The Language Services Section provides technical assistance, training, resources and policy recommendations to improve equal access to courts in cases involving limited English proficient, deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Advisory Committee on Language Services

Technical assistance is provided through consultation with local courts and dissemination of publications related to language access. The section provides technical services through the administration of testing, certification and credentialing of court interpreters. Training is offered to court staff, judges, magistrates, attorneys and other legal professionals on matters related to language access. Specialized training is offered to interpreters preparing for certification and credentialing. The section also develops resources to ensure consistency in the use of language services throughout the state.

      Federal Guidance

      In order to comply with the prohibition against national origin discrimination in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et. seq., the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 3789d(c), and 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subparts C and D, recipients of federal funds must provide meaningful access to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974). The U.S. Department of Justice advises that practices, such as charging for interpretation and translation services or seeking recoupment for those costs, significantly impair, restrict, or preclude the participation of LEP individuals in the judicial system and are inconsistent with recipients’ Title VI obligations. For more information, please refer to Guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice to state court justices and administrators' Letter from Assistant Attorney of the Civil Rights Division to Chief Justices and State Court Administrators (Aug. 16, 2010); Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons, 67 Fed. Reg. 41455 (June 18, 2002).

      Contact Information

      Language Services Section
      Supreme Court of Ohio
      65 South Front Street, 6th Floor
      Columbus, OH 43215-3431

      Manager:
      Bruno G. Romero
      614.387.9403

      Language Services Program Coordinator:
      Quincella Harrison
      614.387.9404

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