可用的翻译服务
如果没有可靠的实时翻译服务，许多老人将处于弱势地位，不知道如何获得对他们的健康至关重要的药物。移民老人应该得到实时支持，政府必须采取社区和政府的措施来弥合医疗保健方面的语言差距。这种情况已经到了这样的地步，许多老人现在呼吁马萨诸塞州政府介入并提供社区翻译服务。
Pressing Challenges
One of the most pressing challenges elderly immigrants face today is the language barrier. This is especially evident in Massachusetts, where many elderly immigrants have expressed deep frustration with state agencies. Navigating these systems is often described as inconvenient and overwhelming. Many elders report struggling to communicate, and without proper translation services or interpreters, they are left uncertain about important information-- such as how to complete forms or understand instructions. This puts their well-being and safety at risk.
Survey Collection with Mass Speaks
Heritage Bridges began advocating for this bill after hearing from elderly immigrants in our cultural literacy program about the language barriers they faced in their everyday lives. Many expressed feeling lost and unheard when trying to access vital state agencies. Most notably, Heritage Bridges repeatedly heard about problems individuals faced when interacting with state agencies such as the Massachusetts Police Department, MassHealth, DTA, and the RMV. To better understand the scope of this issue, Heritage Bridges distributed a survey to various community organizations. This infographic, put together by the Mass Speaks Coalition Steering Committee, highlights just how deeply language barriers affect the lives of elderly immigrants across Massachusetts. Join us in conversation and advocacy as we work to get this bill passed the finish line!
Legislative Advocacy: Testimony on Bill H.3384
Organized by the Mass Speaks Coalition, community members testified on the issue of language barriers. On July 22nd, Heritage Bridges delivered a three-minute oral testimony at the Massachusetts State House in support of the elderly immigrant community. Additionally, Heritage Bridges contributed by translating government pamphlets, preparing testimony forms, and submitting stories to advocate for the Language Access Bill.
Bill's Sponsor Endorsement
Heritage Bridge's Letter of Recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Rep. Adrian C. Madaro.
Bill H.3384: An Act relative to language access and inclusion:
By Representatives Madaro of Boston and González of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3384) of Adrian C. Madaro, Carlos González and others for legislation to require state agencies to provide timely, culturally competent oral language services to all limited English proficiency individuals who seek to access services, programs, or activities. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Collecting Testimonies
Have you ever struggled to understand or communicate with public agencies in Massachusetts because of language barriers?
We're here to amplify your voice. Share your story by clicking the button below or emailing us at: heritagebridges@gmail.com.
为什么选择 H.3084 法案？
今年夏天，我有幸在马萨诸塞州众议院议员迈克尔·戴 (Michael Day) 手下实习。在为期一个月的实习期间，我发现自己对倡导活动有着浓厚的兴趣，并获得了响应选民需求的实践经验，同时仔细分析了通过法案所涉及的立法程序。回顾这段经历，我现在更加坚定地倡导 H.3084 法案，该法案解决了语言访问和包容性方面的关键问题。
我鼓励您花时间了解这项法案的重要性，因为它有可能通过提供平等获得重要服务的机会，对全州非英语人士的生活产生重大影响。
