{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-2-1931-perm","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 2-1931(Perm)","heading":"Definitions.","body":"\n      *NOTE: This codification is not the most current. To see the current law, click this link Current Version*\n      \n\n(a)\nFor purposes of this subchapter, the term:\n(1)\n\"Access or participate\" means to be informed of, participate in, and benefit from public services, programs, and activities offered by a covered entity at a level equal to English proficient individuals.\n(2)\n\"Covered entity\" means any District government agency, department, or program that furnishes information or renders services, programs, or activities directly to the public or contracts with other entities, either directly or indirectly, to conduct programs, services, or activities. The term \"covered entity\" shall not include the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.\n(3)\n(A)\n\"Covered entity with major public contact\" means a covered entity whose primary responsibility consists of meeting, contracting, and dealing with the public.\n(B)\nCovered entities with major public contact are:\n(i)\nAlcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration;\n(ii)\nDepartment of Health;\n(iii)\nDepartment of Mental Health;\n(iv)\nDepartment of Human Services;\n(v)\nDepartment of Employment Services;\n(vi)\nFire and Emergency Medical Services;\n(vii)\nDistrict of Columbia Housing Authority;\n(viii)\nDistrict of Columbia general ambulatory and emergency care centers;\n(ix)\nHomeland Security and Emergency Management Agency;\n(x)\nMetropolitan Police Department;\n(xi)\nDistrict of Columbia Public Schools;\n(xii)\nDepartment of Motor Vehicles;\n(xiii)\nDepartment of Housing and Community Development;\n(xiv)\nDepartment of Public Works;\n(xv)\nDepartment of Corrections;\n(xvi)\nDepartment of Aging and Community Living;\n(xvii)\nDistrict of Columbia Public Library;\n(xviii)\nDepartment of Parks and Recreation;\n(xix)\nDepartment of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs;\n(xx)\nChild and Family Services Agency;\n(xxi)\nOffice of Human Rights;\n(xxii)\nOffice of Personnel;\n(xxiii)\nOffice of Planning;\n(xxiv)\nOffice of Contracting and Procurement;\n(xxv)\nOffice of Tax and Revenue; and\n(xxvi)\nOffice of the People's Counsel.\n(xxvii)\nNot Funded.\n(xxviii)\nNot Funded.\n(xxix)\nNot Funded.\n(C)\nOther covered entities with major public contact may be designated by the Language Access Director through the Mayor, by regulation, after consultation with the D.C. Language Access Coalition in accordance with § 2-1935(b)(6).\n(4)\n\"Language Access Director\" means the official in the Office of Human Rights who, pursuant to § 2-1935, coordinates and supervises the activities of District agencies, departments, and programs undertaken to comply with the provisions of this subchapter.\n(5)\n\"Limited or no-English proficiency\" means the inability to adequately understand or to express oneself in the spoken or written English language.\n(6)\n\"Oral language services\" means the provision of oral information necessary to enable limited or no-English proficiency residents to access or participate in programs or services offered by a covered entity. The term \"oral language services\" shall include placement of bilingual staff in public contact positions; the provision of experienced and trained staff interpreters; contracting with telephone interpreter programs; contracting with private interpreter services; and using interpreters made available through community service organizations that are publicly funded for that purpose.\n(7)\n\"Vital documents\" means applications, notices, complaint forms, legal contracts, and outreach materials published by a covered entity in a tangible format that inform individuals about their rights or eligibility requirements for benefits and participation. The term \"vital documents\" shall include tax-related educational and outreach materials produced by the Office of Tax and Revenue, but shall not include tax forms and instructions. The term \"vital documents\" shall include all written materials that the Department of Motor Vehicle makes available to the public relating to obtaining or renewing a license, permit, or identification card under § 50-1401.01, § 50-1401.03, or § 50-1401.05, including application forms, study guides, examinations, and other similar materials. The term \"vital documents\" shall include written information and notifications sent to parents or guardians pursuant to § 38-825.01a(a)(2), (b)(2)(E)(iii), or (b)(2)(E)(v).","path":["Title 99. Reserved sections."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/2-1931(Perm)","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"c351eb62f7089107d3ad42b6f75a48fa94fb75dfc8d0714cebeae43e9ad94630","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-34-2407.01-perm","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-50-110.03-perm"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}