Limited English Proficiency (LEP) refers to individuals who cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits them to interact effectively.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations require that recipients of Federal funds take responsible measures to ensure meaningful access to benefits, services, information and other important portions of programs and activities are available for individuals who are LEP. 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or nation origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Executive Order (EO) 13166 – Improving Access to Services for Person with LEP sets forth the compliance standards that recipients of Federal funds must follow to ensure that the program and activities they normally provide in English are accessible to LEP persons and thus does not discriminate on the basis of national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and its implemented regulations.  Recipients must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to their programs and activities by LEP persons.

The key to providing meaningful access for LEP persons is to ensure that effective communication exists between the program or service provider and LEP persons. Language cards called "I Speak Cards" are often used to assist in identifying an LEP person's language. For details regarding the steps MoDOT is taking to ensure meaningful access is provided to LEP individuals, please review MoDOT's Limited English Proficiency Plan.