Illinois Code § 10

§ 10.

Definitions. In this Act: "Interpretation" means listening to a communication in one language and orally converting it to another language in a manner that preserves the intent and meaning of the original message. "Language assistance services" means oral and written language services needed to assist LEP persons to communicate effectively with staff, and to provide LEP persons with meaningful access to, and equal opportunity to participate fully in, the services, activities, or other programs administered by the State. "Limited English proficient (LEP) person" means an individual who does not speak English as his or her primary language and who has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. "Meaningful access" means language assistance that results in accurate, timely, and effective communication at no cost to limited English proficient persons. For LEP persons, meaningful access denotes access that is not unreasonably restricted, delayed, or inferior as compared to access to programs or activities provided to English proficient persons. "State agency" means an executive agency, department, board, commission, or authority directly responsible to the Governor. "Translation" means the conversion of text from one language to another in a written form to convey the intent and essential meaning of the original text. "Vital documents" means paper or electronic written material that contains information that affects a person's access to, retention of, termination of, or exclusion from program services or benefits or is required by law. (Source: P.A. 103-723, eff. 8-2-24; 104-417, eff. 8-15-25.)