Representative Delgado Works to Expand Language Accessibility in New Bill

CHICAGO – State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, is working to increase accessibility in human rights cases for underserved groups by expanding American Sign Language (ASL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) interpreters under a new bill.

“Discrimination, malpractice and other cases of bias could go unheard if we do not act to expand the capacity of the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to have interpreters on staff, giving a voice to our American Sign Language and non-English speaking communities,” Delgado said. “It is simply not enough to request these accommodations as cases get to the courtroom, they need to be implemented starting on day one.”

Delgado’s House Bill 2829 empowers IHRC to help those with hearing impairments or non-English proficiency through their potential human rights case. The bill also eliminates a statute that requires a Governor-appointed panel to assist in clearing backlog cases.

“ASL and non-English speaking people should not be denied an accessible space, because there might not be anyone to help them,” Delgado said. “This legislation makes sure there is no question in the minds of those bringing forward these cases that their cases will be heard and hopefully resolved.” 

Delgado has long supported human rights advocacy and rectifying bias throughout Illinois. She coordinated with her colleagues, experts and advocates to pass House Bill 121 which expanded the scope of discrimination to those with different work authorization statuses. In addition, through House Bill 2790, she also helped noncitizens receive legal guidance from public defenders, ensuring that Illinois’ immigrant community has the same right to legal representation as citizens.