Why Language Access Matters in Schools and Hospitals

Language is fundamental to human connection. In schools and hospitals, it can mean the difference between understanding and confusion, empowerment and exclusion — or even life and death.

That’s why federal laws require public institutions to communicate with people in their primary language. At Toshiba, we believe technology should help bridge these gaps and ensure equal access to critical information. In this post, we’ll explore the legal foundation for language access and explain how Elevate Sky Translate is helping schools and hospitals meet the challenge.

The legal foundation of language access

Federal law mandates that public institutions provide meaningful access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency. This ensures that language is never a barrier to essential information especially in healthcare and education.

How this looks in practice

In healthcare – Clear communication is essential to patient safety. Under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare providers must offer qualified, free language assistance — whether in person, over the phone, or via video.

In addition, critical documents like discharge instructions or consent forms must be translated. Importantly, family members, especially children, cannot be used as interpreters unless it’s a true emergency. Otherwise, the risk of miscommunication may result in serious harm or legal liability.

In education – Similarly, schools must ensure that key communications are available in a language parents or guardians understand. This includes enrollment paperwork, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and disciplinary notices.

Without accessible language support, families may be unintentionally excluded from their child’s education — and the consequences can be long-lasting.

Real-world language diversity in schools

Of course, meeting these standards is a major undertaking, especially in diverse districts. Consider the following:

• Los Angeles Unified School District (CA): Over 155 languages and dialects spoken based on last year alone

• Bellevue School District (WA): More than 103 languages spoken; 42.5% of students speak a first language other than English

• Saint Paul Public Schools (MN): Families speak over 115 different languages, sharing their ideas and cultures daily

• School District of Philadelphia (PA): Households speak 168 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and Vietnamese

Clearly, the demand for translation support is widespread and growing.

The Elevate Sky Translate advantage

That’s where Toshiba’s Elevate Sky Translate comes in.

Our solution supports over 190 languages, using advanced AI to translate documents contextually and accurately — into multiple languages at once. Because it’s fast and scalable, Elevate Sky Translate is ideal for schools and healthcare providers serving diverse populations.

The cost of falling short

Failing to meet language access requirements can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of federal funding. Agencies like the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services actively enforce compliance through investigations and corrective actions.

Two recent examples illustrate the real-world impact:

• Healthcare example: In Texas, a patient named Song Xie sued a hospital after being discharged with instructions written only in English — a language neither he nor his son could read. Days later, he suffered a stroke. The lawsuit claimed the hospital violated Section 1557 by not providing translated discharge instructions.

• Education example: In 2023, the Clay County School District (FL) reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The district had failed to provide proper language instruction for English learners and translation services for parents. As a result, it entered four years of federal oversight.

Clearly, the stakes are high — both for the people affected and for the institutions responsible.

Looking ahead: A moral and legal imperative

Today, more than 25 million people in the U.S. are considered limited English proficient. As demographics continue to shift, the need for accessible, accurate communication will only grow.

At Toshiba, we’re proud to support this mission. Whether through translation platforms or secure document workflows, our solutions help organizations connect with all communities — clearly, confidently, and equitably.

Bridging the language gap, together

Language access isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a pathway to better lives. When schools and hospitals communicate effectively with everyone, they build trust, improve outcomes, and create stronger, healthier communities.

Toshiba is honored to be part of this mission — delivering the technology that makes it possible.