Kentucky
Court of Justice

Language Access

The Kentucky Court of Justice is committed to ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals who come into contact with our courts at no cost, regardless of the language they speak.

The Office of Language Access (OLA) promotes, enhances, and supports justice by assisting the Kentucky Court of Justice in communicating with the deaf and hard of hearing and those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The OLA also administers the Kentucky Court of Justice’s Court Interpreter Certification Program, and provides training to judges, attorneys, court employees, and practicing and aspiring interpreters. The OLA provides language access services in over 80 languages each year. Services offered by the OLA include the following:

  • Onsite Interpreting Services
  • Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
  • Video Dubbing
  • Remote Interpreting Services
  • Translation of Vital Documents
  • General Consultation

Before requesting services through the Office of Language Access, please make sure you are requesting the appropriate type of service for your needs. While interpreters work to transfer oral or visual communication from one spoken or signed language to another, translators specialize in converting written materials from one language into another. Requesting the correct service will help you and the OLA save both time and money!

  • For Individuals with Limited English Proficiency or Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
    You have a right to a court-appointed interpreter or other accommodation at no cost to you. Local trial courts are responsible for scheduling all interpreting services and accommodations for court proceedings and direct services. If you or someone you know requires an interpreter for an upcoming court date, please contact the court where the proceeding will occur.

  • For Court Personnel and Other Kentucky Court of Justice Entities:
    If you work directly for the Kentucky Court of Justice or any office, operation, or program under the purview of the Judicial Branch, you may submit a request for interpreting services directly to the Office of Language Access through our online request system at ola.interpreterintelligence.com. Please contact the Office of Language Access at 502-573-2350 if you need to set up an account.

  • To Request Translation Services:
    If you work directly for the Kentucky Court of Justice or any office, operation, or program under the purview of the Judicial Branch, you may submit a request for the translation of vital court documents by e-mailing the Office of Language Access at kcojtranslations@kycourts.net. Only requests from within the Kentucky Court of Justice will be accepted.

  • For Anyone Who Needs the Services of an Interpreter Outside of Court:
    Although the Office of Language Access only provides interpreting services for official court events, we are happy to share the names and contact information of our qualified interpreters with anyone in need of language access services. All OLA-approved interpreters can be found by visiting our Online Directory.


​Staff and freelance court interpreters who provide language access services to the Kentucky Court of Justice in court proceedings or during other judicial interactions are referred to in Kentucky as "sworn proceedings interpreters." Sworn proceedings interpreters are ethically bound to work within very specific parameters when providing services to Kentucky's courts. Such interpreters have taken an oath to provide complete, unbiased, and accurate interpretation between English speakers and parties, jurors, witnesses, or non-parties with limited English proficiency or who are deaf or hard of hearing or otherwise disabled.

Sworn proceedings interpreters are impartial officers of the court and may not participate in the facilitation of confidential, privileged, or otherwise private communication between non-Court of Justice individuals, agencies, or entities and individuals with limited English proficiency or who are deaf or hard of hearing or otherwise disabled. It is crucial that judges, court personnel, attorneys, and parties understand and support the unique role that sworn proceedings interpreters play in the judicial process, including the sworn proceedings interpreter's obligation to deny the facilitation of confidential, privileged, or otherwise private communication between attorneys and their clients.

Because the users of court interpreting services frequently misunderstand the proper role of the sworn proceedings interpreter, they may ask or expect the sworn proceedings interpreter to perform duties or engage in activities that run counter to the code of ethics or other laws, regulations, or policies governing sworn proceedings interpreters. If this happens, the sworn proceedings interpreter must inform such persons of his or her professional obligations and limitations. If, having been apprised of these obligations and limitations, the person persists in demanding that the sworn proceedings interpreter violate them, the sworn proceedings interpreter should consult with the Executive Officer or Manager of the Office of Language Access, a language access liaison, a judge, or another official with authority over language access matters to resolve the situation.

What services are covered for the Deaf/HH under the ADA?

  • American Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI)
  • Oral Interpreters
  • Communication Access in Real Time Translation (CART)
  • Assisted listening devices

Responsibilities

  • According to ADA standard, it is the responsibility of the individual who is Deaf/HH to inform the entity that they need an interpreter or service prior to their first court appearance.

  • Courts, Judges and Court Personnel are encouraged to consult with the Deaf/HH person to discuss what service is appropriate.

Kentucky Court of Justice Jury Duty and Deaf/HH jurors

  • Once a prospective juror has identified him/herself as wanting an accommodation, the jury office reviews the request and provides such reasonable accommodation as will satisfy the need of the individual.


​We at the Office of Language Access pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service possible to those who use our services. If you would like to tell us about a recent experience you’ve had with one of our interpreters, or if you simply want more information regarding language access in Kentucky’s courts, please take a moment to fill out the below webform so that a representative from our department can follow up with you in the near future. We look forward to talking with you soon!

Contact

Language Access Globe