Language access is a matter of equity across all aspects of public life because it is essential to empowerment and self-determination.
When newcomer communities have access to information and services in their language, they can make informed choices and adapt to their new country and culture more quickly.
We believe everyone deserves these opportunities. Although the path from surviving to thriving can be longer for those who have experienced displacement, providing the necessary information and support allows newcomers to pursue their goals at their own pace.
ReEstablish Richmond ensures meaningful language access to help newcomers navigate their new environments more effectively and confidently.
We employ bilingual interpreters and translators to ensure that all of our clients can communicate effectively with our staff, participate fully in our programs, and access the resources needed to rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities.
We provide essential resources in newcomers' primary languages. For example, in 2023, we introduced a Kinyarwanda translation of the Virginia driver's manual. Created by a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and contractors, this resource also includes 180 DMV practice questions. Now, for the first time ever, Kinyarwanda speakers have access to U.S.-based driver education materials in their own language and can pursue a driver’s license with assured understanding.
When our clients consistently face barriers beyond our programming, we advocate for systemic improvements that benefit everyone. Drawing on our extensive experience with newcomers from various countries, languages, and educational backgrounds, in 2021 we released the following report to raise awareness and push for better language access at the DMV, a critical state agency.
Addressing Language Access Inequities at the DMV
Obtaining a driver’s license is essential for newcomers' self-sufficiency. However, those with limited English proficiency often face significant delays — up to a year or more — because the DMV lacks adequate language support for the learner’s permit test and testing process.
For over a decade, ReEstablish Richmond has been helping our newest neighbors achieve transportation independence. During this time, we have seen the language access inequities at the DMV. These barriers motivated us to advocate for systemic changes in our report, Barriers and Burdens: Lack of Language Access at the Virginia DMV Creates Roadblocks for Refugee and Immigrant Newcomers.
Created in partnership with the Legal Aid Justice Center, this report:
Outlines the driver’s license process in Virginia.
Explains the barriers to language access that newcomers experience while navigating this process.
Presents specific, practical changes needed to provide language equity for newcomers and improve the overall safety of Virginia’s roads.
