Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP)
The Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan outlines how the Southeastern Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SERTPO) ensures meaningful access to transportation planning programs, services, and activities for individuals who do not speak English as their primary language or who have limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
Each LEP Plan is developed by the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) and the Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma (KEDDO) in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and is reviewed annually.
The LEP Plan serves as:
A guide for providing language assistance to Limited English Proficient individuals.
A framework for complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166.
A tool for identifying language access needs across the region.
A process for ensuring equitable participation in transportation planning activities.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
The LEP Plan establishes policies and procedures to help ensure all residents have the opportunity to participate in transportation planning regardless of language barriers.
The plan focuses on:
Providing meaningful access to transportation planning information.
Identifying populations with Limited English Proficiency.
Offering language assistance and translation services when needed.
Training staff to effectively assist LEP individuals.
Monitoring and updating language access strategies as regional needs change.
Current Plan
2026 Limited English Proficiency Plan – Finalized
Adopted: May 13, 2026
Major Priorities:
Ensure meaningful access to transportation planning programs and services for LEP individuals.
Provide translation and interpretation assistance upon request.
Maintain language access information on the SERTPO website.
Train staff on LEP policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Monitor demographic trends and language needs throughout the 17-county region.
Conduct annual reviews of language assistance services and outreach efforts.
Four-Factor Analysis
Federal guidance requires SERTPO to evaluate language assistance needs using a four-factor analysis:
Factor 1: Population Served
Assess the number and proportion of LEP individuals within the region.
Factor 2: Frequency of Contact
Evaluate how often LEP individuals interact with SERTPO programs and services.
Factor 3: Importance of Services
Determine the significance of transportation planning programs to LEP populations.
Factor 4: Available Resources
Consider available staff, funding, technology, and translation resources.
This analysis helps SERTPO provide language services that are reasonable, effective, and responsive to community needs.
Language Assistance Services
SERTPO provides a variety of language assistance resources, including:
Language identification tools ("I Speak" cards)
Translation of key planning document summaries upon request
Website translation functionality
Interpretation services when requested
Spanish-language outreach materials when available
Staff training on assisting LEP individuals
Spanish is currently the most common non-English language spoken within the region.
Current Language Access Priorities
Based on demographic analysis, SERTPO continues to monitor areas with higher concentrations of residents who speak English less than "very well," while ensuring transportation planning information remains accessible throughout the region.
Focus Areas:
Public meeting accessibility
Translation services upon request
Website accessibility and language options
Outreach to underserved populations
Compliance with federal civil rights requirements
Previous Plans
2025 Limited English Proficiency Plan
Adopted: October 1, 2025
Key Focus Areas:
Establish language access procedures.
Develop translation and interpretation resources.
Support equitable public participation.
Comply with Title VI and Executive Order 13166.
2022 Limited English Proficiency Plan
Key Focus Areas:
Initial LEP program development.
Identification of regional language needs.
Establishment of language assistance procedures.
Staff training and compliance processes.