Requesting Interpreters or Alternative Formats

Access Information for Requesting an Interpreter or a Document in an Alternate Format including in a different language

To Request a Publication in an Alternative Format or Language

All forms and publications on this website are available in alternative formats or languages. If you would like a copy of a form or publication in an alternative format or language, please contact OAH either by telephone or by U.S. Mail using the information shown below. You may also send OAH an email at DGSOAHFeedback@dgs.ca.gov. For all requests, please specify the specific document or documents and the format and/or language in which the document is needed.

When making a request include either your telephone number or email address in case staff has questions.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 

  (916) 263-0880

Mailing Address:

Special Education Division
Office of Administrative Hearings
2349 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833

Email:

  DGSCAOAHFeedback@dgs.ca.gov

 

Accordions

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Interpreters for Parties

If parents are not comfortable speaking or understanding English, they can ask OAH for an interpreter in their native language.  This request should be made in writing.  It is best if parents or their attorney ask for an interpreter in their complaint.  If the request for an interpreter has not been made in the complaint, the parties or their attorney should ask OAH for an interpreter as soon as they realize an interpreter is needed.  Parents may request an interpreter even if they are able to write the complaint in English.

Once a party or their attorney has requested an interpreter for the parent or parents OAH will make sure the interpreter is there for all proceedings.

See "Making a Request for an Interpreter" below for more information on how to submit a written request for an interpreter.

Interpreters for Witnesses

Parties or their attorney may also request an interpreter for witnesses or other participants in OAH hearings.  This request should be made as soon as they realize an interpreter is needed.

Once a party or their attorney has requested an interpreter for the parent or parents OAH will make sure the interpreter is there for all proceedings

See "Making a Request for an Interpreter" below for more information on how to submit a written request for an interpreter.

What to Include in the Request for an Interpreter

When making a request for an interpreter, whether the request is for a parent or a witness, the request must specify the language needed.  For example, if parents need a Chinese interpreter, then parents need to specify if Simplified Chinese is needed or Traditional Chinese is needed so that OAH may obtain the correct interpreters.

How and When to Send the Written Request for an Interpreter to OAH, if the Request has Not Previously Been Made in the Complaint

A request may be mailed, hand delivered, sent by overnight delivery, or sent through OAH’s Secure e-File Transfer (SFT) system.

For more information on OAH's SFT system, go to this website's page “File and Serve Documents in a Special Education Case,” by copying and pasting into your browser the following URL or click on the link: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OAH/Case-Types/Special-Education/Services/Page-Content/Special-Education-Services-List-Folder/File-and-Serve-Documents-in-Special-Education-Case

The request may be made at any time up to the date of the Prehearing Conference.  For more information on Prehearing Conferences go to this website's page “Virtual Prehearing Conferences” or go OAH’s website by copying and pasting into your browser the following URL or click on the link: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OAH/Case-Types/Special-Education/Self-Help/Prehearing-Conferences.