Apex Expands Language Access with New Plan and Online Tools
Based on community data and town service interactions, the town has identified Spanish and Chinese as its top strategic languages.
Apex, NC, Mar. 16, 2025—The Town of Apex is making strides in ensuring that residents with limited English proficiency (LEP) have better access to town services and information. At the March 11, 2025, Town Council meeting, officials provided an update on the Language Access Plan (link to plan), which was adopted in April 2024. The plan follows a phased approach to improving language accessibility across town operations.
A Step-by-Step Plan for Better Communication
The town’s Language Access Plan (LAP) is being rolled out in four phases:
Phase 1 (Ongoing): Establishing translation and interpretation services and identifying key language needs.
Phase 2 (By June 2025): Integrating language services into everyday operations and training staff on multilingual communication.
Phase 3 (By January 2026): Expanding community outreach efforts and evaluating the plan’s impact.
Phase 4 (Ongoing): Monitoring demographic changes and adapting policies as needed.
Based on community data and town service interactions, the town has identified Spanish and Chinese as its top strategic languages.
New Online Tool Makes Town Website More Accessible
A key part of the town’s language initiative is the Recite.me accessibility toolbar, which launched on the Town of Apex website in June 2024.
This tool provides:
Text-to-speech features for visually impaired users
Translation into over 100 languages, with 65 supporting screen reading
Customizable fonts, text sizes, and contrast adjustments
Focus tools to assist individuals with learning disabilities
So far, feedback on Recite.me has been positive, though PDFs and images do not currently translate—an issue the town is working to address.
What’s Next for Language Access in Apex?
Apex plans to expand its language services beyond the website, ensuring that all residents—regardless of English proficiency—can fully participate in town life. Future efforts include:
Training staff on best practices for multilingual communication
Providing translated notices about town programs and services
Strengthening partnerships with local organizations to improve outreach
With these efforts, Apex continues to lead the way in language accessibility across North Carolina, helping make town resources more inclusive for all residents.