Language Access Services

If you do not speak or understand the English language, you may request an interpreter for your hearing. There are different procedures for requesting an interpreter depending on the type of case you have.

Workers' Compensation Hearings

If you need a foreign language interpreter for your Workers' Compensation hearing, the OAC will provide an interpreter, free of charge. 

To request an interpreter, please submit a completed Interpreter Request form as soon as possible before your hearing. The OAC will do its best to accommodate last-minute request, but your hearing may be postponed if there is not enough time to get an interpreter. 

In the alternative, you or your attorney may provide your own interpreter, so long as they meet the requirements of the OAC standards for interpreters. Normally, you will not be allowed to have a friend or family member interpret at the hearing. You can find the required qualifications for interpreters in OAC Rule 21(G).

Medicaid Hearings

The OAC will provide an interpreter for your Medicaid appeal hearing, free of charge. There is no official form, and you can request an interpreter by telephone, email, or U.S. Mail to:

Phone: 303-866-5626

Email: OAC-GS@state.co.us

U.S. Mail: Office of Administrative Courts

               1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor

                Denver, CO 80203

Please include the following information with your request:

• Your name
• Your case number
• The date and time of your hearing
• The language needed (including American Sign Language).

Public Benefit Cases (other than Medicaid)

If you require a foreign language interpreter for your public benefits appeal hearing, the County Department will provide you with a foreign language interpreter and coordinate with the Office of Administrative Courts for your appeal hearing.

You should submit your request to the County Department that made the decision that you are appealing.

Special Education Cases

If you need an interpreter for a Special Education hearing, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) will provide an interpreter for your hearing, at no cost to you. Please submit your request to the CDE Dispute Resolution Office. You should request an interpreter as soon as possible after your Due Process Complaint has been filed, to make sure there is enough time to get an interpreter without having to postpone the hearing.

Other General Services Cases

The agencies in many other types of cases the OAC hears will also provide interpreters on request. If your case involved professional licensing, claims of discrimination, or _, please contact the OAC at 303-866-5626 or by email at OAC-GS@state.co.us for more information about requesting interpretation services for your hearing.

Language Access Policy and Plan

The Office of Administrative Courts (OAC) is committed to delivering effective, efficient, and equitable service to the public. This includes providing meaningful access to our hearings and mediations to Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who interact with the OAC. The OAC has implemented a Language Access Policy and Plan that can be reviewed for more details.

Policies, Procedures, Forms and Guides

The following forms have been translated to assist limited English proficient individuals to better understand the contents of the forms:

Policies

• Language Access Plan & Complaint Process

Procedures

• Continuing Benefits Advisement
• Summary of Hearing Procedures
• Intentional Program Violation Hearing Advisement

Forms

• Application for Hearing
• Response to Application for Hearing
• General Services Notice of Hearing (the Notice will be sent to you upon setting your case for hearing)
• Attachments that accompany a General Services Notice of Hearing

Guides

• Non-Attorney Guide for Workers' Compensation Cases (located under Self Represented)
• Non-Attorney Guide for General Services (located under Self Represented)