Language access needs extend far beyond the point of care. They show up in everyday moments when families are trying to get information, ask questions, and navigate services with confidence.
This is why we partnered with the Texas Association of Healthcare Interpreters and Translators (TAHIT) on the statewide “I Speak Texas” initiative, which is distributing crucial language identification cards across Texas.
The cards help people who speak a language other than English at home indicate their preferred language (including ASL) and request communication assistance when accessing care or services.
“One of the clearest takeaways from our recent community outreach was that people respond to tools they can use right away,” explained Mona Elshenawy, TAHIT’s President, after a visit to Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation for the initiative.
“The I Speak Texas cards help make language needs visible in a simple, direct way, and that can make an important difference when someone is trying to navigate care or services.”
In a state as linguistically diverse as Texas, the need is significant. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, about 35% of Texans age five and older speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the importance of clear communication across care and service settings.
In North Texas, Martti is supporting the distribution of more than 10,000 I Speak Texas cards. For this initiative, cards have been produced in Spanish, ASL, Arabic, Vietnamese, Burmese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, reflecting a range of languages spoken across the communities this effort is designed to support.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of this support is especially important. Recent policy changes and public discussion have created confusion in some communities around whether language assistance is still available. Yet Title VI protections remain in place, and federally funded organizations must still take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for people with limited English proficiency.
Even a simple tool, like the I Speak cards, can make a difference. By giving people a clear way to communicate their language needs, the I Speak Texas cards help support clearer, more effective access to care and services.
Martti is proud to partner with TAHIT on an effort that helps make language support more visible in multilingual communities across North Texas. At a time when language access can feel uncertain for some communities, practical resources like these can help support clearer communication and better access to services.
