Massachusetts Language Access Coalition to Host Webinar Launch Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maddie Graf, mgraf@mlri.org
Massachusetts Language Access Coalition to Host Webinar Launch Event
Event to highlight new report ‘Justice Disrupted: Improving Language Access at the Massachusetts Trial Courts’
Boston, MA (October 16, 2025) – The Courts Language Access Working Group of the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition invites the public, advocates, and members of the legal community to the official launch of a new community-centered report Justice Disrupted: Improving Language Access at the Massachusetts Trial Courts.
Developed through extensive engagement with both court users and advocates across Massachusetts, Justice Disrupted highlights what navigating the state’s trial courts looks like from the perspective of people who rely on language access services– those who are Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) and individuals whose primary language is not English. The report offers a community-driven picture of current barriers, experiences, and opportunities for meaningful improvement in our court system.
The research behind this report draws from court watching, community focus groups, and advocate surveys to better understand how Massachusetts courts routinely fail to provide meaningful language access support to those seeking justice.
“The voices and stories of court users are at the heart of this work,” said authors Miriam Berro Krugman and Iris Coloma-Gaines. “Our goal was to create a tool for the Court – one that reflects real user experiences and helps guide future steps toward a more accessible system.”
The October 23 launch webinar will feature a discussion with the report authors and Q&A session. The authors will share the community’s experiences which informed the report findings and recommendations. The Coalition looks forward to continued collaboration with the Massachusetts Trial Courts as we explore next steps to strengthen language access for all court users.
The full report will be released immediately following the event.
Event Details
What: Virtual Launch Event – Justice Disrupted: Improving Language Access at the Massachusetts Trial Courts
When: Thursday, October 23, 10:00 AM
Where: Online (registration required)
For more information on the webinar, please contact Iris Coloma-Gaines, icoloma-gaines@mlri.org, or click here to register.
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About the Courts Language Access Working Group of the MA Language Access Coalition
The Courts and Language Access Working Group (CLAWG) was established as part of the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition (LAC) with the goal of increasing access to justice by improving language access services in the Massachusetts Trial Courts. LAC members are made up of advocates committed to protecting the rights of all Massachusetts residents and promoting equal access to justice and public services regardless of one’s ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. We do so by identifying and reducing systemic barriers that limited English proficient (LEP) and Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) individuals face through advocacy and collaboration.
About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
Founded in 1994, MA Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for all Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Responding to emerging and enduring inequities, MA Appleseed addresses an array of complex issues through community engaged research, policy advocacy, legal education, and coalition building. To learn more, visit massappleseed.org.
About the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Founded in 1968, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a nonprofit poverty law and policy program that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. To learn more, visit MLRI.org.