(a) “Alternative communication services” means the method used or available for purposes of communicating with a person unable to read or speak or write in the English language. “Alternative communication services” include, but are not limited to, the provision of the services of a multilingual employee or an interpreter for the benefit of an ultimate beneficiary and the provision of written materials in a language other than English.

(b) “Color or ethnic group identification” means the possession of the racial, cultural or linguistic characteristics common to a racial, cultural or ethnic group or the country or ethnic group from which a person or his or her forebears originated.

(c) “Interpreter” means a qualified person capable of translating a language, orally or in writing, between people who speak, read or write a different language.

(d) “Multilingual employee” means an employee of a recipient who, in addition to his or her other duties, is also proficient in the oral communication skills and such minimal reading and writing skills, where applicable, as are necessary to accurately and readily interpret in a second language. A multilingual employee need not be proficient in reading or writing skills in a second language except where such skills are a job-related necessity.

(e) “Non-English-speaking persons” means persons who either do not speak English or are unable to effectively communicate in English because English is not their native language.

(f) “Primary language” means the language used most frequently by a person to communicate, including sign language.