Crime & Safety
Newport Beach City Hall Installs Virtual Interpreter across City
From the libraries to the community and senior centers, in Newport Beach, residents will no longer have English be a barrier thanks to tech.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Deaf, hard of hearing and second language learners will have an opportunity to be heard at Newport Beach City Hall through the use of a virtual interpreter.
The City of Newport Beach recently installed tablet devices to connect individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speak a different language with City services, according to release. This is a free service and is available to visitors at several City facilities during regular business hours.
“We are excited to use this technology to better communicate with our residents and visitors,” Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Muldoon said. “With a simple touch of a button we are making City services more accessible for those who communicate in American Sign Language or speak different languages.”
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Mayor Pro Tem Muldoon set a goal of providing access to government for every citizen including the Deaf Community, deciding upon Language People, Inc.'s on-demand interpretation service through an easy-to-use mobile application.
Visitors are connected virtually to an interpreter through tablets that are installed at:
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- Newport Coast Community Center
- OASIS Senior Center
- Marina Park
- Central Library
- Mariners Branch Library
- Newport Beach City Hall in the City Clerk’s Office and the Permit Center.
According to the Language People, Newport Beach is the first, municipal government agency to provide American Sign Language services for its Deaf Community members.
“We congratulate the City of Newport Beach for setting an example by taking this important step toward equal access to communication for their Deaf and hard of hearing citizens,” Language People’s Chief Executive Officer Lisa Wrench announced. “Municipalities, institutions and CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH businesses are recognized by the Deaf Community as being LP Connect Certified Deaf Friendly when they install the Language People’s easy to use software in places of public accommodation.”
For more information, visit: www.newportbeachca.gov
City of Newport Beach courtesy photo.
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