BACKGROUND
Improve Participation from Non-English Participants by Providing Translations by Default
Following Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, all organizations receiving federal dollars were required to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). For many organizations, the bare minimum has looked like including a telephone number for residents to request translated materials or an interpreter.
This year’s survey results show that while that approach has met the letter of the law, it is not doing organizations any favors on the public engagement front.
A third of Spanish speaking respondents said they are hesitant to request translations, and 28% were uncomfortable requesting interpreters.
RESIDENTS LEAN ON TECH FOR
LANGUAGE ACCESSIBILITY
Spanish-speaking residents show the highest comfort level (71%) with online translation tools, indicating a preference for self-service options that allow independent access to information. Residents also showed hesitation to ask for services, with 33% expressing hesitation to request translations, and 28% expressing discomfort requesting interpreters. Commonly cited concerns for not requesting services included privacy and the associated delays.
For organizations looking to increase engagement with non-English speaking communities, an important first step is to embrace “don’t make me ask” - provide translation and low-friction ways to engage in one’s own language in every communication, page, and meeting.
LANGUAGE ACCESS: Comfort level with language accessibility and translation tools/services.
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
Making engagement easy and accessible for everyone starts with tailoring communication and access strategies to different language groups.
Clear and accessible information encourages residents to engage, especially when it suits their language, abilities, and technology access. To overcome language barriers, government agencies can use PublicInput’s multilingual features listed below to ensure all residents can fully participate.
Automatic Translation in Over 100 Languages: Offers a wide range of language options without the need for live interpreters.
Real-Time Captioning: Deliver lag-free live captioning during meetings, enhancing accessibility without compromising user experience.
Seamless Multilingual Support: Accommodates all languages with on-demand control for both agencies and residents.
Instant Translated Transcripts: Allows quick translation, downloading, saving, and sharing of transcripts with a single click.
Effortless Setup: Ensures a smooth process with no delays or additional licensing fees for meetings.
Check out how PublicInput solves language access barriers with its multilingual features.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
King County used translation technology to engage diverse communities.
King County, Washington, home to over 2.2 million people, includes one of the most diverse populations in the Pacific Northwest. With nearly 30% of residents speaking a language other than English, the county wanted to ensure its engagement efforts were accessible to everyone.
Using PublicInput’s integrated translation tools, King County provides multilingual versions of surveys, emails, and project updates. This approach allows residents from all backgrounds to easily participate and share their input, ensuring equitable engagement across the community.
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