Language Access Beyond Spoken Languages

Not including sign language interpreting in an organization’s language access strategy can create communication barriers for the people it serves.  When organizations talk about language access, conversation often begins with spoken languages. Translation and interpretation between different languages are part of the strategies that many companies and institutions use to serve diverse communities; however, sign language access should also be considered as part of a comprehensive language-access strategy 

Sign language is a fundamental part of communication for deaf and hard of hearing people who use sign language. When organizations incorporate this need into their accessibility plans, they can establish processes that facilitate clearer communication for access to essential services.

Every year on September 23, the International Day of Sign Languages highlights the importance of sign languages in supporting the rights and inclusion of Deaf people worldwide.

Why Does Sign Language Interpretation Matter in Healthcare?

In the healthcare sector, communication can influence the way a patient explains their needs, understands medical information, participates in decisions related to their care, receives emergency care, undergoes surgery, or follows medical instructions. Having professional sign language interpretation can facilitate these interactions throughout the healthcare process.

How Does Sign Language Interpreting Support Communication in Legal Settings?

In legal services, people who use sign language may require interpretation during consultations with lawyers, legal proceedings, administrative procedures, or interactions with authorities, where the information received and provided can have significant consequences.  Access to appropriate interpretation services can help legal organizations support clear communication and greater accessibility during legal interactions.

How Can Sign Language Interpretation Improve Access to Education and Training?

In the educational field, having access to sign language interpreting services can improve how information is received and communicated. Clear communication can support educational development when a person requests these services at a school, university, or institute.

Sign language interpreting can also support professional development when companies provide employees with access to conferences, workshops, educational materials, diploma programs, and other training opportunities focused on continuous improvement. 

Why Is Sign Language Important in Government Services?

In government services, accessibility is part of the way institutions serve their communities. Sign language interpretation can facilitate access to information, procedures, and public services for people who use it as a means of communication.  From public offices and administrative procedures to community programs and other government services, access to qualified sign language interpretation can help individuals communicate their needs, ask questions, understand important information, and participate more effectively in the processes available to them. Providing appropriate interpretation resources can also help government institutions create more inclusive service experiences and support clearer communication between staff and the communities they serve.

How Does One World Global Services Support Sign Language Access?

At One World Global Services, we understand that language access requires considering the different ways in which people communicate. Our services include access to qualified sign language interpreters who can support communication between organizations and individuals who use sign language. By providing professional interpretation solutions, OWGS helps companies create more accessible interactions across essential services and workplace environments.

Professional sign language interpretation services can help organizations facilitate more accessible interactions in essential sectors, improving the flow of processes across different areas of an organization or company.

Looking to strengthen your organization’s language-access strategy? Contact One World Global Services to explore professional sign language interpreting solutions.