Clarington celebrates diversity, works to be more inclusive, accessible – Durham Region

September 20, 2021

Mayor Adrian Foster notes language translation system will soon be launched

With the beginning of the new school year, many of you have been busy adjusting to new routines and trying to focus on a “new normal.” In Clarington, we’ve been busy making changes to celebrate our diversity while making your municipal government accessible and transparent.

In the next few weeks, we will be launching a new customer service feature that will help us serve the community by removing language barriers in our communications. We are implementing a language translation system which supports American Sign Language (ASL) to help make your municipal government more inclusive.

The system will provide Clarington with translation in more than 260 languages. Staff will be able to access this translation service using a toll-free number and a video-on-demand app, which supports ASL translation, for in-person customer service. There is a conferencing feature for phone inquiries where staff can get a translator on the line to help facilitate the conversation. Training is underway on this system, and we will launch this new functionality shortly.

Read More: https://www.durhamregion.com/opinion-story/10478206-clarington-celebrates-diversity-works-to-be-more-inclusive-accessible/