Though it is only 10 square miles, the city of SeaTac, Wash., has a global footprint thanks to its bustling SeaTac International Airport, a hub recently ranked as the 10th busiest in the world.
The city of SeaTac itself is now taking a giant leap forward in fostering inclusivity for residents and travelers alike. The city recently announced that it will be trialing LanguageLine Video interpreting, mirroring the airport's successful experience with this innovative technology.
Breaking Down Barriers for Residents
SeaTac’s language access program is designed to ensure all residents, regardless of English proficiency, can access city services.
SeaTac is placing tablet devices at select public counters during the trial period. Through the LanguageLine app, these devices provide residents with easy access to interpreters in over 240 languages, including American Sign Language.
Case Study: How King County Metro Is Using On-Demand Interpreting To Assist Passengers
Interpretation services are on-demand, with no appointment needed. Professional linguists are reachable within seconds, with interpretation available in video and audio-only formats. The service can be used 24/7.
This on-demand interpretation solution enables non-English speakers, as well as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, to access city services, ask questions, and actively participate in their community.
SeaTac International Airport: A Leader in Language Accessibility
SeaTac International Airport has long established itself as a champion of language access, and for good reason.
SeaTac Airport has 46 million passengers coming through each year. These passengers speak more than 200 languages; in fact, an astonishing 15% of SeaTac passengers don't speak English as their primary language, and another 1.5% are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
"You see the diversity of the world come through SeaTac," says Stephen Metruck, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle. "We want each traveler to feel comfortable and confident."
Case Study: How Vancouver Airport Uses LanguageLine’s Interpreting Services
LanguageLine is proud to be SeaTac International Airport's trusted partner in achieving this goal. Their multilingual approach is built on three pillars:
- Improved Customer Service: LanguageLine's interpreting services ensure seamless communication between airport staff and travelers. On-demand access through the LanguageLine app or phone empowers staff to connect with interpreters instantly, fostering a more efficient and positive customer experience.
- Increased Safety: Clear communication is paramount for airport safety. LanguageLine ensures all passengers can understand critical announcements and safety procedures, regardless of their native language.
- Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion: By breaking down language barriers, SeaTac International Airport creates a welcoming environment for everyone. Travelers feel valued and respected, fostering a more inclusive travel experience.
Leading by Example
SeaTac and SeaTac International Airport serve as powerful examples of how prioritizing language access fosters a more inclusive and welcoming environment. LanguageLine is proud to support these initiatives. We invite other organizations to explore how language access solutions can empower their communities and clientele.
Let’s talk solutions. Please contact us today to learn more about how language access can benefit your organization and those you serve.
