City of Redmond Launches New Translation Service
REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond is pleased to announce the availability of a new translation service, Instant Language Assistant (ILA), offering real-time translations to over 100 languages at City Council meetings, the Permit Counter and Customer Service Desk at City Hall, and the Redmond Senior & Community Center. This new service supports the City’s goal of creating a Redmond in which all residents can fully and effectively access city services, influence city policy and direction, and feel a sense of belonging and safety.
To access the translation service at City Council meetings, users must have a smart device (phone, tablet, etc.) that can browse the internet, as the ILA application opens a virtual conference room in each device's internet browser. Once the virtual conference room opens, users select their spoken language and spoken dialect to receive real-time voice-to-text and voice-to-voice translations on their device. The Council Chambers virtual conference room can be accessed by visiting redmond.gov/123ila or scanning a QR code located at the entrance to Council Chambers.
“Dozens of languages are spoken in Redmond every day, and we want to ensure that no matter the situation, we are able to connect with our community,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “With the ILA translation service, all community members can feel empowered to actively participate in and interact with their city government.”
One-to-one ILA translation devices are also available to help facilitate in-person customer service for community members who are more comfortable communicating in other languages. These devices facilitate translations between two connected tablets and do not require users to have their own smart device. One-to-one devices are available at the Permit Counter and Customer Service Desk at City Hall and at the Redmond Senior & Community Center front desk.
“It’s critical that city services are accessible to everyone in our community,” said Chief Information Officer Mike Marchand. “Our technology infrastructure allowing all residents to find the information they need in a way that is both immediate and user-friendly helps achieve that goal.”
Learn more about the City’s translation services.
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