Kansas City Metro Struggles To Meet Rising Translation Demands

In a world of increasing complexity and diversity . . . Municipalities are having trouble keeping up with commitments and demands to offer services in a myriad of languages. 

Long ago . . . This type of thing was able to be addressed by a token hire of a friendly Latino with a convenient degree in Spanish.

Now . . . 

An influx of immigration requires/demands more services at the local level.

Here's one example out of many . . .

The Office of Language Access was approved by the city earlier this year. This new office allows non-English speakers to receive access to city meetings and documents upon request.

Nearly six months after, the city has yet to fill the office positions. In the most recent meetings, those in attendance shared their concerns of forms not being translated and a lack of interpreters. In a statement the city said they are working hard to meet the needs of the community.

"Residents will begin to see elements integrated in more than one language and hope there is grace and understanding as this process develops. This includes graphics, flyers, and copy in multiple languages when possible," said a Sherae Honeycutt, Press Secretary & City Spokeswoman, KCMO.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Community members concerned with city's slow progress on Office of Language Access

Concerns continue to grow among some community members months after the Office of Language Access was approved by city council.

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