New Orleans is helping break language barriers by giving 150 Pocketalk translation devices to public service departments. The goal is to make sure everyone can access city services, no matter what language they speak. The devices translate 92 languages in real time and were provided through the City’s Language and Communication Access Pilot Program, funded by ARPA and supported by local advocates, as reported by the City of New Orleans.
According to the City of New Orleans official news release, Shakira Gonzalez, the Equity & Inclusion Program Manager from the Office of Human Rights & Equity, said, "It’s been surprising to see what languages are being used." Serving a diverse population where languages like Spanish, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole are prevalent, the program was driven by the community's clear demand for language access, a need underscored previously by crises such as Hurricane Katrina.
Public libraries have become significant participants, with about a fifth of the devices in use at their locations. The New Orleans Health Department also benefits from the devices, using them at community outreach and vaccine events, which ensures privacy and meets HIPAA standards during sensitive conversations. Noting the tech's impact, "The Pocketalks have been a hit. People really like how small, compact, and easy to carry they are," Gonzalez told the City of New Orleans government's official news.
The city is using Pocketalk’s Ventana platform to track how the devices are used, helping guide policy decisions. Kahlida Lloyd, director of the Mayor’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, said it’s been helpful to see which languages are most needed when departments are out in the community. By providing accurate translation and building staff confidence, Pocketalk devices are helping residents access city services and supporting inclusivity, as per the City of New Orleans.
