Customer service in today’s business climate is not just a minimal exchange of goods and services. It is not enough for an organisation to provide a product effectively. People need to be seen, valued, and heard—yes, actually heard. And to Deaf and hard of hearing people, that is not a matter of satisfaction; that is a matter of accessibility and equity.
Like the rest of the USA, Kansas is diverse and has different communications requirements. One of them includes the thousands of Deaf individuals communicating with the use of the American Sign Language (ASL). Unless your business is taking action to serve this part of the public, not only are you missing a loyal market—you are also falling short legally and ethically.
ASL interpreting services across the country are a simple, scalable answer to this dilemma, allowing your business to make a more accessible place and meet the communication demands of all your consumers. This is the way that this kind of service will change your Kansas business and allow your business to flourish in a more open and diverse world.
Accessibility is more than a ramp
Most people, when the term “accessibility” is mentioned, immediately think physically—doors, ramps, and elevators. Accessibility goes much further than that, however. Communication accessibility is just as crucial. To Deaf people, not being able to talk with your staff or get information about your services is a barrier just as real as a flight of stairs without a ramp.
There, the gap is filled by ASL interpreters. Whether you have a store in Wichita, a law practice in Topeka, or a medical clinic in Overland Park, having skilled ASL interpreters at your fingertips can make your business a deaf-friendly one. And because there are national services to call upon, you need not worry about assembling local interpreters at the very last minute—remote interpreting services make instant connection possible.
Trust Building via Language
Language is highly personal. It is how we tell others what we need, tell them stories, and build relationships. When an organization makes the effort and investment to provide ASL interpretation, this sends a powerful message: We care. We want to get to know you. You are welcome here.
Such a message builds trust—a precious asset in customer relationships. For Deaf clients, having an interpreter is the difference between frustration and loyalty. Think back to this: You are a client at a financial services center and are immediately offered a well-laid-out plan to communicate with the help of a video relay interpreter. Or you are a client at a real estate agency that arranges to have an ASL interpreter at your consultation. The encounter gets remembered and gets shared widely to closely networked Deaf circles.
Businesses that integrate ASL interpretation into their customer experience plan are not only providing a service; they are demonstrating empathy. And with a more value-driven consumer than ever before, empathy can be a differentiator.
Legal Compliance and Reducing Liability
In addition to brand reputation and ethics, there is also a legal element. The public businesses have a requirement by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide effective communication with people with disabilities. In the majority of cases, this will be an issue of providing accessible and qualified interpreters.
Denying appropriate accommodations can result in legal action against your business in the way of complaints, lawsuits, and penalties. It is a completely avoidable risk by hiring the services of a professional ASL interpreting service. Not only do interpreting agencies provide scheduled and on-demand interpreters, but also ensure that they meet federal and state standards of professionalism and accuracy.
In addition, by accessing statewide services, business entities in Kansas are able to get specialized interpreters—i.e., medical, legal, or technical jargon—so that even intricate discussions are conveyed properly.
Remote interpreting expands your market base
The biggest innovation in interpreting services has been video remote interpreting (VRI). With VRI, your business in Kansas can be linked instantly with skilled ASL interpreters all over the nation with the help of video links. This is very useful in the case of unscheduled meetings, like walk-in clients or emergency consultations.
You do not necessarily need to have an interpreter on your payroll or even get someone to visit your premises. You just need to have a device with internet access and a display screen. Language barriers disappear in the space of a few minutes.
The technology also makes businesses more efficient. You can provide Deaf clients outside your immediate area, expand your client base, and ensure continuity of service regardless of the availability of interpreters in your immediate area.
Boosting Employee Confidence and Team Culture
Your frontline staff are your employees and will be the first people to interact with your clients. If your employees encounter communication barriers, this creates both anxiety and uncertainty. Offering ASL interpreting services gives your employees a reliable tool to depend upon to guarantee quality client services are offered consistently—even in unusual situations.
This boost in self-confidence has a ripple effect. Team members feel appreciated and empowered, and morale and a more inclusive, more resilient team culture are the outcomes. Indeed, most employees indicate that they are more satisfied in their jobs when they realize that their workplace is continually dedicated to equity and inclusion.
National interpreting agencies include cultural competency training within their interpreting service, teaching staff Deaf culture and etiquette. This level of training goes a considerable way to not only inclusive service, but real respect and understanding.
Inclusion As a Business Strategy
Inclusion is not a buzzword—it is a strategy. Companies with a focus on inclusive communication are laying the groundwork for long-term success. Such companies are more robust, resilient, and flexible and are better positioned to meet the demands of a diverse and changing client base.
In Kansas, this type of thinking ahead can distinguish you. Whether your business is in retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, or financial services, your capacity to treat all your customers with respect and dignity speaks volumes about your brand values and enhances your presence in the community.
Investing in ASL interpretation services is not a matter of checking a box for compliance. It is a matter of opening your doors wider. It is a matter of turning your potential clients into loyal ones and your business into somewhere where anyone feels welcome.
The Bottom Line
Communication is not a luxury—it is a right. And the companies that get this are the ones leading the way in customer service, innovation, and expansion. ASL interpretation services are an easy and accessible means of ensuring all your customers, and members of the Deaf community, are included and able to participate in your business. In a community-oriented and vibrant state like Kansas, a reputation that a business listens to all voices is one that will be highly worth gaining.
With on-site interpreters to web-based services, national ASL interpreting services offer the range and adaptability that will help you connect more meaningfully with your clients. So next time you’re wondering how to get your customers happier, don’t just stop at loyalty cards and questionnaires.
Think about people’s patterns of communication—and where and how to meet them there. Because by keeping your business open to everyone, not just doing what everyone does. You’re not only doing the right thing. You’re doing the smart thing.
For those who are looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Thumbnail Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
