The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, reports that approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing. Businesses that don’t provide accessibility to this population could be missing out on potential customers, employees, and even legal compliance.

As a business leader in Georgia, it’s important for you to maximize your investments and resources to stay competitive in today’s economy. One way to achieve this is by utilizing nationwide American sign language (ASL) interpreting services to ensure your business is accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Helping your business get more for your money

By accommodating for and providing ASL interpreting services, businesses can tap into the significant spending power of individuals with disabilities, create a more welcoming workplace culture, and foster employee engagement and satisfaction. In today’s competitive business environment, it’s important for businesses to recognize the benefits of accessibility and take proactive steps to make their business more inclusive to all individuals.

Nationwide ASL interpreting services

A national ASL interpreting service provides services across multiple locations across the country. These services are usually provided remotely or on-site by a team of qualified ASL interpreters, who facilitate communication between hard of hearing individuals and hearing individuals in a variety of settings. 

Some of the remote interpreting services include video remote interpreting (VRI) and over-the-phone interpreting (OPI). In addition to interpreting services, some organizations may also offer training and consultation services to help businesses and institutions better understand and accommodate the needs of deaf individuals.

Photo by Pexels

Benefits of nationwide ASL interpreting services 

  1. Wider Customer Base

Providing ASL interpreting services, can help your business reach a larger customer base which includes individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This could result in increased revenue, as these individuals may choose your business over a competitor that does not provide accessibility.

It can also improve your business’s reputation as a socially responsible organization. This could result in positive word-of-mouth marketing, as well as increased customer loyalty from individuals who appreciate your business’s efforts to be inclusive.

  1. Attract and Retain Talent

Providing high quality accessibility to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can help your business attract and retain talented employees. By providing ASL interpreting services, you demonstrate to potential employees that your business is committed to inclusivity and diversity. This could result in more qualified applicants for job openings and higher employee retention rates.

It can also improve workplace morale and productivity. Employees who feel valued and included are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, resulting in higher productivity and job satisfaction.

  1. Compliance

The providing of accessibility to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing is not only a socially responsible practice but also a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As per the ADA, businesses are required to provide “effective communication” to individuals with disabilities. This means that businesses must provide communication that is as effective as communication with individuals who do not have disabilities. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, this often means providing ASL interpreting services.

By utilizing nationwide ASL interpreting services, your business can ensure legal compliance and avoid potential lawsuits or fines for non-compliance.

  1. Cost-Effectiveness

Providing ASL interpreting services may seem like an expense, however it can actually be a cost-effective solution. Nationwide ASL interpreting services can provide on-demand interpreting services, meaning businesses only pay for the services they need, when they need them.

Also using nationwide ASL interpreting services means businesses don’t need to hire a full-time interpreter, which could be costly. Outsourcing ASL interpreting services can also provide access to a larger pool of qualified interpreters, ensuring businesses receive high-quality interpreting services.

  1. Improved Communication

Using nationwide ASL interpreting services provides improved communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and everybody else. Effective communication is imperative to a successful business, from customer service to employee training.

By offering ASL interpreting services, businesses can ensure effective communication, resulting in improved customer service, better employee training, and more productive meetings.

Certain national ASL interpreting services also offer additional resources and support, such as training on how to effectively communicate with Deaf individuals, guidance on compliance with the ADA, and tools for managing interpreter scheduling and billing.

Conclusion

Utilizing nationwide ASL interpreting services can provide numerous benefits for businesses in Georgia. By providing accessibility to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, businesses can reach a larger customer base, attract and retain talented employees, ensure legal compliance, and improve communication, all while staying cost-effective. Now’s the time to invest in inclusivity and diversity to make sure that all individuals, regardless of their hearing abilities, can access your business and its services. By doing so, you not only improve your bottom line but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.

Employees who feel that their employer is committed to diversity and inclusivity are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work. This can lead to better employee retention rates, increased employee morale, and higher job satisfaction. All factors that affect the bottom line. 

As a Georgia business leader, it’s important to choose a service that provides high-quality interpreting and meets your specific needs.By selecting a certified and well-respected nationwide ASL interpreting service which is cost effective and a good fit for your business, you can ensure that your customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, feel valued and included.

Consider the national ASL interpreter service provider’s capacity, availability and customer support. Businesses may require ASL interpreting services at different times and in different locations, so it’s important to choose a provider that can accommodate these needs. Having reliable customer support can help businesses address any issues or concerns quickly and efficiently.

One such nationwide interpreting service is Unspoken Language Services, which offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.