With the diversity of the contemporary business landscape, communication is key to succeeding. For Kentucky businesses willing to become accessible and open to everyone, the need for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting service is more paramount now than ever before.
With companies extending wings along the state line or having a clientele reaching from end to end along the country, investing in national ASL interpretation services is not merely a regulation necessity but a strategic advantage as well.
Whether your business is healthcare, education, retailing, law practice, or customer service, having the ability to communicate with Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, employees, or stakeholders is crucial. There are many reasons why Kentucky businesses of all sizes should include statewide ASL interpreting services as a part of their standard communications.
Being accessible is a business necessity and not merely a requirement by law.
Federal statutes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require business companies to provide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons by making reasonable accommodations in this case by means of an interpreter.
Non-compliance in Kentucky, like elsewhere in the US, may lead to suits, penalties, and damage to the reputation of a company. Beyond mere compliance, however, at a more fundamental level, accessibility is also a reflection of a company’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Providing ASL interpretation services is a message that your business is interested in communicating with every single one of your clients. It demonstrates that your business is progressive, people-focused, and understanding towards working with oppressed members of society. This kind of perception breeds loyalty and can be a market differentiator.
Kentucky’s Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Citizens Deserve Equal Access
Kentucky also boasts a big Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. There are thousands of people statewide whose first language is ASL, according to the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the National Association of the Deaf. They are people who attend community activities, hold every job, and purchase goods and services just like everyone else.
By not interpreting for your business, you are, in effect, denying an entire community the complete potential of being capable of communicating with your business. National ASL services grant your business access not only in Kentucky but also in states in which your market potential can be expanding. This level of scalability is extremely beneficial to businesses that have online operations or physical locations in multiple places.
Virtual Interpretation Services Provide Seamless Nationwide Accessibility
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telework, web conferencing, and internet-based services. With it, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) – a real-time interpreting service in ASL using web conferencing technology – was born.
For Kentucky businesses, that means now you can afford to hire more than local, immediate interpreting experts. With national ASL interpreting services, there are more qualified professionals at your disposal no matter where you are located. This model is not just time-efficient and scalable, but affordable.
The national providers offer 24/7 service, industry-specialized technical interpreters, and integration with scheduling software to make it even more convenient for your business to schedule and have communication at will.
Enhance Customer Service and Brand Image
Imagine a Deaf client trying to get services at your office, clinic, or shop and being unable to communicate. Imagine the same client being instantly linked to a certified ASL interpreter to enable them to get their needs. It is incredible not only in the provision of services, but in how your business is perceived by your client.
Secrets to outstanding customer care include responsiveness, efficiency, and empathy. Offering ASL interpreting services ensures that your Deaf customers are given the same respect and care that your non-Deaf customers would receive. This not only enhances your brand reputation but also creates positive word-of-mouth within and outside the Deaf community.
Encourage Employee Inclusion and Teamwork
The value of accessible communication goes beyond the value of your customer service. If your business employs or will employ Deaf or hard-of-hearing staff, ASL interpreting services are the solution to effective work teams, training, and employee development.
Through the availability of the interpreter, Deaf employees are able to participate more effectively in meetings, exchange ideas, get trained, and interact with co-workers.
This promotes diversity in the workforce and corporate culture becomes well-balanced and inclusive. It also reduces employee turnover since workers feel accommodated and appreciated.
A national provider may be able to provide consistent service delivery to various branches, events, or virtual offices—keeping hearing and non-hearing employees, regardless of their location, in sync with one another.
Competitive advantage in Govt. contracts and B2B business
In some industries, especially government and institution contracts, demonstrating your commitment to accessibility will be a competitive strength. Procurement policies prefer companies who pass the diversity and inclusion test.
If your Kentucky business is offering bids on public agency contracts, schools, or healthcare systems, being able to prove you provide national ASL interpreting services will make your bid more appealing. It’s a positive message: your business wants to communicate with everyone, regardless of capacity or geographically.
Your preparedness and sound business practice go a long way toward building your reputation and trustworthiness with prospective customers and business partners.
Shaping the Future of Inclusive Business
Inclusion and accessibility are not a fleeting fad. As the public as a whole becomes more educated and knowledgeable about disability issues and equity, companies will have to meet greater expectations of communication.
Gen Z, already the most diverse population thus far, already expects that the companies with which they interact must be socially responsible and inclusive.
Investing in Kentucky national ASL interpreting services today puts your Kentucky business ahead in tomorrow’s market. It makes you not only reactive, but proactive, in establishing an environment where all may access your services, goods, and employees to their fullest potential.
Furthermore, as technology advances on a day-to-day basis, ASL interpreting services are being integrated increasingly directly into customer service software, HR tools, and video content. By coming to an agreement with a national supplier today, your business will be well positioned to take advantage of every new breakthrough as and when it is found.
Conclusion
Effective communication is inclusive communication as behind every good business are good, open communications. And communications are only good, of course, if they are accessible.
For Kentucky entrepreneurs who desire success, innovation, and leadership by integrity, putting money into ASL interpreting services throughout the country isn’t a good investment to make—it’s a must.
By doing this, your company is more convenient for your patrons, your employees are empowered, federal laws are met, and a brand which genuinely cares to connect is made.
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 RDNE Stock project
