Hamilton County to Invest in Language Assistance

LUNA Language Services Hired to Provide Translation & Interpretation Help

Hamilton County has partnered with LUNA Language Services to provide interpretation and professional translation services. The subscription service will allow Hamilton County employees to contact a native linguist to help translate for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

“Our community is changing and we’re serving more immigrants, refugees, and non-native speakers,” says Steven Rushforth, Hamilton County’s Safety and Risk Manager. “We want to ensure we can provide top-notch service to our entire community regardless of fluency in the English language.”

The service will also help the County meet requirements for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives Federal funds. That includes service to persons with limited English proficiency.

LUNA provides services in over 200 languages including American Sign Language (ASL). It estimates there are more than 100 different languages spoken in different dialects in Indiana alone. The on-demand service will provide County employees with an interpreter over video or phone as needed.

“LUNA even offers industry-specific language expertise in a wide range of professional topics,” Rushforth adds. “For example, our nurses at the Health Department will now have access to a translator with medical knowledge to avoid confusing, and potentially harmful communication errors. The same goes for others dealing with legal documents.”