Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures in American companies are no longer a buzzword used to boost public appearance, or a “nice to have” accessory to the hiring process. As we learn more about inclusive workplaces and gain global access to tools and approaches that create equitable systems for all people to be employed, it is vital to check the core of your company for ways to improve inclusivity throughout the business.
Your Indiana business may be missing key services that are critical to breaking down barriers to inclusion. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is an often overlooked tool that is accessible throughout Indiana. American Sign Language is an unspoken, visual language used predominantly that uses shapes, placement, and movements of the hands, along with facial expressions and body movements to convey information. Implementing nationwide ASL interpreting services within your Indiana business is critical when considering how to break down barriers and promote diversity and inclusion in your workplace.
The Importance of ASL Interpreting Services
The deaf community makes up more of the population than most businesses may assume, especially in rural areas with historically lower access to diverse talent and resources for inclusion. It is critical to consider the community in every step of your business operations, from job postings and your hiring process to team meetings and team-building activities. Providing accessibility to the deaf community is not a one-time task, but can be simplified through the help of online interpreting services like Unspoken Language Services.
Consider Indiana’s Equal Employment Opportunity regulations as a benchmark, then consult Unspoken Languages to enhance your process. Visit eeoc.gov/employers to get started, but remember, if you want to create and foster a truly inclusive workplace, the minimum requirements should be where you start, never where you end.
Access to ASL Interpreting Services in Indiana
In today’s digital era, it’s now easier than ever to provide comprehensive services for the ASL community. Where rural communities have historically had lower rates of access and insufficient resources required to accommodate needs, online services can help connect you and your business with real interpreters and professionals in the industry. You can even consider adding services such as virtual or video remote interpreting to broaden your access in rural or remote work settings to communicate remotely while maintaining a humanistic approach to the interpreting experience.
How Does an ASL Interpreting Service Benefit Your Business?
Every business team has room for improvement in communication and productivity, just like every team has unique methods of achieving those things. Consider investigating ASL interpreting services, even if you don’t have a current team member in need of the service. Connecting with an interpreter or a professional consultant helps your business be prepared to bring on talent when the opportunity comes. Keeping inclusion in mind throughout every aspect of your business helps create a well-rounded and thoughtful environment from the very first interaction a potential new hire or new customer has with your business. Write inclusive job descriptions and website content by avoiding limiting and ableist language, then be sure to communicate with potential candidates what services you can offer to help them join your team. Not only does practicing inclusive hiring allow you to bring in the best talent without barriers, it helps your existing team feel confident in your commitments to DEI and fosters a safer work environment for all.
How to Make Your ASL Interpretation Service Implementation Successful
In addition to researching and acquiring the resources you need to offer equal opportunity to deaf individuals, you also must ensure you are allowing for open collaboration between those team members and your business. Create a space that makes team members feel comfortable speaking to peers and management about accommodations and whether their needs are being met. Remember, these aren’t unique needs specific to that person – these are the needs of an entire community. Be sure to take the time to understand team members who come to you with requests, questions, or feedback, and make sure you know who to reach to turn those conversations into actionable growth for your company.
In addition to adjusting the way you think about your inclusive workplace, you may need to make a financial investment in the needs of your team members. Ensure your business allocates a percentage of the overall budget annually to meet the needs of your full team. This includes not only implementing interpreting services but also investing in training and education for your team as needed.
Break Down the Barriers
The importance of adding ASL interpreting into your Indiana business cannot be overstated. Use these guidelines to investigate and implement services successfully to capitalize on the benefits ASL interpreting services can bring to your business. As America strives toward more diverse and inclusive workplaces, keep your Indiana business at the forefront by making these services essential, not an afterthought. Unspoken Language Services is here to ease the language barrier by providing exclusive American Sign Language Interpreting and Transliteration services.
You and your Indiana business can do more for inclusivity in the workplace. Make a positive impact on the deaf community and workforce as a whole by making diversity and inclusion your first priority.
Utilize Unspoken Language Services at unspokenasl.com to be connected with real people who can help with your ASL interpretation and implementation. Choose our passion-driven company to serve your communication needs best.
