Strengthening multilingual outreach and communication across Ohio’s Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living serve people with disabilities of all ages, backgrounds, and disability types. But not everyone has the same opportunity to learn about available services or communicate comfortably with service providers.
Language differences can create additional barriers for individuals and families whose preferred language is not English.
To address these challenges, OSILC developed a network-wide outreach initiative focused on expanding access to multilingual communication tools and translated outreach materials.
The initiative is intended to help CILs strengthen connections with communities that may be unserved or underserved by the Independent Living Network.
Real-Time Translation Devices
Portable multilingual translation technology intended for distribution to every Ohio CIL to support communication during outreach and initial conversations.
Imagine someone learning about their local Center for Independent Living for the first time, but having difficulty communicating in English.
Rather than language becoming a barrier to that initial conversation, CIL staff can now use the Instant Language Assistant devices across the network to assist in removing barriers to accessing services.
Outreach Materials
The project was also able to create an informational handout that was translated into Spanish. The documents give an overview to what Independent Living is and how CILs can assist individuals.
This project was funded with Title VII Part B funding to support activities to provide outreach to unserved or underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations