News release
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger has announced the expansion of language translation and interpretation options available during board meetings and hearings.
Through the free service, users will have access to real-time translation and interpretation in over 70 languages via artificial intelligence interpretation, according to a news release from Barger’s office.
Service highlights include live audio interpretation and real-time translated subtitles, as well as an easy-to-use platform for seamless accessibility, the release said. The service is accessible on mobile phones or computers.
“Every resident has the right to engage with their local government,” Barger said in the release. “This service is an important step and valuable resource to ensure that the diverse communities that make up our county can have their voices heard.”
“Expanding the language access capabilities underscores the need for making L.A. County services more accessible to everyone,” county Executive Officer Edward Yen said in the release. “By making this translation service available, we make L.A. County governance more transparent and accessible for all.”
AI translation was last available during press conferences during the January windstorms and wildfires emergency, ensuring native language access for the affected communities, the release said.
To use the platform during a board meeting, the county provides this step-by-step guide:
• Visit attend.wordly.ai/join/QHKT-4397.
• Click “attend” and select your preferred language.
• Watch the automatic translated captions.
• To listen to live-interpreted audio, unmute the speaker icon.
