Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in Virginia is a shining example of how to prioritize racial equity and inclusion in the education system. Serving a diverse student body of over 16,000 students from 119 countries speaking 121 languages, ACPS understands the importance of clear communication with all families.
ACPS recently implemented LanguageLine DirectResponse, an innovative solution that streamlines communication with families who speak limited English. This service allows families calling their student's school to instantly connect with a professional interpreter in their preferred language, including Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, or Pashto.
With DirectResponse, the first voice a non-English-speaking caller hears is the interpreter’s. The interpreter then remains with the caller throughout the entire call.
This initiative builds upon ACPS's existing commitment to accessibility. Staff already utilize traditional LanguageLine phone interpreting services for communication, placing over 18,000 interpretation calls in more than 100 languages last year.
With over half of ACPS families speaking languages other than English, these services play a crucial role in various situations, including registration and parent conferences.
Bridging the Gap Between Families and Schools
Bridgid, a parent of students at James K. Polk Elementary School and Francis C. Hammond Middle School, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am so thrilled that this new service of LanguageLine Direct for families to contact the school with an interpreter is offered. Thank you, thank you!"
Language Access Coordinator Victor Espinosa emphasizes the inclusive nature of DirectResponse.
“Language Line DirectResponse is another example of our schools being inclusive because, thanks to this tool, we are able to communicate with families when we do not speak the same language,” Espinosa said. “This way everybody is able to access the same information, no matter the language they speak.”
DirectResponse: Benefits for All
The positive impact of DirectResponse extends beyond families. It:
- Simplifies the call experience for limited English speakers.
- Reduces frustration by offering clear, in-language instructions.
- Saves time for both callers and staff with automated interpreter connections.
- Increases efficiency by routing calls seamlessly to the appropriate department.
- Sets an inclusive tone from the start of the interaction.
Looking to Improve Your Inbound Call Experience?
Does your organization struggle with effectively serving multilingual callers? Consider LanguageLine DirectResponse. This service offers numerous benefits, including:
- Customizable call flows for efficient and frustration-free interactions.
- Over 45 languages available to meet the needs of diverse communities.
- Seamless integration with existing IVR systems.
- 24/7 availability to ensure uninterrupted communication.
By prioritizing clear communication and embracing LanguageLine DirectResponse, Alexandria City Public Schools demonstrates a commitment to building a truly inclusive educational environment. Let LanguageLine Solutions help your organization achieve the same level of success in connecting with your diverse audience.
We invite you to learn more about LanguageLine DirectResponse and to contact us for a free consultation.
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