Language and Communication Access
The Office of Language and Communication Access works within the Office of Human Rights & Equity to implement comprehensive language solutions across all City departments. This position creates bridges between City employees and residents who speak languages other than English.
The Language and Communication Access program, as funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), has procured several support services so aid in accessibility of City forms, documents, events, and other services.
Document translation
City Departments have services available to get their physical and virtual documents translated into a variety of languages. These translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact the City department that is providing the service you are needing. If there is a specific document you need in another language, please make sure to include this information.
If after you contact the department you’re requesting translations from and your needs are not met, please fill out the following form: Services - Report a Problem - File a Complaint - Language Access Complaint Form - City of New Orleans
Language Line
City staff and departments have access to a language line to provide remote interpretation services. They will offer Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) to help facilitate effective communication across languages. 
These services are available for on-demand interactions, but community members wanting to use this service at planned City events are encouraged to contact the department hosting the event at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure City staff can properly plan accommodations. If either after you contact the department you’re requesting interpretation from and your needs are not met, or if you have concerns about the quality of interpretation you did receive when using this service, please fill out the following form: Services - Report a Problem - File a Complaint - Language Access Complaint Form - City of New Orleans
Interpretation Devices
Pocketalk: 
The City has procured a number of PockeTalk devices which will use AI to support communication across languages. City departments must check these devices out, so again, City staff should be notified of language accessibility needs of event participants or attendees in advance to have appropriate time to plan and enact appropriate accommodations.
Live Simultaneous Interpretation Support Device
The City has also procured devices for audience members to listen to interpreters at events. These devices work by an Interpreter at an event speaking into a transmitter and audience members listening to the interpreter through available receivers, pictured below. Individual departments are responsible for coordinating interpreters for their events, so if there is a language access need for an upcoming event, please contact the City department hosting the event to express that need.
If either after you contact the department you’re requesting interpretation from and your needs are not met, or if you have concerns about the quality of interpretation you did receive when using this service, please fill out the following form: Services - Report a Problem - File a Complaint - Language Access Complaint Form - City of New Orleans
Boostlingo
The City now offers real-time AI interpretation through Boostlingo at regular City Council meetings. In-person attendees can listen in their preferred language using personal devices, while remote viewers can watch livestreams with multilingual options.
If you use this service either in person in a City Council meeting or virtually over the live stream and you have concerns about the quality of interpretation you received, please fill out the following form: Services - Report a Problem - File a Complaint - Language Access Complaint Form - City of New Orleans
Contact
The Language & Communications Access Programs operates under The Mayor's Office of Human Rights & Equity. For assistance or inquiries:
Office Location:
1300 Perdido Street, Suite 8E07
New Orleans, LA 70112
Contact:
Lauren Hall, Language & Communication Access Coordinator
Phone: 504-657-3719
Email: lauren.hall@nola.gov
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