Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has announced a $200,000 investment through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand language access at Monroe County facilities. This funding supports the purchase of iPads equipped with the Propio Language Services app, providing residents with immediate, on-demand access to professional interpreters in more than 350 languages including American Sign Language (ASL).
“In Monroe County, we believe language should never be a barrier for residents to accessing essential services. These new Language Access iPads will help ensure that every resident — no matter what language they speak — can communicate clearly and confidently when engaging with county government,” said County Executive Bello. “From the County Office Building to the Health Department and the Veterans Service Agency, this technology strengthens our commitment to equity, inclusion and better service for all. I’m grateful to our Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for leading this effort, and to Congressman Joe Morelle and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer for securing the federal funding that made this possible.”
The new Language Access iPads are now available in the following locations:
•Department of Public Health
•Public Safety
•Department of Human Services –
Westfall and St. Paul Offices
•Department of Human Services –
Detention Center
•Monroe County Veterans Service Agency
•Monroe Community Hospital
•Office for the Aging
•Public Defender’s Office
•Department of Environmental Services
•Monroe County Clerk’s Office
•Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
•Airport
•Law Department – Office of SSI
•Department of Diversity and Inclusion
•Department of Human Resources
Any resident visiting these locations can ask a county employee for a Language Access iPad and be connected within seconds to an interpreter in the language of their choice. This easy-to-use tool enhances communication and ensures that language is no longer a barrier to critical county services.
“Monroe County is home to one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse populations in New York State. When we provide meaningful language access, we serve thousands of residents, including American citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing, and communicate using American Sign Language,” said Monroe County Language Access Compliance Coordinator, Jesus Paesch. “Language Access is essential in Monroe County; it promotes safety and facilitates that every member of our community, regardless of how they communicate, can access the services they need to prosper in a county as beautifully diverse as Monroe County.”
This initiative supports Monroe County’s broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable environment by strengthening communication and improving access to services for its diverse population. County employees will receive training to ensure they can confidently assist residents in using this technology.
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