FEMA awards business contract for ASL interpreting to tornado victims
A local business is doing its part in helping disaster victims with hearing impairments.
Foreign Language Services (FLS, Inc.), a company that provides technical translation and interpretation services to customers in more than 80 languages, has been awarded an interpreting contract with Alabama’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The six-month contract would pay FLS to send an interpreter to disaster-ridden Chilton, Jefferson and Perry Counties to meet with homeowners and help them better communicate with contractors and builders.
“The contract allows someone to be on call during an emergency situation,” said Director Caroline Myers. “When FEMA came and stayed for about a month or so, they realized these people were not being served, so we got the call to go down to Jefferson County and help out there during these last string of tornadoes.”
FLS aides both the hearing impaired and non-native English speakers, but this contract specifically provides American Sign Language interpreters.
The business did utilize its foreign language interpreters after last year’s April 27 tornadoes.
All of FLS’ contract ASL interpreters have the appropriate licensure, degrees, and experience in their field. They are able to serve both business and individual needs.
They have also sent interpreters to Madison City Schools, Bradford Health Services and the Madison Surgery Center.
Myers said interpreters in these situations are “a very prevalent need.”
“When they can’t speak our language, whether American citizens or here under Visas, our state feels strongly about that,” she said. “The best work we do is when we help people communicate when otherwise they would not be able to communicate, especially when a disaster has occurred. When we can help them restore their life or their home, it means a lot to us that we are providing that service.”
FLS is located at 3609 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite A5. Office Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
