Brookline officials outline language-access push with translators, translated materials and trainings

Brookline’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations (ODEICR) detailed a multi-pronged effort to expand language access across town services, including distribution of pocket translation devices, translated materials in nine languages and training for staff and residents.

Caitlyn Starr, assistant director of ODEICR, told the host that the office investigates complaints involving age, race, religion and national origin, and works with residents and town departments to remediate issues. "We investigate them and we work with residents...and the organization, business or town department that the complaint was against in order to find a common ground or a way to remediate the issue," Starr said.

The office also fields access complaints—such as impassable sidewalks or businesses that are not accessible to people using mobility devices—and coordinates with the town’s ADA coordinator, Sarah Kaplan, on those…