(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A first-of-its-kind Language Access Summit in Skokie Wednesday brings more than 100 government and non-profit workers together to brainstorm ways to better support people who don't speak English.
More than 100 languages are spoken across the 13th District and Cook County, that's why 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita said the first of its kind Language Access Summit is so important.
"It'll be an opportunity for folks who are working with multilingual populations, trying to improve language access for their constituents and their clients and residents, to come together and share challenges and strategies and work together."
Morita said she sees people struggling all the time due to a language barrier.
"You know, looking lost in a building or going to a kiosk, and somebody getting frustrated with them. And, you know, thinking that somehow speaking louder, yelling at them in English is going to help."
She said it’s crucial that the county finds solutions and ways to address language barriers. That's the point of the Language Access Summit. More than 120 people will gather to brainstorm ways to better support those whose first language is not English.
"It's about self determination and autonomy and empowerment and dignity and respect. We say that we're a welcoming city and a welcoming County, but we say it primarily in English. While we are saying it with good intention, how are those that we are speaking to receiving it?"
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok