The city of Bellevue has two new resources aimed at assisting residents with translation and interpretation. The effort is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to engage and serve all residents.

Beginning immediately, interpretation devices will be available, by request, at public meetings. The device includes two transceivers for onsite interpreters and 20 receivers and headphones. The two transceivers allow two different languages to be interpreted simultaneously, as needed, for any city-sponsored public meeting. It is recommended that users contact the city 48 hours in advance to request this service.

Additionally, residents who need interpretation assistance for any city-related services, may now call the following numbers:

• Spanish 1-844-590-8948

• Cantonese 1-844-537-0364

• Mandarin 1-844-590-8495

• Korean 1-844-537-0365

• Punjabi 1-844-590-8946

• Russian 1-844-590-8947

• Vietnamese 1-844-590-8949

Callers will be connected to Service First and helped directly. All calls must be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the city’s business hours. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911.

The two new resources advance several of Bellevue’s Diversity Advantage Plan recommendations. These include “establishing citywide standards for translation of written material, interpretation services at meetings” and identifying “strategies and methods for more effective communication with diverse populations.”

For more information on these new resources, contact Diversity and Inclusion Program Administrator Elaine Acacio at 425-452-4246 or EAcacio@bellevuewa.gov.