When Language becomes Access: Access to a Better Life

Track: Core Competencies | CC9 |   Everyone |
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Held in: Steinbeck 2
Presenter:
Carlos Tornell - Casanova//McCann
Host: Gabriela Morales

In the United States it’s nearly impossible to navigate daily life if you don’t speak English. For millions of immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries, not speaking the language becomes a barrier to living a better life. The truth is that only 23% of immigrants speak proficient English. Because of that, there are over 11 million child translators in the United States supporting their families to translate everything. These children, as young as 6 years old, are left to handle complex adult conversations and make decisions beyond their years.

U.S. Bank saw this happening in their branches and created “Asistente Inteligente”: The country’s first and only Spanish voice assistant for banking; providing 42 million native Spanish speakers access to now bank with their own voices.