Communicate with deaf customers without learning sign language!
Flawless communication with deaf customers is just a “click away”. A Newport Beach restaurant is first to become certified as deaf-friendly!
This new technology is an absolute “game-changer” for millions of deaf Americans. Lose the pad of paper and pencil. Say goodbye to those awkward interactions with deaf customers as we struggle to communicate and provide goods and services to them.
This technology has been in use for years in the medical field to help deaf and hard of hearing patients communicate with their doctor. The Language People have hit a “home-run” with this product.
On a recent afternoon last month at the new PizzaBar restaurant in Newport Beach, Tom Gruenbeck glanced down at a tablet computer and pushed a large green display labeled "interpreter.
"Within moments, the device atop the bar connected him to a smiling woman, who, via the magic of live teleconferencing, helped him place an order.In sign language, Gruenbeck indicated that he wanted pepperoni pizza and a drink.
The interpreter signed a follow-up question about the size of pizza he wanted. "I want a really big one," Gruenbeck signed back. The interpreter laughed before speaking his order so that Gary Decker, standing behind the tablet and listening in, could understand it.
Gruenbeck, an attorney for Language People, a Murrieta-based translation service, and Decker, PizzaBar's primary owner, were demonstrating how the restaurant's newly installed sign-language kiosk, dubbed LP Revolution, promises to be a game-changer in the restaurant world.
"This provides true equality" for the deaf community, Gruenbeck said."I'm excited about having it," Decker said. "There's a demand for it."
The on-demand interpreting technology is commonly used in hospitals and other businesses, Gruenbeck said. But PizzaBar is a pioneer for its use in restaurants. With the interpretation tablet, it has become Language People's first certified deaf-friendly restaurant in the United States."
Language People is dedicated to encouraging equal access and [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliance for all, including the deaf," Lisa Wrench, Language People's chief executive, said in a statement. "By introducing the LP Revolution, we are letting the world know it's time to listen to the deaf community and treat them equally."
Gruenbeck sees a lot of potential for others to install LP Revolution kiosks. Businesses pay a nominal fee for the service, he said. PizzaBar unveiled the kiosk during a party at the restaurant at 2201 W. Balboa Blvd. More than 85 people attended, Gruenbeck said.The first customers to use the service were a deaf couple.
The wife ordered a glass of water with a lemon wedge, Gruenbeck said. The simple request meant so much to her that she cried "Tears of joy," Gruenbeck said.
If you are a small business owner that provides goods and services to the public, this product is a “must-have”. With over 30% of the disabled community being deaf or hard of hearing, think about the positive impact you could make to your bottom line by providing this service.
The deaf community is very strong and tightly connected. When deaf individuals’ find a business that treats them with respect and goes up and beyond to provide their services and products to them, they spread the word to all of their friends and family.
I bet the owner of PizzaBar in Newport Beach is jumping for joy over his increased business since introducing the LP app. Go to languagepeople.com to learn more about this product and how it can improve your business.