The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency that regulates the civilian use of nuclear materials to protect public health and safety, promote national security, and protect the environment. The NRC licenses and regulates nuclear power plants, nuclear materials, and other nuclear activities, ensuring that they are conducted safely and securely.

The Challenge:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. To ensure effective communication and equal opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) employees, the NRC recognized the need for specialized language services.

The Solution:

To address this challenge, the NRC partnered with TE, a leading language services provider. TE provided professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services, both on-site and remotely, to facilitate communication and training for D/HH employees.

Key Strategies Employed by TE:

• Certified Interpreters: TE provided highly qualified and certified ASL interpreters who were proficient in both sign language and spoken English.
• On-Site and Remote Interpretation: TE offered flexible interpretation solutions to accommodate various training and meeting scenarios, including in-person and virtual events.
• Specialized Terminology: TE’s interpreters were trained in technical and scientific terminology, ensuring accurate and effective communication in specialized fields.
• Cultural Competence: TE’s interpreters were culturally competent, understanding the nuances of Deaf culture and communication.

The Benefits:

• Enhanced Accessibility: ASL interpretation services ensured that D/HH employees could fully participate in meetings, training sessions, and other workplace activities.
• Improved Employee Morale: By fostering an inclusive environment, the NRC boosted employee morale and job satisfaction.
• Increased Productivity: Effective communication led to improved efficiency and productivity among D/HH employees.
• Compliance with ADA: The NRC’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion helped the agency comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Through this partnership, the NRC empowered its D/HH employees, fostering a more inclusive and productive workplace.