National 9-1-1 Association and Language Line Services acknowledge past and future challenges in emergency response

Jason Barbour, (center in purple shirt), President of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and NENA's Executive Board joined Language Line Services Sr. Vice President, Karen Gilhooly (to Jason's left in black and white jacket), in a cake cutting ceremony marking the 25th anniversaries of both organizations at the annual NENA Conference held in Charlotte,.

Both leaders marked the occasion, paying tribute to their respective missions - NENA's, to advance universal access to an emergency telephone number system (9-1-1), and Language Line Services', to support agencies in their efforts to bridge language barriers with 9-1-1 callers. The combined efforts result in increased public safety for everybody, saving lives and property every day.

This year marks significant milestones for both organizations. NENA has grown enormously over the last 25 years as a driving force behind raising professional standards and education for emergency response personnel. The result has been greater access to better trained emergency services personnel throughout North America and beyond.

Language Line Services, founded by a police officer to make emergency response more efficient and safer for both the public and first responders, now provides interpretation for millions of emergencies calls each year, supporting more than 170 languages.

With a view to the future, NENA members are tasked with integrating new and emerging technologies into the emergency response process including wireless, (Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) , and text messages. Language Line Services is challenged to support these agencies in their effort to overcome language barriers and anticipate the world's shifting demographics.

To that end, the theme in the Language Line Services booth this year was "Preparedness". Language Line staff polled NENA members on their ability to properly deal with emergency callers who do not speak English, as well as to learn how (or if) agencies promote the use of 9-1-1 services to non-English speakers in their communities. Understanding trends and best practices among emergency response agencies across North America, Language Line Services hopes to launch into its next 25 years ready for any emergency.

More information for you:

Tips for Working with 9-1-1 Interpreters
www.languageline.com/main/files/911Tips.doc

9-1-1 Magazine Article: "9-1-1 A Matter of Interpretation"
www.languageline.com/main/files/911_Magazine_Reprint_3-2007.pdf

Overcoming Language Barriers: Solutions for Law Enforcement
www.vera.org/publications/publications_5.asp?publication_id=382

See how we respond to emergencies
www.languageline.com/video.php

Innovative New Products Vault Language Line Services to Fourth Place on Prestigious List

Monterey, CA - (June 20, 2007) - Language Line Services, the nation's leading over-the-phone interpretation provider, placed fourth on Common Sense Advisory's "Ranking of Top 20 Translation Companies for 2006." Common Sense Advisory is a research firm that delivers in-depth reports on topics including technology-driven translation services. The annual list ranks translation-based companies based on fiscal year revenue.

"Language Line Services' success is fueled by staying ahead of the technology curve and reacting quickly to the needs of our customers and the marketplace with innovative new products and services," said Louis Provenzano, President and COO of Language Line Services. "We look forward to continued growth in 2007 as we expand on our new line of services."

Language Line Services founded the over-the-phone interpretation industry over 25 years ago. In 2006 the company announced various new language access products to help companies, healthcare facilities and government agencies better communicate with non-English speakers.

Language Line Services most recently developed Your World. Your Language.SM, the first, free interpretation phone service enabling limited English speaking consumers to communicate with banking, insurance, telephone, utility and other vital business services.

The company also introduced the first Video Interpretation System (VIS) adding American Sign Language (ASL) to its list of language capabilities and producing a visual component to help healthcare institutions better serve their limited-English speaking patients.

About Common Sense Advisory, Inc. Common Sense Advisory, Inc. is a research and consulting firm committed to the objective analysis of the business practices, services, and technology driving translation, localization, and business globalization. Its analysts deliver in-depth reports on topics including: website and translation content management; translation services and best practices; product and website localization; software supporting international business; on- and off-line ethnic marketing and messaging; and more. The firm also provides hands-on consulting and training to global business teams. For more information, visit www.commonsenseadvisory.com.

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