Their Importance in Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

One of the most common questions we receive from clients who are new to this topic is: What’s the difference between DEI and Accessibility? While these terms are often used together, they address different yet complementary challenges.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focuses on fostering environments where individuals from various backgrounds feel valued, have equal opportunities, and are actively included in decision-making processes. Accessibility, on the other hand, ensures that digital content, products, and services are designed to accommodate people who face barriers to access, such as individuals with disabilities or those with limited language proficiency.

In essence, DEI promotes fairness and representation, while Accessibility removes obstacles that might prevent people from benefiting from that fairness and inclusion. Language services play a crucial role in both areas by making sure that communication is clear, inclusive, and culturally appropriate. 

In the following sections, we will explore how language services can help organizations advance both their DEI and Accessibility goals.

How We Started Helping Companies with DEI Through Language

Our introduction to DEI and Accessibility Services came unexpectedly more than five years ago when we received a request for Large Print Formatting and Plain Language services from a regular client in the Life Sciences market (you can find a brief description of both services later in this article). That initial request opened the door to a whole new area of expertise, led to the formation of a specialized team, and has since resulted in a tenfold increase in demand for these services.

As more organizations recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for both employees and clients, DEI and accessibility have evolved from niche concerns to key business priorities. We have had the privilege of helping companies integrate these values into their operations through effective language solutions, ensuring that information is not only available but also understandable and actionable for diverse audiences.

Real-World Impact: A Language Accessibility Case Study

Last year, we began working on SEO optimization for the website of a US financial services company specializing in community-based lending programs. As we guided them through the process, it became evident that they had not fully explored the significance of language accessibility. Despite operating in a region with a significant Spanish-speaking population, the company had, for some inexplicable reason, only provided its website, financial materials, and promotional documentation in English.

This language barrier meant that many potential Spanish-speaking clients struggled to access loan applications, understand repayment terms, or receive basic financial education. Recognizing this oversight, we worked with the company to highlight the impact of language accessibility on client engagement and trust.

As a result, the company decided to invest in localization and plain language services to ensure that all materials were available in Spanish with clear, accessible wording. This transformation led to a 40% increase in applications from Spanish-speaking clients within the first six months and significantly improved trust within the community. More importantly, the company reinforced its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just as a corporate value, but as a practical, tangible action—ensuring its services were truly accessible to all, rather than only to English-native or proficient speakers.

The Business Case for Language Accessibility

Research has shown that organizations embracing linguistic diversity experience measurable benefits. For example, companies that implement language training programs report a 22% increase in employee retention rates and a 15% boost in productivity. Additionally, over 70% of employees with limited English proficiency feel excluded in their workplaces, emphasizing the critical role that language plays in fostering inclusion.

This exclusion stems from the reality that many multinational organizations operate with a single-language mindset, making it difficult for non-native speakers to access essential information. However, localizing HR policies, providing training materials in multiple languages, and offering real-time interpretation services can create an environment where all employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to contribute effectively.

So how can companies achieve this? The answer lies in what makes us human—the ability to communicate effectively through language.

Language Services that Support DEI Initiatives

Organizations can leverage a variety of language services to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences. Some of the most effective services include:

• Plain Language Services: Simplifying content to make it clear and easily understandable for people of all literacy levels.
• PDF and Website Accessibility: Ensuring that digital content meets accessibility standards, making it usable for people with disabilities.
• Synthetic Voiceover: Using AI-generated voiceovers to create multilingual audio content efficiently.
• Closed Captioning: Providing subtitles for videos to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, as well as non-native speakers.
• Sign Language Interpretation: Incorporating sign language in videos to make content accessible to the deaf community.
• Real-Time Interpretation: Offering live translation services for meetings, conferences, and events to enable multilingual participation.

First Steps for Managers to Implement Language Accessibility

For managers looking to integrate language accessibility into their DEI initiatives, here are some practical steps to begin the process:

• Assess Your Audience: Identify the primary languages spoken by employees, clients, and stakeholders to determine any potential language needs.
• Audit Your Existing Content: Review company materials, including websites, HR policies, and training documents, to identify any accessibility gaps.
• Leverage Technology: Implement technology-based tools, closed captioning services, and real-time interpretation platforms to make content more accessible.
• Engage Professionals: Work with experienced language and accessibility experts to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy in all communications.
• Provide Language Training: Offer language training programs to employees to improve internal communication and inclusion.
• Monitor and Improve: Regularly assess the effectiveness of language accessibility initiatives through employee and client feedback, and make adjustments accordingly.

By taking these proactive steps, companies can make a tangible impact on inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to information and services.

Author: Arcadia Editorial Team