UPDATE 7/1/25: NEW LCA ACCOMODATION REQUEST PROCESS. ATTEND A TRAINING & REVIEW THE LCA HUB TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEW MULTI-AWARD CONTRACT & KEY CHANGES
In September of 2025, the Office of Language and Communications Access distributed ILA Pro devices from TranslateLive to specific departments within City Hall that have participated in the Welcoming City program. These devices were launched as part of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of these new devices for initial interactions with the public. The resources below are intended for use by the departments that have been issued an ILA Pro device and are taking part in this pilot program.
Please review the OLCA Translatelive ILA Pro Device Policy, which outlines the benefits of the ILA Pro, the responsibilities of City staff, the steps for using the device, usage requirements and restrictions, potential usage scenarios and situations, as well as links and information to additional ILA Pro features and resources.
The ILA Pro device is particularly appropriate during on-demand needs such as walk-ins and when a matter is routine
When a matter does not require substantial oral translation of documentation
When no trained professional interpreter is available through any other language assisting services.
When an interpreter is not available for a specific language
When an in-person interpreter has cancelled, the ILA Pro device can be used as a first point of contact to reschedule an in-person interpreter or to utilize the live interpreter option via Lionbridge
Use broadcast mode when you are addressing large audiences with attendees who speak languages other than English.
The ILA Pro device should not be used for long conversations, or complex subject materials that require long conversations. Any attempt to substitute a live interpreter with this device in such cases is strictly prohibited.
The device should not be used for legal proceeding purposes, and any related administrative proceedings where substantial oral translation of documentation/information is required, and in other scenarios where an interpreter is warranted.
The device should not be used as a replacement for staff in providing necessary information, guidance, or services.
The device should not be used at City events hosted outside of the City Hall or other City property, unless they have received prior OLCA approval. Otherwise, an in-person interpreter is required.
Use the materials below to learn more about how to operate the ILA Pro.
City of Boston Condensed ILA Pro User Guide: This guide provides step-by-step instructions on the ILA Pro's basic capabilities to get you started with your device
ILA Pro Full User Manual: This guide reviews the full spectrum of the ILA Pro's functionalities and goes over the device's advanced features
ILA Pro Quick Start Instructions: This graphic provides a quick visual overview of how to begin using the ILA Pro
ILA Pro Feedback Survey: Please complete this survey to let us know about your experience using the ILA Pro. We want to hear about what is going well and any potential areas of growth.
ILA Pro Customization Survey: Use this survey to let OLCA know if there are any special customizations or additional features that your department would like for your ILA Pro device.
ILA Pro Training Videos