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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
Do you need assistive equipment for your event? Submit LCA's Equipment Reservation Request form to reserve simultaneous interpretation equipment, on-demand interpretation equipment, and/or assistive listening devices.
How to Reserve Equipment
For detailed instructions on how to complete an Equipment Reservation Request , watch the instructional video below.
How to Reserve Assistive Technology.mp4Available Equipment
Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
System in which an interpreter speaks into a microphone and delivers interpretation directly to speakers of languages other than English (LOTE) via headphones. The interpreter speaks at the same time as the presenter, allowing information to be interpreted into one or more languages simultaneously.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices
Devices that amplify sound from a central microphone and bring this sound directly to an individual. These devices enhance sound quality for individuals with hearing loss and reduce background noise.
Communications Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
Communications Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
System where a trained individual converts spoken words into text in real-time, providing live captioning for individuals who are Deaf or have impaired hearing.
iPads for On-Demand Interpretation
iPads for On-Demand Interpretation
Tablets that allow City of Boston staff to access our vendor, Lionbridge, and connect to real-time ASL interpretation via video remote interpretation, as well as on-demand interpretation in 15 languages.
Language Paddles
Language Paddles
Language paddles are handheld signs used at events to signal that interpretation is available in one or more threshold languages.
Interpreter Vests
Interpreter Vests
These vests are worn by interpreters at large-scale events and help constituents and event organizers identify interpretation providers.
Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment Resources
If this is your first time using simultaneous interpretation equipment (or maybe you just need a refresher), watch the video below for a step by step guide. You can also check out our Assistive Technology Manual for written instructions.
How to Use Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment.mp4Simultaneous Interpretation User Guides
(For City Staff & Interpreters)
How to Acquire LCA's Assistive Equipment
How to Acquire LCA's Assistive Equipment
How to Acquire LCA's Assistive Equipment
A Google Doc Version of Instructions Can be Found Here
Fill out this form for LCA, to request assistive equipment, including assistive listening devices, iPads for on-demand interpretation, and simultaneous interpretation equipment.**
Please note we have a limited supply. Please fill out this form to request the equipment as soon as you know you will need it. LCA recommends at least two weeks in advance of your scheduled event.
Allow the request 1-3 days to receive the confirmation email. If urgent, please email lca@boston.gov and robbie.adams@boston.gov.
If you receive confirmation that you can use our simultaneous interpretation equipment:
Please make sure to pick up and drop off the equipment on the confirmed times/dates.
Please review our Assistive Technology Manual as needed.
If you need to make any changes to the information in the form: email lca@boston.gov and robbie.adams@boston.gov.
How to Use Transmitters
How to Use Transmitters
How to Use Transmitters from Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
A Google Doc Version of Instructions Can be Found Here
The interpreter should wear and speak into the the interpreter headset, which is connected to a transmitter through the microphone input.
Before distributing to the interpreter:
Plug in the interpreter headset to the transmitter “MIC.”
Turn the transmitter ON: press the small button “ON/OFF” to the middle left of the transmitter below the gray part.
You should see “CH” and a number. The number indicates the language channel.
If it states “CH OFF,” then the interpreter headset is not plugged in correctly. (Turn off the transmitter, try replugging into “MIC” or try plugging into “LINE,” and turn the transmitter back on.)
Show them how to mute/unmute volume: slide the button at the top by “MUTE.”
It is important to clarify which interpreter and language is using which channel number (1-6). This information will be shared to constituents needing interpretation in that language.
To set the language channel, push in the two latches on the side of the transmitter and open the bottom half of the transmitter.
Press the “SET” button to the right.
Once “CHAN” appears on the green screen, press the “SET” button again.
Adjust the channel number by pressing the up and down arrows below the green screen.
Press “SET” once on the channel you need.
If you are experiencing issues with the transmitter, reset the transmitter.
Push in the two latches on the side of the transmitter and open the bottom half of the transmitter.
Press the “SET” button to the right.
Press the up arrow until the green screen states “RESET.”
Press “SET” again.
How to Use Receivers
How to Use Receivers
How to Use Receivers from Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment
A Google Doc Version of Instructions Can be Found Here
Note: Receivers are used by participants in an event to listen to the interpreter.
Make sure receiver is ON (#5 on image).
Select the correct channel for your language.
You can change your channel by pressing the up and down buttons (#2 on image).
Use Channel ______.
Make sure headset is plugged in to device (#6 on image.)
You should now be able to hear your interpreter through the headphones.
Multilingual Simultaneous Interpretation User Guides
(For Constituents)
Assistive Listening Devices
What are Assistive Listening Devices?
Assistive Listening Devices are devices that amplify sound from a central microphone and bring this sound directly to an individual. These devices improve what is known as the “speech to noise ratio” by minimizing background noise, overriding poor acoustics and echoes, and reducing the effect of distance between the sound source and person receiving sound. The assistive listening device that LCA uses is called a Pocketalker (pictured on the right).
Who should be using Assistive Listening Devices?
Who should be using Assistive Listening Devices?
Assistive Listening Devices are intended for:
Individuals who rely on hearing aid devices and cochlear implants
Individuals who may identify as Deaf or as having a hearing difficulty
Where can I use Assistive Listening Devices?
Where can I use Assistive Listening Devices?
In City Hall, there are four main conference rooms that can accommodate use for this system and associated devices. They are:
5th Floor, Piemonte Room
5th Floor, Iannella City Council Chamber
8th Floor, 801 O’Neil Hearing Room
9th Floor, 900 BPDA Board Room
How do Assistive Listening Systems work?
How do Assistive Listening Systems work?
Each Assistive Listening System is usually made up of three components:
Microphone. Presenters/Event Speakers are required to use the wireless microphone so the receivers will pick up this sound. It is important to make sure that presenters use this microphone, regardless of their personal skills in projection.
Transmission Technology (also known as Inductive Loop System). This technology does the job of delivering this sound from the microphone to the device itself.
Assistive Listening Device. The person needing the sound amplification requires a receiver of sorts. Depending on the individual’s need and the room’s capability, this is either an additional device that should be requested in advance, or is the device currently in use by the constituent (T-coil hearing aid or cochlear implant).
no additional device. Individuals who are using T-Coil Hearing Aids should adjust their setting to Channel T. This connects automatically to the sound from the microphone.
additional device with neckloop. Individuals who use hearing aids that do not automatically connect to the listening system should receive an assistive listening device with an attached neckloop. This will boost the signal, and the individual should be able to connect again to Channel T to access this amplified sound.
additional device with earbud. Individuals who do not rely on hearing aids should receive an assistive listening device with an attached set of headphones.
Educational Videos on Assistive Listening Devices
Informational Video: The Pocketalker
Informational Video: The Pocketalker
Informational Video: Hearing Loop Systems
Informational Video: Hearing Loop Systems
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