The City of Reno is launching a live transcription and translation tool to make Reno City Council meetings more accessible. The Reno City Council meeting on July 23 will debut the new Wordly AI-powered tool that will allow those with hearing impairments or language accessibility needs to follow the dialogue visually, with language options in English and Spanish.  

Meeting attendees can view the screen text on a large monitor at the City Hall Council Chambers or on their personal smartphone or tablet devices via a QR code. The QR code to access the tool will be posted in-person in the Council Chamber and on Council agendas for virtual use.  

“The City has made great steps to be more accessible, enabling more of the public to learn and participate in local government,” said Reno Mayor Schieve. “I’m happy we are able to offer this tool as a resource for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing!” 

Wordly utilizes cloud-based technology for fast, accessible, and accurate translations and transcriptions. It is accessible via the app or any browser on smartphones, tablets and PCs anywhere there is internet access. The platform includes audio for those who want to listen with headphones. 

This is an additional complimentary tool that can also assist individuals who are hard of hearing. In Spring 2024, the City of Reno launched UbiDuo 3 and Listen EVERYWHERE tools to communicate easily and effectively with City staff and to listen to City meetings and court proceedings.  

The City is piloting the Wordly tool at regular City Council meetings. If successful, the City will explore implementing Wordly for other meetings. The July 23 agenda can be found at Reno.gov/meetings at least three business days before the meeting and the meeting can be viewed online at Youtube.com/CityofReno.