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Military Testimonials
I used Kwikpoint in Iraq working a checkpoint. The line was over an hour long. An Iraqi man came running up to the front, charging to get through. He was in danger of getting himself killed as I prepared to fire my weapon. Somehow he got my attention in a friendly way and was able to then show what happened to his daughter by pointing to the Kwikpoint pictures. She had swallowed gasoline. We got medical attention and she ended up being ok and thus Kwikpoint saved two lives that day.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is George Conrad, Retired Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (35 years). I served in the 1st Ranger Battalion, 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, to name a few. I was Command Sergeant Major, Fort Benning, Georgia, Home of the Infantry. Also I served as a Battalion, Brigade, Division, and Corp Sergeant Major. I have extensive combat experience.
I am writing to make you aware of some examples that I have personally seen of your product, Visual Language Solutions card, while working in Afghanistan helping to train the Afghan Army. While on a training mission, I had the opportunity to observe a young American soldier, a Specialist, attempting to speak with an Afghan civilian. The soldier was using your card to assist him in communicating and to locate enemy activity in the area. The soldier pointed to a picture of an AK-47 and the Afghan civilian responded, “Yes,” meaning he knew this weapon. After several minutes, by the use of this card, the civilian showed the soldier the location of three AK-47’s and ammunition. The importance of this was the fact that this was done without an Afghan interpreter. These weapons were confiscated and would not be used against the coalition, all by the use of your card. This is one example of the many uses of your card being used in Afghanistan and in Iraq.
While talking to a senior Command Sergeant Major while in Iraq, he shared a story with me, again pertaining the use of your card. The Sergeant Major was accompanying a patrol outside the wire when he noticed a soldier attempting to communicate with an Iraqi teenage girl. As one point, the soldier pointed to a picture of a bomb and explosives on the card. The girl responded very quickly by pointing and saying, “I know where these are.” They were hidden in the basement of her house. There were enough bomb components and explosives to construct up to as many as 500 IEDs. With the use of an interpreter, it was confirmed that what was communicated with the use of the card did in fact lead the coalition to where the bombs and explosives were hidden.
I’m sure there are many other examples throughout both theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan, in which the use of your cards made a difference in the war on terrorism. I would also say that if we had things such as this during the Vietnam War, it would have made a significant difference.
I spent 12 months in Croatia and two years in Macedonia converting the Croatian and Macedonian armies from the Soviet system to the U.S. system. There is a place and a need for these cards in these countries where U.S. forces and U.S. contractors are located.
While I was on a flight returning from Afghanistan, one of the passengers was walking down the aisle and passed out. A call came over the intercom for anyone with medical experience. No one came forward. I explained to the flight attendant that I may be able to help if needed. If there had been a card available of basic first aid for heart attacks, seizures, choking, it would be a great help.
In closing, I want to say that in the trenches, where the rubber meets the road, these cards are worth their weight in gold if they are used properly and used by the right people.
Thank you for your time.
George D. Conrad, CSM (Ret)
My name is Sergeant Dewinkel (USAR). I used the Iraq Medical Visual Language Translator during my deployment in Iraq from August, 2006 – November, 2007 in southwest Baghdad while I was a medic with 1-89 CAV, 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division. I have to say it was one of my best tools when dealing with Iraqi casualties. I am now in the reserves (548th Medical Care Detachment, Madison WI) and I wanted to see if I could arrange to order cards for my squad – I have 6 soldiers – if not my entire platoon of approximately 30 soldiers. As of now we are only scheduled to go to Haiti in late July, 2010. However, I do have a couple of soldiers who volunteered to deploy to Iraq in May and I would like to get them the Iraq version before they leave. As for the rest of the platoon, I would like to either get the English version or if possible an English/French translation.
Unfortunately, I do not have a government credit card. However, I am willing to purchase a few of the cards out of pocket for my soldiers and hopefully after showing my command these cards they may be willing to purchase a larger quantity. If there is anything you can do to help, I would greatly appreciate it.
Case B. Dewinkel, SGT, USAR
These instructional guides address a subject clearly important to the U.S. Services. The [war] poses unique challenges in communicating with indigenous personnel and visual translators may benefit forces in the field, such as those serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
General Richard B. Myers (Ret.)
Assessment Report For Visual Language Translator (VLT)
The VLT supports instant 2-way survival-level communication through pictures. The VLT has been used in hospitals, for training in foreign countries and actual combat and peacekeeping operations. The VLT is cost effective. When used in conjunction with other language translation systems it becomes highly effective. It is easy to use and requires no training. The VLT proved durable. It was intuitive and easy to use.
Marine Forces Pacific Experimentation Center (MEC)
Kwikpoint was recommended as an excellent solution for basic communication with all participants, particularly given the current shortage of translators. The in-country users were reportedly very pleased with Kwikpoint’s low-tech approach, its lack of batteries, and low relative cost. They seemed to think that a copy of Kwikpoint in everybody’s pocket would be far more useful, and a lot cheaper, than an electronic device costing over $1,000 in just a few pockets.
From MITRE study of language aids used in Iraq
The VLT pictures are especially helpful when we find ourselves without a translator. A couple of weeks ago 2 UAVs crashed in orchards within our sector. I sent a platoon (without a translator) to locate the UAVs. After several hours the platoon decided to ask the locals if they had seen anything. Whenever the platoon mentioned aviation, the locals assumed they were talking about helicopters. Once the platoon used the Kwikpoint translation aid and pointed at the picture of a plane, the locals guided them to the downed UAV’s.
Captain, U.S. Army, OIF
I have spoken with troops who have used the VLTs in Iraq. They are very impressed with them and could not say enough about how effective they are in surmounting a language barrier when involved in volatile and potentially dangerous situations. They had virtually been “lifesavers” in instances where miscommunication or misunderstanding could have been a trigger point for an armed confrontation.
Brig Gen Samuel M. Shiver
Assistant Adjutant General for Air National Guard
… [We] found the cards to be very useful, and my Brigade made it mandatory for all soldiers to carry. The translators were best used with kids, who would come up to you and dialog by pointing to pictures. In one case, a kid pointed to the picture of the piece of dynamite in a can, then pulled my sleeve and led me to a trash can that contained mortars.
Sergeant First Class
U.S. Army
In Baghdad on combat patrols, we ran into Iraqi translator issues – from education levels to trust to a cap on the number of translators. Kwikpoint was very handy because soldiers don’t have enough time to learn Arabic. Also, 90% of everyone we spoke to didn’t speak English at any level and even if we learned a few words, there are many dialects and thick accents. The card let me quickly get information by pointing at pictures and communicating.
Captain, U.S. Army
4-1 FA Rear-D Commander, OIF
I work with Iraqi contractors routinely. One particular contractor came under attack during his trip to our base. Unable to explain all the details of who was involved, he was able to provide me those additional details using the one card I kept for myself. He used the card to explain to me the type/rank of Iraqi and American soldiers involved in the incident.
CPT Cartaya
1st ID, U.S. Army
I will always carry a Kwikpoint with me when I am flying in combat. There is no emphasis for us to learn any of the language before we deploy. While I never had to use it, I can see how important it would be if I was ever shot down. The Kwikpoint is an awesome tool.
Jason Dunnam
U.S. Army
“Talky-pointy” cards, like those offered by the commercial firm Kwikpoint, while not really a technology, provide inexpensive and useful assistance to personnel who must operate in a foreign-language environment without linguist support. They allow a modicum of non-verbal communication using visual aids (pictures, drawings) that depict particular situations and items, to which both the soldier and interviewee can point. While such aids allow only primitive exchanges (yes, no, directions, and other sign language), they do permit some understanding, which otherwise would be nearly wholly absent.
Defense Language Transformation
Thank you for your letter and Visual Language Translator materials introducing the U.S. Army Military Police School to the military police version of this product. Their communication products address an important challenge in todays evolving battlefield and our nation’s global war on Terrorism. I salute your patriotism and innovation in bringing products, which may benefit American forces in current and future military and humanitarian operations.
Stephen J. Curry
Brigadier General, USA
Commandant
Kwikpoint has proved very useful. I have used them on several occasions as ‘ice breakers’ to start conversations with local Iraqis and to make myself understood in a variety of situations. Everyone from small kids to adults can use them, even if illiterate. They are also great for teaching each other new words in our respective languages (Arabic & English).
Blair Tidey
Australian Army
I don’t travel in any of the theatres without mine. I keep an extra set in my small survival pack.
Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
Greetings from the desert!! We are using the “Iraq Visual Translator for IED Detection” cards, they were just issued to us the other day. We have several other cards too, which are an extremely valuable tool for us. The Iraqis know we have the cards and often prompt us to show them, so they can point while speaking with us. The phrases are accurate too, as our “friendly” Iraqis understand what we’re telling them. Thanks again!!
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
I am currently serving in Iraq with my Company of Marines in an isolated area. We are having a very difficult time communicating with the local population. My Marines constantly patrol and man traffic control points and unfortunately we at times run short on local translators. Your company’s products would be of a great help to my Marines. Could your company’s please send several of your visual translators to help us when we find ourselves in a difficult situation?
First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
The committee commends the Department of Defense for utilizing visual language translators for military field operations. The committee notes that visual language translators enable service members to greatly improve communications by eliminating language barriers. Service personnel in Operation Iraqi Freedom are currently using these devices. The committee supports the use of visual language translators and urges the Department of Defense to expand the use of this important tool.
Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate, National Defense Authorization Act – FY 2004
Kwikpoint is a basic leap-ahead technology for use in the battlefield for warfighters who have direct contact with the local population. A valuable resource for “boots-on-the-ground” troops deployed anywhere in the world.
Commander, U.S. Navy, DARPA Program Manager
I have used the Iraqi VLSG with adults and children in Southern Iraq with great success. They love using it and it is a great way of engaging them in conversation as they are really interested in using it with you! They laugh at the pictures and enjoy using it with you – they see it as a fun thing – so it is really very effective. Civil Affairs is all about communicating with people so this is a very useful tool.
Lt. Col. British Army, Chief Humanitarian Operations Center, Kuwait
In general, I found the Kwikpoint to be highly useful and very well organized … The most useful aspect of this VLT is that it gives me the ability to convey and receive information, especially details outside the normal scope of conversation, i.e. tactical/military.
Sergeant, Irish Defense Forces
Hope to see more new products from Kwikpoint in the future … these are great training tools for deploying units.
Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
I used the Kwikpoint Iraqi Visual Language Survival Guide for humanitarian efforts including helping a little girl after her mother communicated she was sick and got us to send over some medics. We determined she was malnourished. Kwikpoint saved lives – both our soldiers and Iraqi’s.
SGT Bryan Sage, 3rd Infantry Division
Kwikpoint was recommended as an excellent solution for basic communication with all participants, particularly given the current shortage of translators. The in-country users were reportedly very pleased with Kwikpoint’s low-tech approach, its lack of batteries, and low relative cost. They seemed to think that a copy of Kwikpoint in everybody’s pocket would be far more useful, and a lot cheaper, than an electronic device costing over $1,000 in just a few pockets.
Sergeant from MITRE study of language aids used in Iraq
Thanks for producing a great “common sense” product! Soldiers in my unit use your “Iraqi Visual Language Survival Guide” cards on a regular basis. We have interpreters assigned to our unit, but there are never enough to go around. As a result, we keep one of these cards in each of our vehicles. Sometimes we use them for actual real-world communicating and they work far better than the old “pointy-talky” technique (or the time-consuming) “look-it-up-in-the-dictionary” method). We also use them to build rapport, especially with the local kids. We can point to various images and trade English lessons for Arabic – the kids love it. My intent is to equip each of my soldiers with one of these cards instead of our current practice of one per vehicle. Thanks for your great product and thank you for supporting the troops!
Major, U.S. Army Special Forces
After reviewing your military and medical Visual Language Translator cards, I can only say I wish I would have had them with me in past conflicts. Kwikpoint has captured most of the translatable items that might be needed by a soldier in the field. Being a non-Arab speaker, the card would have benefited me in numerous occasions. Although it appears Kwikpoint developed the cards for daily conversation, there would be intrinsic value while in a survival situation.
MSG Thibodaux, SOTSE, HQ, 3rd Army Central Command
The VLTs have been a huge hit and I need more, a lot more. There are thousands of soldiers that could use them in Iraq. I’m still working an additional funding, but it is proving difficult from out here. I just got back from Baghdad and everyone is using the Iraqi VLSG – the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Also, a lot of government civilians are using them and even local Iraqis. The Iraqi Survey Group is based not far from me but works all over Iraq. They need a lot of VLSGs. It is great feedback from the folks at the front line.
Captain Frank A. Von Heiland, Defense Language Institute
I am in Mosul, Iraq right now and have found the Iraqi Survival Guide to be quite helpful. I deal with both military and civilian casualties and it has aided many times in getting the most basic of information across such as “Where is the landmine?”. The one time I was not carrying it I believe an Iraqi child of 15 lost both hands because we could not understand what his mother was trying to tell us about the danger and our interpreter was unavailable. The Iraqi Survival Guide is part of my daily uniform now.
SGT Cuneo, Operation Iraqi Freedom
MSG Thibodaux, SOTSE, HQ, 3rd Army Central Command “The Iraqi Visual Language Survival Guide is the kind of stuff soldiers who patrol outside the wire and have no human translation available need. It’s a good tool for units that are deploying on the next troop rotation. This is the type of tool the sentries require. I think anything with basic translation skills is good.”
Major, U.S. Army, North Baquba, Iraq
In Iraq, our unit had the Kwikpoint Visual Language Survival Guide on patrols. Using the card helped us find weapons caches by determining if information Iraqis brought to us was good enough to take it up the chain of command. Iraqis kept trying to come and tell us who was shooting at us. I would have Iraqis draw pictures after showing them how Kwikpoint pictures communicate. I also used it in conjunction with a map to point things out.
SGT Darian Dowdy, 3rd ID
We are in the middle of Baghdad and the Kwikpoint Iraqi VLSG cards are incredibly helpful and good. They are a hot commodity. We’d like to give some to the hospitals to interface with them. The text is also helpful – our Iraqi translator says any Iraqi can understand it.
Captain Arosemena, 1st Armored, 2nd Brigade
Checked with the brigade and they said Kwikpoint products were extremely useful during patrols without linguist support. Engineer and MP teams also found the products useful when communicating intent to linguists whose English was poor.
LTC Craig Bell, SETAF G2
These are top quality products and right on the money for our needs! I was requested to show them to my commanding general. He also was very impressed and pleased to be able to deploy with them. He believes the most useful of all for the soldier on the ground will be the Kwikpoint card. We had already started to develop our own and now I have shredded ours because they are not the same quality as what DLI has delivered. Kwikpoint will make a significant contribution to our mission success.
Major Scott P. Caldwell, Deputy G5, 1st Armored Division
If we need to not buy any furniture or computers for now, we should do that in favor of getting this stuff to the shooter. The clean up phase for this will take some time and the troops out front need to have these in their possession. I would even suggest that if it will speed up shipments to Maj … we cut orders and send someone on a round robin to deliver the VLSGs. Cut orders and fly commercial if needed to get these to the theater. We need to deliver! Thank you.
Captain Frank Von Heiland, Defense Language Institute
Here’s the utility. When I’m in the field debriefing a foreign national with translation assistance, many times the foreign national doesn’t have a robust vocabulary; example airplane may mean anything in the air. There is a process of going through images on Kwikpoint to obtain more detail from the individual. The airplane the foreign national stated to my translator may actually have been an attack helicopter, but the foreign national’s vocabulary couldn’t describe this. The benefit is that Kwikpoint will help facilitate more detailed debriefings that directly result in more detailed reporting created and disseminated via CHIMS. Benefit is even greater for soldiers patrolling without translator support.
LTC Grekowski, PM CHIMS
We, the Army/Navy Science Advisors, USASOC and the Defense Language Institute have distributed around 10,000 to date. Everyone wants more, principally the 18th Corps and MEF’s and the 30th MED from V Corps has some number as well. They are in use in both OEF and OIF.
John Grills, Deputy Director, AMC Fast
I want to get as many as possible, within reason. They are weapons and common signs translator/recognition cards that would be indispensable for every soldier to have. I would really like to get these for my deploying units. They are awesome.
MAJ Whetstone, Executive Officer, 1st Mobilization Brigade
The visual translator cards are an important addition to the language translation toolkit we are building for the Marines. Simple items such as these provide basic communication capability in foreign areas. Coupled with speech-to-speech tools, the visual translator cards expand the domain and breadth of communication possibilities.
Mr. Ashley G. Johnson, GS15, Naval Research Science Advisor
I am wildly enthusiastic about Kwikpoint. This looks to me to be one of those rare cases where there is a perfect match between capabilities and military need. I urge MCIA to talk with Alan at Gaia Communications, to send them cultural intelligence guides and work out ways to use Gaia’s experience in condensing complicated linguistic and cultural issues into compact visual guides to help them make a cultural intelligence and language guide for the individual Marine and soldier too. We are actively considering how both the MCIA and Gaia products could help us in our Rapid Acquisition of Tactical Language project at DARPA.
Dr. Ralph Ernest Chatham, Ph.D., Program Manager, Training Superiority, DARPA
In a world that expects a silicon-based, high-tech solution, the Kwikpoint solution is refreshingly functional, elegant and just low-tech enough to work almost anywhere – even Afghanistan!
Jim Bass, Program Manager, Project Babylon, DARPA
I’m sending 5 of them to Afghanistan with my son-in-law and extorting a review from him in return. I’ve looked through the cards and like them. I think the physical size is just about right, handy but not cumbersome. They look sturdy. Content is the key and I think you have most of it right. I was initially concerned about scale, but think your choice to keep the pictures about the same is wise. I think it’s a good product, useful and helpful.
Lane Aldrich, Senior Member, Army Foreign Language Proponency Office of Deputy Chief Staff
Just showed the Medical VLT to our resident medic and his comment was that it would have helped on those occasions when we had an ill Iraqi worker and our translator was off on another mission. I gave him one of the two cards for future reference and I tucked the other into my map case. I hope I don’t have to use it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.
LTC Mark Kimmey, Action Officer, Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center
I am Czech soldier and one year ago, when I was in Afghanistan, I obtained one of your Visual Language Translators (for IED Detection, to be exact). I am also a student of Military Academy and I would like to mention [the] advantage and contribution your Translator could give us in my diploma work. I am not sure, if it is [possible] according to law, [for me to] make one of your Translators (or scanned one) [an] appendix of my work. Thank You for Your help and Your Translators! Really handy!
Roman ROSTÁS
First, I’d like to tell you that all of us were very impressed with the quality of your product – design, organization, production quality and content; the attention to detail is evident in every product.
Jay Gillis, The Wexford Group, A CACI Company
Health and Safety Testimonials
While working at the Houston Astrodome during the Katrina relief, I was able to successfully communicate with non-English speaking victims to assess their general health during triage. I pointed to the visual graphics on the Kwikpoint Medical VLT and determined that the patient had no problems going to the bathroom and that there was not any blood in the urine or stool. I was able to get a definite response from the patient and then better able to triage for future needs.
Mike Reilly, Paramedic, Houston, Texas
The Medical Language Translator has been used by my Disaster Action Team (DAT) as we have responded to many single-family fires in our county. The client is thrilled to have someone ready to reach out to them in their language – visual in this case. You have helped many clients stressed by difficult situations begin to find comfort in the familiar while working with your translator. To the emergency responder, the translator is the best tool in their arsenal to diffuse a tense situation.
Jennifer Kelleher, American Red Cross, Sonoma County Chapter Disaster Services Chair
I used the Kwikpoint Medical Visual Language Translator on a call with a man who had surgery on his throat three days earlier. He couldn’t speak well. Using the VLT, I determined what was bothering him – he was having pain in his legs and overdosed on medication.
EMS Lieutenant, Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue
Wonderful product! I showed the medical translator to my fire department Saturday at our meeting and it was a hit. You have a great product and equally rewarding for you and the company knowing it will make life and the job so much easier. I’m keeping one in my bunker pants and the other in my car. If I were to go on a call and have spoken language as a barrier, it could avoid a life-death situation.
Robert B. Rogers, Northrop Grumman
Cary Area EMS recently had the opportunity to evaluate your new product, the Kwikpoint Medical Translator. We believe that this communication tool has a potential use in our field of Emergency Medical Services. In our ever-changing patient climate, the language barrier continues to be a challenge. We believe that this product may enhance our ability to communicate with those patients who are non-English speaking, especially in the absence of an interpreter. The Kwikpoint Medical Translator’s visual symbols could assist in assessing the patient situation quickly.
There are multiple communication tools such as dictionaries and “common phrase” translators available and we believe the Kwikpoint Medical Translator may be more effective and easier to use because it is not tied to language, but rather to pictures that both the patient and the clinician can point to and understand. Cary Area EMS believes that further testing should be performed beyond our initial evaluation. Cary Area EMS would be happy to further test and offer input into the Kwikpoint Medical Translator’s development.
The Medical Translators are in our trucks and working well. Most of the times I’ve used them, it’s been a quick solution to find out what’s going on with a patient. I have used the pain scale with the smiley faces several times to determine level of pain. We have recently been given access to the AT&T Language Line through the Cary Police Department, but it is often difficult to get connected with them and pass our small cell phones back and forth between our staff and our patients, making the Kwikpoint more attractive for rapid assessment.
Christian Heinrich, Captain, EMT-Paramedic, Cary Area EMS, North Carolina
I wanted to share with you that this is an “awesome” resource for our health department nurses. We originally used the Medical Visual Translator for a full-scale exercise, with the intention of using it during an emergency. However, we now have decided to provide all of our nurses copies for them to use in the day to day work during the clinic. I would recommend this resource to anyone who works with patients, etc…. Great job …
Health Care Public Relations Coordinator, Columbus, Georgia
I purchased several copies of the translator at a recent travel medicine seminar. My intent is to use it for personal travel or give to patients traveling to undeveloped countries. I tried it on several patients who speak no English and also tested it on one long established patient that is deaf. I was quite impressed by how well it worked.
Michael S. Cahn, MD, FACP, San Jose, California
Here in Iowa I used the Medical VLT in my civilian EMS position during a car accident with a Sudanese family that spoke no English. The family understood what the translator was for immediately and we were able to determine what was hurting them.
Chris Havran, EMS, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Health Services Officer
We use the Kwikpoint Medical VLT on our ambulance service. It’s a good product, it works well on the street. It would probably have an application in the tactical arena as well.
Mark J. Tutila, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Have used your Medical VLT for 3 years in EMS and Fire calls. Used twice in life threatening incidents. Have used also to teach. Have used to teach overseas in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. Great tool to purchase. Will recommend to use. Universal language indeed!!!
Firefighter EMT, Elizabeth, New Jersey
I’m not sure if you will remember me or not. We met and spoke briefly at NAEMSP. I’m the EMS captain from Worcester, Massachusetts. You were kind enough to give me Medical Kwikpoint folders to put in each of our six front line ambulances. I first wanted to say “thank you”. It was very kind and appreciated.
I’ve sent an email to all 75 of our medics explaining your product and giving them the link to your site. A crew came to me tonight, explaining how they used your product both on the scene and in the ER. They were very happy with the results and the ER was impressed with how easily the folders worked to get information in a hurry. Ironically one of the firefighters on the scene was trying to dial a free interpreter line to figure out what was going on with this patient. The medics, with your folder, figured out the complaint and necessary information before the interpreter could get on the phone.
The medics are starting to ask where they can get their own. I’m sending them to your site.
Thanks again for your generosity and getting your folders out on our ambulances.
Michael J. Hunter, EMS Captain, Worcester, Massachusetts, UMASS Memorial Health Care
As you know language barriers can compromise everything from the diagnosis to treatment and follow up care and I applaud your company in designing such an intriguing and innovative item.
Julie Louise Gerberding, MD, MPH Director, Center for Disease Control
My wife is already being helped to “speak” on vital health subjects as we cope with her stroke-related disease dysplasia (loss of speech) which comes and goes.
Dr. Robert A. Kilmarx
My sister has entered full hospice as of this week and here speech is for the most part non-existent. But we were able to apply the Medical Translator to the extent that we could. And I can visualize expanded applications. I want to thank you again for your kind consideration. Having worked in industry in human resources for many years, I recognize exceptional customer service. It means more than I can aptly express.
Name withheld, North Andover, Massachusetts
The Kwikpoint Medical Visual Translator has been a great help for our ambulance service. We are a culturally diverse community with many new people who do not speak English. The staff find having the cards helps them get a history from the patients who have trouble communicating their problems in English. It has enhanced our ability to provide good patient care.
Regional Operations Supervisor, Palliser Health Region EMS, Alberta, Canada
“Working on Liberty Island, we get a very international group of visitors from all over the world. For the patient that does not speak English your picture charts are perfect – easy to use with information I need to help the sick. Not only are these patients thousands of miles from home, they are in a situation where they find themselves sick or injured as well. The Kwikpoint color and images bring a smile and even make them laugh too, which is always a good thing. Such a great tool to use in the field. We at the Statue of Liberty thank you.”
Allen Sheps, Park Ranger and EMT, Acting EMS Coordinator
“Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and persistence. We’ve got ourselves a
great product to share with wellness centre clients. I will keep you posted
on any feedback we receive.”
Robin Landis, HIV/AIDS Policy Advisor, United Nations World Food Programme
“Thanks to everyone who worked towards creating the DSC [Diabetes Smart Card]-the most powerful and informative educational tool.”
Dr. Sonia Kakar, Program Manager for Project HOPE-India
You are great. I purchased this and the Medical translator several years ago. It got lost somewhere in the shuffle, but has been quite helpful, so I am replacing it now. I have even used it to help an airline stewardess with a foreign traveler and suggested the airline splurge and purchase your product.
You all provided great service before and have a very useful product. Many thanks.
Judy Stone, MD
Thank you so much! I will be using this tool on my medical mission in Myanmar in February and elsewhere through the world. It will help immensely in my nursing assessments.
Renée, a nurse
Because you had the wisdom to laminate the cards, we used it in Haiti to have patients point to what was wrong. They spoke Creole, French, Spanish (due to the Dominican Republic next door), and English. We also had Germans, Israelis, and other countries assist the Haitians. The International Medical Surgical Response Team (IMSuRT) loved it. They were able to point to the procedure that would have to be done. We used it where we were to have people point to what hurt, what allergies they had, and what procedure we needed to do. It was a HUGE help one day when we had over 600+ patients we treated in ONE day. I was able to let higher level professionals RNs and DRs start their jobs with an advantage. IMSuRT has decided to keep it with their standard cache due to the thoroughness of your easily portable VMT.
I love your cards. You did an excellent job in creating them. In NJ, we have over 50 different languages – even Creole. Hope to hear from you soon.
Megan Ploch
I am one to bring along things “just in case”, so I packed a Kwikpoint medical VLT. I hoped I wouldn’t need it, but as luck would have it, one of our traveling companions accidentally got dishwashing liquid into his eye! They spent about 45 minutes trying to rinse it out and it was still very sore and inflamed. We were in Istanbul Turkey, and none of us spoke the language. I suggested we find a pharmacy and ask for some eye wash to rinse out his eye. However, the people inside the pharmacy did not speak English. I knew the person needed boric acid eye wash or eye drops, but how to explain it? Then I remembered I had the Kwikpoint card and whipped it out, pointed to the person and his eye and then to our friend. I used the tears and pantomimed putting something in my eye that hurt, and then said “boric acid”? They knew the term and seemed to understand what he needed. Our friend used the product, and within one day was almost fully recovered. Thank you Kwikpoint!
Susan Feldman
As Chief of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Officer for the Maryland Transportation Authority, I am pleased to be rolling out the Kwikpoint Visual Language Translator in support of our efforts to overcome language communication barriers at Maryland Transportation Authority facilities throughout the state.
With Kwikpoint in the hands of our toll booth collectors, vehicle recovery technicians, police and revenue clerks, we have added a unique tool to help us comply with Maryland’s law requiring State agencies to take reasonable steps to provide equal access to public service for individuals with LEP. At the same time, Kwikpoint will enhance our ability to provide the best customer service to all of our customers who use our facilities and services regardless of their English language abilities.
Louis W. Jones, Chief, Equal Opportunity/Diversity Programs, Division of Organizational Dev.
I have received my command two days ago and I wish to thank you a lot for all the samples that are joined. They are wonderful!! I used them during an escort to Istanbul in Turkey and they worked perfectly! They are so little I can take most of them during my missions. They take no space in my bag and they are very useful. I hope to convert some of my colleagues and chief to them.
Hebrard Patrice, French Policeman
The Visual Language Translator is a critical communication tool as communities increasingly diversify. For law enforcement officers, being able to communicate is essential for personal safety and establishing trust.
Lt. Mark Jean (retired) Fairfax County Sheriffs Office Training Academy
The Kwikpoint Law Enforcement Visual Language Translator can assist law enforcement officers in communicating with the non-English speaking community. The benefit to improved emergency response, evidence collection and community relations is significant.
Ray Franklin, Executive Assistant Director of the Maryland Police Training Commission
I’ve shown my fellow officers the Law Enforcement VLT you provided during the IACOS Conference and they found them to be incredible.
Steve L. Vera, Senior Court Officer, Bronx County Supreme Court
Kwikpoint’s Visual Language Translator for Law Enforcement is as essential for officer survival as all other basic training tools and techniques. First Responders face barriers and challenges to communication on a daily basis. I’m sure there have been many serious incidents where this language aid could have been used and one day save a life.
Lieutenant George C. Heinrich (retired), Law Enforcement Training Officer
Travel Testimonials
I found your Kwikpoint International Translator to be a very valuable addition to my standard “road warrior” travel kit last fall during my travels through France. Although I don’t speak French, I was still able to easily and successfully communicate my needs with Kwikpoint. Whether I needed directions, was ordering food from a French only menu, or checking into a French country inn, I always knew I could be understood. In my opinion, your product is a true necessity for all travelers.
Kwikpoint offers a unique and valuable service to the international traveler. It is also lots of fun to use and encourages conversation and interaction with people, which is what travel memories are made of. Since Kwikpoint is not language specific, I plan to use it when I travel. You have developed a creative, attractive and useful product that can be kept for years. I wish you much success in marketing Kwikpoint to the travel industry. Oh, and best of all is that no batteries are required!
Danny Hood, President, WorldTravel Partners
I just wanted to commend you on your creation of Kwikpoint International Translator. With 39 years in the travel industry and as president of ASTA, the largest travel trade association in the country, I have seen a lot of aids for travelers. I am so impressed by Kwikpoint that I have asked ASTA to include it in their AMSI program of travel.
In my opinion, every travel agent should be providing this to their clients. Kwikpoint is an excellent travel tool and when branded promotes name recognition, builds customer relationships, generates referrals and strengthens customer loyalty. I personally used it in Europe and it helped me numerous times. At a restaurant in Germany, we were looking at a dinner menu and could not read even the German. I showed the translator to a waiter, he pointed at a pig and we knew it was pork! It worked great!
Congratulations on this wonderful product and best of luck marketing it.
Mike Spinelli, President, American Society of Travel Agents
Bravo on your passport size version of Kwikpoint International Traveler! I travel throughout Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East for Mobil and have found Kwikpoint to be a requirement for the international road warriors and a great gift. I often give copies out as a gift to my clients when traveling abroad. Kwikpoint makes a great icebreaker ouside the meetings where there are no translators and English is not spoken. I have handed out several hundred Kwikpoint’s in the last year and I can tell you everybody likes them a lot.
Recently I used Kwikpoint in a town east of Moscow. We were in a guest house trying to order dinner. Not a sole spoke Russian and the menu was completely in Russian. Using Kwikpoint I ordered a delicious 3 course meal including soup, pasta, meat, drinks and desert. I don’t know what I would have done without it. Any business person traveling abroad should have a Kwikpoint in their briefcase. I never travel without it. Kwikpoint is the one product that every HR department should keep on hand for their people doing business abroad.
Peter Staffeld
Based on our high customer demand for it, Kwikpoint was one of the best promotional tools I have ever seen at AT&T. Kwikpoint helped build customer loyalty, stimulate usage and increase AT&T Direct Service revenues.
Creigh Gibson, Manager, AT&T Marketing Communications for Global Segment
I carried a copy of Kwikpoint with me at all times in Leningrad and Moscow. When I used Kwikpoint, it was clear that everyone, American and Russian alike, not only knew what the translator was for but how to use it. At one luncheon party the person next to me grabbed the card and said “good, I want a red wine, not a white … like that, pointing to the white carafe. The need for an empty glass at another dinner party was easily conveyed through the use of the translator.
Julie Schneider
In route from Budapest back to Warsaw, I used Kwikpoint to show locomotive and beds under Shelter and got a good night’s sleep.
James Fisher
On our last trip to Italy we had two broken wheels and without Kwikpoint’s pictures indicating car trouble, I don’t know how we could have gotten help. No one spoke English anywhere near where we damaged our car.
Cynthia Woods, President, Waters Travel, the oldest established travel agency in DC
I found my Kwikpoint visual translator very helpful on my recent trip to Europe.
Miriam Korfhage
These are the best translators ever. I have been giving them as gifts to anyone that is traveling to Europe. Even a German couple that came here was able to use it to help them tour Chicago.
Bobbi Scott
We use Kwikpoint usually for transportation and grocery shopping, especially for identifying frozen produce, and eating out. However it has never failed to find me the nearest bathroom!!
David Family, Bangkok Thailand
We used Kwikpoint to find the toilet in a Bangkok cloth shop, to get rice and beer at a sidewalk café in Bangkok, to get ketchup in Seoul at a burger joint in a shopping mall, to get beer in a local eatery in Seoul where no English was spoken.
I used it in Osaka Japan to find the train station. We pointed to a train and a lady on the street smiled and pointed us down the street in the right direction.
We were in Guilin, went to a restaurant where no English was spoken and no English menu, pulled out the old Kwikpoint and by pointing to chicken plus rice and pig plus noodles ended up with delicious fried chicken.
We used the Kwikpoint to show what seats we wanted on a plane and got what we wanted.
My wife says that the Kwikpoint is such an effective communicator that it gives you a sense of security knowing that it would be very effective if a true emergency arose. I will definitely not leave home without it, she says.
Bill Parker
How about a translator for conversational Spanish for use by those of us who hire immigrants? The basics of telling someone to clean, to dig, the name of work implements like brushes, shovels, etc. Having that in one place would be useful.
Scott Olmstead
Those guides are the best!!! I’m a travel agent and everyone I showed it to loves it and wants one for themselves. I will continue to send clients to your web site. Please send me my wallet size – I love that size.
Christy Rust
I like that the cards come in different sizes. I’ve had the tall, laminated card and my complaint until now was the size. Thank you for your wonderful and useful products. I can’t wait to start traveling again.
Jason Stanley
What a great idea. You should advertise on adoption websites. Anyone traveling overseas would find this helpful.
Susan Serra
Well, what can I say. I brought back this product from a visit in Las Vegas to the Shot Show in early February 2008 and did carry it along with me to a business trip to Montenegro the week after. Where I was struck by an unexpected heart attack and ended up in a hospital where communication was a big problem. Not so any more with the Translator! It really helped me out. I will recommend it to all my colleagues and friends.
Lars Henriksson
I used the Kwikpoint Translator when I was in Thailand. As a vegan, it was important for me to find restaurants that could cater to my diet and to make sure that the restaurant staff understood me rather than just nodding me away while pretending to understand. The Translator was valuable for clearly communicating my diet. The intelligent layout, especially the food groupings, made finding the images and communicating them very efficient as did the ability to leave the Translator folded with any page facing out. It was also useful when I had to find a seamstress, a hospital and other things.
Pedor Monteiro
This is GREAT!
Shelly Meleraren
Wonderful products. Thanks!
Brandi Vasquez
Keep up the good work!
Brian Edwards
I think they’re perfect …
Sean Weston
I love your website. It’s very easy to navigate. I appreciate that law enforcement, medical teams and especially our military use this item as well. I will share this site with all my family and friends. Thank you!
LaVonne Menzel
I gave my father the International Travel Pack for Father’s Day. My parents live in a neighborhood where there are new homes being built and thus, a lot of construction going on. Mr. Teran, Sr. noticed a gas leak one afternoon. The construction workers did not speak much English and so he used his Kwikpoint Translator to communicate the problem to them. They were able to understand and stop the gas leak immediately.
Hunter Teran
I love it and have used it every time we travel. I also ordered extra’s for gifts to my kids who love to travel internationally:)
Peggy Odegard
I bought this product about 10 years ago, and it has been on 5 continents with me, for business and pleasure. Some of the places I can remember using it while traveling for extended periods: Russia (7 trips), Czech Republik (2 trips), Slovak Republik (Slovakia), France, Australia (an English speaking country, but was helpful with the Aborigines), Mexico, Argentina, several islands, etc. It has been indispensable in some cases, and added to my cultural immersion in others. It really “breaks the ice” with locals; I have found that by carrying a pencil, small pad, and the Travel Translator, you can communicate basics virtually anywhere. It’s even better if you know a few basic courteous words in the native language like “thank you” or “hello”, which are apparently included on the newer version.
A few examples of how this product helped me:
I was traveling in Russia during the winter – a hectic schedule, 12 hours time difference from home, jetlagged, minus 25c, and I flew from Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg. I caught something and became ill. The hotel I was staying in had no staff or guests that spoke basic English (an unusual occurrence). Even though I was quite ill, using the Translator, I was able to communicate with the front desk staff that I needed a doctor. Thankfully, Russian Doctors still make house calls (Wow!), and everything was better after a couple of days on the medications he provided.
Another time, I was traveling in Paris, I was robbed and had almost everything taken including cash and credit cards. The translator was in my breast pocket and did not get taken. I had nothing- no money, no ID, no credit cards; nothing but the clothes on my back and this Translator. It was very useful when visiting banks, hotels, and stores to get replacements for everything. I was able to recover and put the trip back on track in one day. An added benefit was that in this process I met a nice Russian lady who was there on holiday. She saw what happened; the translator and her multiple languages helped me communicate. We spent several of our days together exploring the city. She now speaks excellent English, I speak some Russian, and we are close friends to this day. We have since gone on other extended trips, and the Translator has been on all of them.
Lastly, I was in the Argentine Andes in a city called Bariloche. The translator was very useful in foreign airports (especially when making transfers to other airports). I also used the translator when communicating with street vendors to buy handmade gifts for the folks at home.
The Translator takes up very little space, has no batteries to go dead, and speaks the universal language of pictures. It also helps in emergencies when everything goes wrong. I sometimes re-familiarize myself with it on a long flight. It’s one of those products where you say to yourself “Why didn’t I think of that?”
James
A Handy Helper. Took it to Portugal just in case and had one occasion to use it. I wanted ice tea and the waitress did not speak one word of English or French, which was all I knew, so I showed the picture of ice and pointed to the menu and we instantly got through our minor roadblock.
Nancy M. from Ontario
A Real International Translator. I used this in Japan with much success. I will be using it in Thailand soon. Not only is it great that you can use this between any two languages in the world, it is also pocket-sized, water-proof and tear-proof. I couldn’t be happier with my Kwikpoint and I would buy it for others who plan to travel abroad.
Rebecca E. from California
Kwikpoint was purchased for my daughter who will be traveling to several South American and European countries this summer. She was impressed with it and said it will come in handy since she is traveling to countries with so many different languages.
Clarisse K. from Florida
An Intelligent Design. While quite basic, this point – graphic card has most of the elements that would be useful in a country where I do not speak the local language.
Thomas P. from Washington
My husband ordered this for me as we will be travelling to France in the Spring, and do not speak French! What a marvelous idea! The kwikpoint is concise and addresses all the most important needs in pictograph form that one only needs to point to. It is also compact and can fit in a pocket, purse or wallet! I am looking forward to using it!
April C. from British Columbia
I have been looking for a translator like this after seeing one a friend had.
Anonymous
I’ve used several of the Kwikpoint translators in my travels around the world. They work regardless of language or literacy. They even work extremely well with the deaf if you (or they) are unable to sign. From ordering food with consideration of my food allergies to moving my hotel room because the A/C sounded like a jet plane.
I wouldn’t travel (even in the US) without them!! They fit easily in my purse and are always there when I need them!
Tami from Virginia
Independent Traveler, First time in Asia
Whenever I travel abroad I always carry with me a laminated picture card from Kwikpoint. This has humdreds of pictures of items from food to medical that you just point to when the phrase book or gestures fail you. I used it for film in China, menu selections in Thailand, and for products and services in a number of other countries. It won’t solve all your communication problems but it helps. See www.kwikpoint.com, look for “travel”.
Annonymous
I bought one once at a travel store and loved it. I was telling a friend about it, and decided to send them one as a gift.
Charlotte Farrell
I used to have a passport size international travel one, but gave it to my niece a few years ago when she was traveling a lot overseas. I need to buy another!
Barbara
Great products.
Jeff
Customer Testimonials
A[n] [EMS] crew came to me…explaining how they used your product both on the scene and in the ER. They were very happy with the results and the ER was impressed with how easily the [English/Spanish Medical VLT] worked to get information in a hurry. Ironically, one of the fire fighters on scene was trying to dial a free interpreter line to figure out what was going on with this patient. The medics, with your [product], figured out the complaint and necessary information before the interpreter could get on the phone.
January 2008
… My sister has entered full hospice as of this week, and her speech is for the most part non-existent. But we were able to apply the Medical Translator to the extent that we could. And I can visualize expanded adaptations. I want to thank you again for your kind consideration–having worked in industry in Human Resources for many years, I recognize exceptional customer service… it means more than I can aptly express.
October 2007
In general, I found the Kwikpoint to be highly useful and very well organized…. The most useful aspect of this VLT is that it gives me the ability to convey and receive information, especially details outside the normal scope of conversation, ie tactical/military.
June 2007
The product (Kwikpoint Medical VLT) has been a great help for our Ambulance Service. We are a culturally diverse community with many new people who do not speak English. The staff find having the cards helps them get a history from the patients who have trouble communicating their problems in English. It has enhanced our ability to provide good patient care.
March 2007
Have used your Medical VLT for 3 years in EMS and Fire calls. Used twice in life threatening incidents. Have used also to teach. Have used also to teach overseas in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. Great tool to purchase. Will recommend to use. Universal Language indeed!!!!
March 2007
Hope to see more new products from Kwikpoint in the future … these are great training tools for deploying units.
February 2007
I don’t travel in any of the theaters without mine. I keep an extra set in my small survival pack.
January 2007
I wanted to share with you that this is an “awesome” resource for our health department nurses. We originally used the Medical Visual Translator for a Full-Scale Exercise, with the intention of using it during an emergency. However, we now have decided to provide all of our nurses copies for them to use in the day to day work during the clinic. I would recommend this resource to anyone who works with patients, etc… Great job…
October 2006
Greetings from the desert!! We are using the “Iraq Visual Language Translator for IED Detection” cards, they were just issued to us the other day. We have several other cards too, which are an extremely valuable tool for us. The Iraqis know we have the cards and often prompt us to show them, so they can point while speaking with us. The phrases are accurate too, as our “friendly” Iraqis understand what we’re telling them. Thanks, again!!
August 2006
I am currently serving in Iraq with my Company of Marines in an isolated area. We are having a very difficult time communicating with the local population. My Marines constantly patrol and man traffic control points and unfortunately we at times run short on local translators. Your company products would be of a great help to my Marines. Could your company please send several of your visual translators to us in Iraq? If this is possible, we would like to request the products listed below. It would really help us when we find ourselves in a difficult situation without a translator.
October 2006
I carried a copy of Kwikpoint with me at all times in Leningrad and Moscow. When I used Kwikpoint, it was clear that everyone, American and Russian alike, not only knew what the translator was for but how to use it.
Alexandria, Virginia
I gave my father the International Travel pack for Father’s Day. My parents live in a neighborhood where there are new homes being built and, thus, a lot of construction going on. Mr. Teran, Sr. noticed a gas leak one afternoon. The construction workers did not speak much English and so he used his Kwikpoint translator to communicate the problem to them. They were able to understand and to stop the gas leak immediately.
The committee commends the Department of Defense for utilizing visual language translators for military field operations. The committee notes that visual language translators enable service members to greatly improve communications by eliminating language barriers. Service personnel in Operation Iraqi Freedom are currently using these devices. The committee supports the use of visual language translators and urges the Department of Defense to expand the use of this important tool.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004
Kwikpoint is a basic leap-ahead technology for use in the battlefield for warfighters who have direct contact with the local population. A valuable resource for “boots-on-the-ground” troops deployed anywhere in the world.
DARPA Program Manager
I have used the Iraqi VLSG with adults and children in Southern Iraq with great success, they love using it and it is a great way of engaging them in conversation-as they are really interested in using it with you! They laugh at the pictures and enjoy using it with you-they see it as a fun thing- so it really is very effective. Civil Affairs is all about communicating with people so this is a very useful tool.
Chief Humanitarian Operations Center, Kuwait
As you know, language barriers can compromise everything from the diagnosis to treatment and follow up care, and I applaud your company in designing such an intriguing and innovative item.
Former Director, Centers for Disease Control
There are multiple communication tools such as dictionaries and “common phrase” translators available and we believe the Kwikpoint Medical Visual Language Translator may be more effective and easier to use because it’s not tied to language, but rather pictures that both and patient and clinician can point to, and understand.
EMT Paramedic, Cary Area EMS, North Carolina
The translator is as essential for officer survival as all other basic training tools and techniques. First Responders face barriers and challenges to communication on a daily basis.
Law Enforcement Training Officer
The Visual Language Translator(TM) is a critical communication tool as communities increasingly diversify. For law enforcement officers, being able to communicate is essential for personal safety and establishing trust.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy
Based on our high customer demand for it, (Kwikpoint) was one of the best promotional tools I have ever seen at AT&T. (Kwikpoint) helped build customer loyalty, stimulate usage and increase AT&T Direct Service revenues.
AT&T Marketing Communications for Global Segment