Security screeners at airports nationwide could soon communicate with travelers in their native languages thanks to efforts by Transportation Security Administration workers at the Des Moines airport.

Challenged by their local managers to brainstorm new, better ways of doing things, a team of TSA workers at the airport have come up with a way to translate simple commands, such as "remove shoes," into Spanish. Using a hand-held computer that the TSA already uses to measure passenger activity, the device will both display a command on a small screen and make an oral statement to passengers.

Officials at TSA headquarters in Washington said they are impressed enough with the innovation to press for it to be used nationwide. First, however, they'll test it starting in January in Des Moines; Columbus, Ohio; and possibly airports in California and New York, said Stephanie Stoltzsus, a manager of the TSA's office of civil rights and liberties.

"We're real proud of this program," she said.