Limited English Proficiency Resources
Interpreter Training
Resources
Agencies receiving federal funds are required to establish a language policy
and a plan indicating how they will serve individuals of LEP and meet the
requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Qualified interpreters are one
source of language access. Qualified interpreters will have proficiency in both
English and the target language; demonstrated knowledge in both languages of
relevant specialized terms, concepts and cultural issues, and abide by an interpreter
code of ethics. Individuals who wish to interpret should obtain training in
order to meet their professional responsibilities to clients and agencies.
Agencies may contact trainers in order to arrange for interpretation training
for the staff or contracted interpreters they use.
National Interpreting Resources
Language Access
Resources
Oral Communication
Contract information for telephone conference-call
foreign-language oral interpretation services.
Cards and Posters
The following resources are available through the
courtesy of Minnesota's Department of Human Services.
Medical Interpretation/Interpreters
Agencies receiving federal funds need to ensure limited English clients have
access to adequate qualified interpreters in order to provide quality services
and meet the requirements of Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act 1964. Individuals who wish to be community,
medical and court interpreters need to obtain appropriate training in order to
meet their professional responsibilities to clients and agencies. There are two
types of training available in Wisconsin: community/medical and court.
What's so special about Medical Interpretation?
- Medical interpretation is a specialty, with national standards and a
code of ethics. Most large cities have accredited training programs in
medical interpretation.
- Medical interpretation involves not only a specialized vocabulary, but
also an interpreter who is empathetic to the patient's situation and
comfortable in handling intimate and emotional content.
The quality of healthcare often depends as much on the interpreter as the
provider.
As the immigrant and refugee population becomes increasingly diverse, the
challenges of providing adequate medical interpreters become even more
challenging. The following vendors have been providing medical interpreter
trainings for immigrant and refugee languages to those seeking to become
Medical Interpreters:
Wisconsin Court Interpreter Training
Orientation
This program covers the fundamentals of court interpreting. It is
designed to give participants an overview of the needs and expectations of
the court, with emphasis on ethical conduct, legal terminology, court
procedure and basic legal interpreting skills. It includes small group
practice exercises to develop interpreter skills. It is appropriate for both
foreign language and sign language interpreters.
Written Exams
After the training, an interpreter can take a multiple choice exam
covering, general English proficiency, interpreters code of ethics, legal
terminology, and a translation, which are offered approximately eight weeks
after the training.
Oral Certification Exam
When an interpreter passes the written exam; the next step is the Oral
Certification Exam. This exam tests the interpreter's ability to interpreter
in the three modes of interpreting, simultaneous, consecutive and sight
translation in a legal setting. Only interpreters who successfully complete;
the orientation, written exam, oral certification exam and meet the
character and fitness requirements, are eligible for Wisconsin
Certification.
Cost of Training
Agencies are encouraged to contact the Office of Refugee Assistance
Services Program Section in DCF and or contact the vendors directly.
After successful completion of either training, he/she will appear on the
roster of Roster
of Trained Court Interpreters.
Legal Interpreters
More Medical Interpreter Resources
Last Revised: September 06, 2011
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