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 challenge of providing adequate medical interpreters becomes even more challenging. The following vendors have been providing medical interpreter trainings for immigrant and refugee languages to those seeking to become Medical Interpreters (all links exit the DHS website):

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 interpret 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: December 27, 2016