Federal law requires medical practices to use interpreters. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires interpreters for all patients with limited English proficiency (LEP)
Many problems with interpreters are a result of others in the court not fully understanding how interpreting is supposed to be done. Judges, clerks, officers
Why should a company invest in language classes? Recently, I conducted Spanish language safety class with a group of workers. I have been providing regular
As considered in part 1, employees need to see safety written into the fabric of a company’s policy and processes. Obviously having it in print
The following is a scenario that unfolds on a regular basis. I arrive to interpret at a physical therapy appointment. They call the patient in
In South Carolina courts, who is responsible for scheduling an interpreter? One would think that this could all be done through one central office that
Every company has a certain amount of federally- or state-mandated required training. For example, the following is a list of subjects that OSHA® requires company
In the previous two blogs, we discussed the importance of management and leadership setting the right example to promote a strong safety culture. We talked
As mentioned in previous blogs, South Carolina has a shortage of certified court interpreters, especially in languages other than Spanish (LOTS). Even if approximately two
The National Certification for Healthcare Interpreters first began issuing credentials in 2011. In those seven years, it has continued to grow. For the past four
A positive company culture and safety environment are not always easy to accomplish. The larger the company, the more diverse the workforce, the greater the
8 Ways to set the example Employees need to observe real safety commitment from their leaders. If they are not convinced, they will not take
In the United States, there is no such designation of Certified Legal Translator. Translators deal with the written word; interpreters deal with the spoken word.
So far, I have completed two sprint triathlons. My goal to prepare myself for a larger one soon. When I first tried to run my
There are two recognized organizations in the United States that provide a certification for healthcare interpreters. CCHI certification is offered by the Certification Commission for
Just as newer technologies continue to replace older technologies, employees must continue to receive updated technical training. Technical skills training is a necessary component of
This is the first of a series of articles on safety culture and climate in the workplace. I begin at the top with company leaders!
There is a difference between orientation and onboarding employee training. Orientation is usually related to human resources and is done at the first week of
Trust me, legal interpreting is not for the faint of heart. There are daunting encounters for professional court interpreters. First, they must be experts in
1. Choose a professional certified healthcare interpreter and become familiar with the code of ethics · By reviewing the code of ethics, you will better
What exactly is accuracy when interpreting? This might seem like an obvious question, but it is more complicated than you realize. Why do I say
Company orientations are one of the most common types of employee training. It introduces employees to the company and shares its method of operation and
I am thrilled and delighted to announce that I will present at the Associated Builders & Contractors of the Carolinas 2019 Safety Conference. This year
In every profession, we have those on the cutting edge, as well as those who believe there is no school like the old school. As
In the past, we had an attorney angrily complain about our independent certified court interpreter. She was furious because the certified interpreter continually paused and
A while back I stood before a Hispanic work crew in the early morning before the start of the work shift. I was doing a
Arriving on time is a very big deal! As much as we try to stand out for our as quality, ethical and knowledgeable professionals, some
Often, I hear complaints about good interpreters because they rigidly stick to their job description. This blog might get me in trouble with some of
A company was having problems with a Hispanic crew. They were a very good crew with the reputation for working fast and doing quality work.
Last month we discussed three action items to minimize violations against your client’s due process rights. To close 2018, here are the remaining action items
I have a few pet peeves to discuss. Sometimes I run into exceptional interpreters who have some terrible habits; I also run into good interpreters
Over time, I have come to identify two types of people. The person who tends to dwell on negative things and the positive person. Negative
South Carolina has become a larger melting pot since the 1990s. Today in Spartanburg, there is a decent Russian language community. In Laurens, there are
When I think of setting high expectations, two South Carolina companies come to mind: BMW and Greenville Health System (GHS). I have heard stories of
To become a certified healthcare interpreter in the USA, a person must first take interpreting courses. I attended an 80-hour course at Greenville Tech. I
Yes, garlic is a very powerful substance that gives me super powers! Let me describe the first time I discovered this awesome power. I was
I have been watching the debate on artificial intelligence. Many translators will attest that only highly skilled human beings with knowledge and training can understand
All the stories I share are about people I knew and are true. However, I did change the names to protect the innocent, the guilty,
Healthcare interpreters are encouraged to become proficient at note taking. I have found note taking especially useful when I must remember dates and numbers. For
Sarcasm is a kind of humor that can be very witty, but it can also easily be misunderstood. Often, the humor goes right over many
Often, when I do safety training, company leaders’ eyes are opened to the perils and potential for greatness. However, doubt sets in. They tell me
As an interpreter, I find myself jealous of translators. They have one benefit the interpreter cannot have. The translator can read and re-read a text
It’s understandable that the police department wishes to spend taxpayer dollars in a responsible way. Certified and quality professional interpreters are not cheap. Some departments
A great conference interpreter knows how to attentively listen and speak. That seems like a very simple sentence, but it is much harder to achieve
The story is true, but the name is changed. Armando had been working on a scaffold about 20 feet high. The scaffold was not
I know this seems obvious, but an interpreter must understand what is being said if he is to transmit the information. With that in mind,
As a business owner, one thing I have noticed over many years is that Hispanics relocating to the U.S. will move wherever there is work.
It might seem overly simple, but professional interpreters must be able to hear and understand what is being said to do their job. I say
