Efforts to expand language access in government programs in the United States have grown in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring a Q&A with an expert from the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute, this webinar will explore the current state of language access policy in the United States and its implications for interpreters. The discussion will cover the current state of language access, diving into federal requirements, state and local policies, and how these pieces fit together to influence the use of interpreters by government agencies across the country. Attendees will also learn more about how language access programs are typically funded, what advocacy groups are currently working on this issue, and how different data sources play a role in shaping the language access efforts of government programs. The webinar will then address recent developments in the United States, considering what the future may hold for language access in the current context. Following this moderated discussion, there will be ample time for attendees to pose questions.
About the presenter: Jacob Hofstetter is a Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy, where he conducts research related to language access as well as educational and workforce programs for immigrant adults and youth. His work focuses on the civic, economic, and linguistic integration of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In the language access space, he analyzes the design and implementation of federal, state, and local policies that aim to expand access to government services for individuals with limited proficiency in English. In his work related to adult education and workforce development, he researches programs that promote the integration of immigrants and examines the broader policies that govern adult skills systems. Jacob holds a master’s degree in global policy studies with a focus on immigration and refugee policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin and a BA in history from Miami University.
No, CCC is an organization dedicated solely to interpreter and cultural competence training. Our mission is language access. However, we do provide graduates of The Community Interpreter® with a list of nearby language companies and public organizations that employ interpreters. We also occasionally send out job postings to our program graduates and/or e-newsletter subscribers at the request of other organizations.
Cross-Cultural Communications is the leading international training agency in the U.S. devoted to community interpreting, educational interpreting, healthcare interpreting and cultural competence. It is also the only organization that licenses community interpreters across the U.S. and in other countries. We regularly train bilingual staff as well as contract interpreters. We also provide training and consulting services to private companies, non-profits and government agencies. Our programs are grounded in a mixture of theory and practical, hands-on activities.
The Community Interpreter® International, or TCII, is a 40-hour certificate training program for interpreters who are just starting out or those experienced interpreters who are looking for a recognized qualification. Subjects covered include the interpreting code of ethics and standards of practice in order to give participants a solid grounding in the profession. This is complemented by practical, hands-on activities such as role-plays and interactive group discussions. The program fulfills the 40-hour training requirements considered by many (certifying bodies employers and industry associations) to be the minimum needed to entire the field.
At the moment, a combination of two CCC programs fulfills this requirement: Medical Terminology for Interpreters (7.5 hours) and The Community Interpreter® International. Since TCII is open to all community interpreters and the subject matter covers education and social services as well as medical interpreting, at the end of each TCII session any participant who is seeking medical interpreter certification will be given a letter from CCC, stating the number of hours that can be counted towards this requirement. Typically 34-36 hours count towards the 40 hour requirement.
Yes, although the CE credits offered for each program will vary according to course length and content. Our programs are currently approved for continuing education credits by the following organizations:
*To apply for RID CEUs after completing one of our courses, please contact our RID sponsor, admin@linguisteducationonline.com, with your course certificate of completion.
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