Migration Policy Institute - Overview of Translation and Interpretation Technologies for Language Access Professionals

[Guest guest]

FYI…. January 25, 2011Dear Tom,Advances in translation and interpretation technology have given language access professionals a multitude of options for breaking down language barriers. However, with different and seemingly complex types of technologies now available, selecting the right technology system can be a challenge. And because language access needs vary immensely, rarely do agencies or service organizations have translation and interpretation needs that can be met the same way.In a new report, Communicating More for Less: Using Translation and Interpretation Technology to Serve Limited English Proficient Individuals, the Migration Policy Institute’s National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy (NCIIP) commissioned author Sperling to provide an overview of translation and interpretation technologies in use and available. The analysis is based on interviews with state and local government employees and language access service managers experienced in utilizing these technologies. Because some service providers are uncertain about the functionality and value of these technologies or lack the time necessary to research purposes, costs, and benefits, this work provides a roadmap that assists language access professionals in seeking out products to meet their unique needs.An online conversation about the report and the experiences of government and not-for-profit agencies working with different language access technologies will take place on the NCIIP’s integration practitioner site starting this evening and continuing through next Tuesday, February 1st. If you would like to join NCIIP’s US Immigrant Integration Program Network on Ning and gain access to this conversation, please email Arciga at marciga@.... We hope you will share the report with others in your network who are working to address language access needs -- whether they are school personnel seeking to communicate with Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, social services, workforce training or health care providers seeking to communicate with LEP clients, or others in state and local agencies who need to communicate with all community members in order to protect public health and safety. More information on the National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy’s work to support language access practitioners, including our Language Portal, a searchable database with over 1,600 documents related to management of language access programs, can be found at www.migrationinformation.org/integration.MPI gratefully acknowledges the Annie E. Casey Foundation, whose support allows us to help build the quality of practice in the language access field. As always, we thank you for your interest in MPI’s work.Sincerely,Margie McHughCo-Director, National Center on Immigrant Integration PolicyMigration Policy Institute Click here to change your email preferences or unsubscribe.