The IRC provides trained foreign language interpreters to local hospitals, schools, agencies, and courts serving Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons.
The IRC has developed the Community Interpreter Service to assist local organizations to meet the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which specifies that institutions receiving Federal funds must provide equal access to LEP persons and ensure effective communication.
On-site Interpreting
• Interpreters are available by appointment in Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bassar, Burmese, Cantonese, Ewe, Farsi, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Mai Mai, Portuguese, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Swahili, and Tibetan.
• IRC interpreters have been tested for language proficiency and have successfully completed a minimum of 16-hours of training on interpreting ethics, language retention, and interpretation skills.
• IRC interpreters follow a Code of Ethics, which includes confidentiality, accuracy, and client self-determination.
• Requests are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Agencies are billed by the hour, with a one-hour minimum.
In-Service Trainings
Training on the effective use of interpreters is offered to teach staff how to communicate through an interpreter, with video and interactive exercises. This includes Title VI requirements for front-line staff.
