Language Access Resource Center

Interpreter Log-in
Client Log-in

To  request a Log-in account , please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (630) 782-7544.

To find out more, click on the topics below {clicking on one of these scrolls down to the descriptions that follow}

• How to Arrange for a LARC Interpreter
  • On-site (Face-to-Face) Foreign Language Interpretation
  • Contacting Us to Arrange for an Interpreter
  • American Sign Language
• Languages Covered by LARC Interpreters
• Document Translation Services
• Training
  • Training of Certified LARC Interpreters
  • Oral Proficiency Assessments of Bilingual Staff
  • Interpreter Training for Agency Personnel
  • Provider Training
• What Distinguishes LARC Services

How to Arrange for a LARC Interpreter

On-site (Face-to-Face) Foreign Language Interpretation  Typically, twenty-four hours' notice is preferred to arrange for a foreign language interpreter. LARC wants to ensure that you have the ability to maintain proper communication, and so our interpreter services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Holidays. Last minute and emergency requests will be honored as we are able.
 
Contacting Us to Arrange for an Interpreter  Requests for on-site foreign language interpreters placed during business hours Monday through Friday 8:30A - 5:00P may be scheduled via secure email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), phone (630-782-7544), fax (630-748-4794), and the FLUENCY online scheduling system (www.gofluently.com/dupagefederationlarc/). Services may be scheduled outside of these business hours via secured email, FLUENCY, and an after-hours number (630-290-7893).  Note that this “after-hours” number is good anytime you need to reach us.  In addition, using the FLUENCY on-line system requires registration, but you can contact LARC at any time to obtain registration information.

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American Sign Language  We also have a registry of certified sign language interpreters who reside in nearby communities. Typically, twenty-four hours' notice is preferred to arrange for a sign language interpreter. Due to recent changes in sign language interpreter licensure standards, and depending on the need of the organization, it may take longer to secure an interpreter with the appropriate proficiency / skill level. Last minute and emergency requests will be honored as we are able.

Languages Covered by LARC Interpreters*

The Language Access Resource Center is currently able to provide interpreters for the languages listed in the table below.  When languages other than the ones listed are needed, the LARC will make a good faith effort to find qualified interpreters and/or translators. The list of languages is continually expanding, with particular focus on recruiting interpreters who speak the languages of the area's refugee populations. Interpreters are assessed, trained, and certified by LARC, but they provide services as independent contractors for LARC.

* This list of languages is continually expanding. Please contact LARC to request an Interpreter for a language not listed above

Document Translation Services

LARC's translators have a combination of experience and education. LARC utilizes many translators who have also received their Certificates of Completion as Medical Interpreters. LARC is also a member of the American Translators Association (ATA), the entity that is responsible for the certification of translators. As part of LARC's quality assurance procedures, all translated documents are proofread by another translator.

To obtain a translation of a written document, please submit the request along with the original document to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Within one business day, LARC staff will acknowledge receipt of document to be translated. Upon receipt, LARC staff will immediately begin the intake process which includes the determination of word count and coordination of assigned translator. Once a translator has been confirmed, LARC staff will contact the requestor with final word count, cost, and anticipated date of completion. This communication may take place via e-mail or telephone depending on what is most convenient for the requestor.

Telephonic Interpretation

We always do whatever we can to accommodate your interpretation and translation needs. If your needs go beyond our current list of face-to-face interpreters, we can arrange for Pacific Interpreters.  This is a telephonic interpreting agency that provides 24/7 access for telephone interpretation services in over 180 languages and dialects. A toll-free telephone number and an access code will be made available to you to have direct access. The "wait time" for interpreting is one minute or less. We currently have such an arrangement with various clients.

Training

Training of Certified LARC Interpreters  The LARC program requires 100 hours of formal training, including a 40-hour supervised externship. The training program covers such topics as interpreter ethics and techniques, the importance of culture and its impact on interpreting, and basic medical terminology. The interpreters are trained regarding the knowledge and strategies that are necessary to facilitate and enhance the communication between providers of services and Limited English Proficient service recipients. All LARC interpreters have had a formal assessment of language proficiency of both English and the target language. Once the training and externship are completed, the interpreter receives a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate of Completion is also an accepted standard within the profession.  If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a certified LARC interpreter, contact us at 630-782-7544 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  For a training schedule, click here {link to training schedule on the Home page}

Oral Proficiency Assessments of Bilingual Staff  LARC conducts structured over-the-phone interviews which assess the language proficiency of bilingual staff of provider organizations. These assessments test the individual's oral fluency and listening comprehension in English and in the target language.  Vocabulary, grammar, clarity and flow of speech are then evaluated. These assessments should be pre-arranged with LARC staff.

Interpreter Training for Agency Personnel  Many organizations use a combination of contract interpreters, telephonic interpreters and staff interpreters to meet the needs of their Limited English Proficient clients. Particularly as an organization is beginning to learn about these needs, it is common for providers to ask bilingual staff to serve as 'ad hoc' interpreters. We recommend that such interpreters attend interpreter workshops and that the organization develop formal structure around the use of 'dual task interpreters'. We can provide workshops and consultation for management on development of such policies. LARC will also customize interpreter training for various specific institutional needs. 

Provider Training  The key to a successful interpreter program within any institution is to also train provider staff on how, when and why to work with an interpreter and to recognize when an interpreter may be needed to communicate effectively with a Limited English Proficient patient. We can provide workshops for staff on how this can be achieved. We have also created: Cultural Competency I and II training for organizations. The two facets of this training are for both administrators and front line personnel. These sessions are arranged to meet the specifications of your attendees and organization.

What Distinguishes LARC Services

LARC interpreters are distinguished from graduates of some other training programs by the amount of training they receive, which is described above.  The number of training hours is substantially higher than the normally accepted standard, and we certify that our interpreters have successfully completed this training. 
LARC interpreters are required to provide an annual Tuberculosis screening, 8-Panel Drug Screening and pass a State of Illinois criminal background check. Our interpreters are also scheduled to attend quarterly professional development meetings to further advance their knowledge of medical, educational, legal and human services.

Since 2005, LARC has been an active member of the National Council of Interpretation in Health Care (NCIHC) and The International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA). LARC is also a member of Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters (MATI) as well as the American Translators Association (ATA).