Face-to-face interpreting is the traditional form of interpreting that most people imagine when they think of language interpreting.  It is the verbal communication of meaning from one language to another and all parties involved, including the interpreter are in-person, or face-to-face.

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Historically, our customers use face-to-face interpreting services for medical appointments, legal situations and parent teacher conferences.  Face-to-face interpreting is effective for almost any situation in which two or more individuals need to communicate in languages unfamiliar to the other. 

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The LARC Interpreter Training Program has been reformatted to meet the needs of learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result, current trainings are presented in an online format with classes held on Zoom.  

Topics include:

• Interpreter ethics and values

• Importance of culture and its impact on interpreting

• Techniques and skills

• Legislation and regulations

• Basic medical, legal and educational terminology

• And more

All LARC students and interpreters receive a formal assessment of language proficiency in English and the interpreter's target language.

Virtual interpreting is when two or more parties need to communicate in different languages and some or none of the parties, including the interpreter, are physically present.

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During the pandemic, schools found virtual interpreting to be an effective way to conduct IEP meetings and for teachers to communicate with non-English speaking parents who need support as they assist their children with remote learning.  

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We have provided training and guidance to our local interpreters on the nuances of effectively interpreting via virtual platforms and apps.

In an effort to provide local interpreters with opportunities to enhance their professional development, LARC provides continuing education workshops on a minimum quarterly basis.  With the move towards more virtual learning, continuing education workshops can be attended by more than just local interpreters.

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Previous workshops included interpreting for immigration, education, mental and behavioral health and social services with topics covering, public benefits, special education, Illinois Department of Human Services, and more.

LARC is also able to develop workshops to meet the needs of our clients.

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Similar to virtual interpreting, telephonic interpreting is when two individuals who do not speak the same language communicate through the use of an interpreter and a  phone.

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Translations

Translation is the written communication of information from one language to another.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic many of our healthcare and school customers have been utilizing this service for the translation of important COVID-19 related information for their parents, visitors, and patients.

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Many organizations use a combination of contract, telephonic, and staff interpreters to meet the needs of their Limited English Proficient clients. It is not unusual for organizations to ask bilingual staff to serve as 'ad hoc' interpreters. 

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The key to successful implementation of an interpreter program in any organization is for the organization’s staff to be trained on how, when, and why it is important to recognize when an interpreter may be needed for a patient or client.  Or when one of the other options will be adequate.  LARC provides this type of training.

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In addition, for organizations that heavily utilize ad hoc interpreters, we have provided shortened versions of our interpreter training course.

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