Interpretation (LEP)
The Interpretation (Limited English Proficiency) Team provides critical language services within the framework of emergency situations, offering their services at our Disaster Hubs and other emergency locations, enabling seamless communication between medical, logistical staff, and community members from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Mission and Community Impact:
The mission of the Interpretation Team is to bridge the communication gap in the face of emergencies, ensuring that vital information reaches everyone, irrespective of their native language. This linguistic accessibility not only promotes inclusivity but is also integral to effective disaster management. By eliminating language barriers, they enable swift and efficient medical and logistical operations, making the community more resilient, well-informed, and able to respond effectively to emergencies.
About the Team:
The Interpretation Team offers interpretive services in emergency situations. They are stationed at the Hubs and other emergency locations and provide invaluable assistance in ensuring clear, concise communication between the medical and logistical staff and the community members who require help. Their primary role revolves around eliminating language barriers, fostering an environment where no one is left unheard or uninformed due to linguistic differences.
While a good grasp on an interpreter’s non-English language is needed for providing medical interpretation services, a volunteer does not need to be fluent. In stressful situations, hearing a few words in one’s native language is a comfort beyond measure.
Currently, the Interpretation team is comprised of about 30 volunteers that can deliver interpretation for Spanish, ASL, French, German, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Telugu, Tami, and Swedish.
Volunteers who speak the following languages are needed: Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese.
Resources and Questions
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In preparation for a major disaster, the Interpretation Team undergoes routine training to familiarize themselves with medical and logistical terminologies and protocols. They also establish a presence at emergency hubs to ensure they are ready to provide their services when needed.
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During an activation, the Interpretation Team provides interpretive services at the Hubs and other emergency locations, facilitating effective communication between the medical and logistical staff and community members with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
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The Interpretation Team is activated during a significant emergency or disaster when clear communication between medical and logistical staff and non-English speaking community members becomes vital.
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Support from the Interpretation Team can be accessed at the Hubs and other emergency locations during a disaster. They can be identified by their identification badges and specific workstation.
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Fluency in one or more languages other than English is typically required.
To learn more about the team, please email the Team Lead listed above.To sign up, you can fill out the volunteer application available in the volunteer section.