Learning objectives

After attending this webinar, attendees will be able to:

1. Understand the roles each party plays in a parent-teacher conference.

2. Prepare for parent-teacher conferences with the aim of best promoting effective communication.

3. Utilize note-taking symbols and tools that enhance interpreting accuracy.

4. Self-improve through the adoption of skill-building activities.

#1 Interpreting in Education: Navigating the Parent-teacher conference

Live session delivered: January 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Judy Cortés

Across U.S. schools, parent-teacher conferences keep parents up to date and involved in the progress of their child. When teachers communicate with a parent not fluent in English, a qualified interpreter is key to providing successful exchanges between the parties. To achieve this goal, the educational interpreter will need to ensure principles from the code of ethics are observed (such as AAITE’s recently published National Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Education).

Additionally, it is important that the interpreter sets the stage with an initial briefing that clarifies the interpreter’s role. This webinar will analyze the roles of each participant in the encounter and address interpreter protocols, preparation, and common challenges to effective communication.

This webinar received approval for the following CEUs: 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 RID CEUs. Note that you must have attended the live session to receive these credits.

About the presenter: Judy Cortés spent 15 years teaching in public schools and became active interpreting and translating in her school district. She obtained the state interpreting certificate and worked in the courts. She continues to interpret in legal and medical settings and is the author of the book, Introduction to Educational Interpreting and Translation.

Learning Objectives

After attending this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Understand the principles of co-design and co-production in healthcare.

2. Learn how to adapt IHI tools to engage community members with lived experiences in building your organization’s language justice infrastructure.

3. Compare proven models for co-production in hospital language access programs.

#2 From Drawing Board to Lived Experience: Co-Producing Language Justice Infrastructure to Advance Health Equity

Live session: February 14, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Vonessa Costa

The number of patients receiving care in languages other than English (LOTE) has jumped significantly in the past decade. Yet nearly one-third of U.S. hospitals fail to offer adequate language services. New research indicates that even in hospitals with language access systems in place, over half of medical communication occurs without professional interpretation.

This webinar will explore how health systems can apply the principles of co-production to improve language justice infrastructure in ways that boost health equity. Participants will explore how to adapt tools from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s “Engaging People with Lived Experiences” resource collection to better engage local communities in building effective language access plans. Participants will be introduced to replicable and sustainable language access models, and learn strategies for scaling an in-language experience system-wide. We'll also cover best practices for data collection and program evaluation.

This webinar has been approved for the following CEUs: 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 0.1 RID CEUs. Note that you must have attended the live session to receive these credits.

About the presenter: Vonessa Costa is Sr. Director of Quality & Member Engagement for the Health Care Interpreter Network (HCIN), a collaborative of health systems that share interpreter resources.

Learning Objectives

After attending this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Recognize the signs of harmful mentorship and its impact on the profession.

2. Articulate key components of effective mentorship.

3. Explore practical strategies for embodying a “mentoring spirit” in all our interactions.

#3 Embody the Mentoring Spirit: Reframing Mentorship

Live session: March 13, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Shawn Norris

The concept of mentorship is often misunderstood and misapplied, leading to issues like high burnout rates and disillusionment among newcomers. This webinar aims to debunk harmful myths and reshape our understanding of mentorship. Interpreting requires high-skill levels of note-taking, memory retention, message transfer skills just to mention a few.

Providing constructive feedback and mentorship will aid in the interpreter in their professional growth. The presenter will explore the elements of effective mentorship, the dangers of toxic mentorship, and the importance of embodying a "mentoring spirit" that transcends traditional methods.

This webinar has been approved for the following CEUs: 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 0.1 RID CEUs. Note that you must have attended the live session to receive these credits.

About the presenter: Shawn Norris, Ed K-12 | NIC | CoreCHI-P, holds multiple key positions, including the President of the Florida Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (FRID) and the Coordinator of Interpreting Services at UF Health St. Johns in St. Augustine, Florida. With a background enriched by his Deaf parents, Shawn is an active advocate in the Deaf community.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will be able to:

1) Recognize the components and purpose of a code of ethics.
2) Understand how standards of practice supplement the code of ethics.
3) Learn how critical thinking can be applied to a code of ethics to make values-based ethical decisions.

About the presenter: Fabiola Munafo is Manager of Language Access Services at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She is also one of NCIHC’s directors and a National Standards of Practice work-group member.

#4 Raise Your Confidence! Applying Critical Thinking and Ethical Decision Making

Live session: April 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Fabiola Munafo

Interpreters often find themselves conflicted when making ethical decisions during interpreting sessions. Either they find it difficult to find guidance on how to proceed or may feel they are “breaking the rules” when they engage in actions not clearly illustrated in their code of ethics or standards of practice.

This webinar will prepare interpreters to feel more confident when making ethical decisions. Explore the main elements of a code of ethics and its purpose. The presentation will investigate core values and guiding principles, which are the main components of the code of ethics. Learn the key differences between a code of conduct and a code of ethics and understand how standards of practice supplement a code of ethics. The session will look closely at critical thinking and demonstrate methods to develop this vital skill. Additionally, attendees will learn how to apply critical thinking skills to make value-based decisions in the interpreted encounter. This webinar also includes scenarios that will illustrate essential concepts to better allow interpreters to put into practice the skills highlighted during the presentation.

This webinar has been approved for the following CEUs: 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 0.1 RID CEUs. Note that you must have attended the live session to receive these credits.

Learning Objectives
1) Apply principles of deliberate practice to interpreting training regimens.
2) Design an interpreting training regimen and prioritize feedback loops.
3) Demonstrate how the Terp platform can be used for reflective, deliberate practice.

About the presenter: Dr. Devin Gilbert is a translation/interpreting practitioner, educator, and researcher. He teaches Spanish Translation and Interpreting as an Assistant Professor at Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Department of Languages & Cultures

#5 Achieving Interpreting Expertise: Applying Principles of Deliberate Practice to Interpreting Practice

Live session: May 8, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Devin Gilbert, PhD

Deliberate practice can dramatically increase the likelihood that interpreters will achieve true expertise in their chosen field. But what is deliberate practice?

Research in cognitive science has shown that simply acquiring more and more hours of experience is not enough to achieve true expertise. This webinar will explore the additional steps required, such as focusing on tasks with a certain degree of difficulty, receiving constructive feedback, and establishing the process for correcting errors. This presentation will show interpreters and interpreter trainers how to apply these principles to create effective interpreting practice regimens.

Attendees will also learn how Terp (https://terp.app), an online platform that makes dialogue interpreting practice intuitive and rewarding, can be used to implement a deliberate interpreting practice approach.

This webinar has been approved for the following CEUs: 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 0.1 RID CEUs. Note that you must have attended the live session to receive these credits.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key elements that differentiate normative ethics from descriptive ethics.

2. Recognize the importance of stakeholder validation.

3. Understand the importance of abiding by the National Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice for interpreters and translators in education.

About the presenter: Carola Lehmacher is a 2023-2024 MCI candidate, a federally certified court interpreter (FCCI) for Spanish, and a registered court interpreter for German for the State of Georgia. She works as a conference interpreter for various local and international clients in all of her language combinations.

#6 The AAITE National Codes of Ethics for Interpreters and Translators in Education: A New Mindset

Live session: June 12, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Carola Lehmacher

In December 2023, the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE) published the National Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Interpreters and Translators in Education. Over the course of two years, guided by an 11-step process, the AAITE Ethics and Standards Committee developed these codes using a holistic approach that not only accounted for the existing landscape of published codes of ethics but also the reality in the field. 

This presentation will explore the 11-step process the Ethics and Standards Committee used to select ethical principles and create standards of practice. We’ll also discuss the importance of stakeholder validation and the reasons why the recently published codes constitute a critical shift in mindset that affects every interpreter and translator working in education.

This webinar has been approved for 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 1 ATA CEP, and 0.1 RID CEU*. Certificates will be issued only to those viewing the live webinar. Certificate download instructions will be emailed to attendees 24 hours after the webinar has taken place.

Learning objectives:

1. Become familiar with the Joint Commission Speak Up Initiative and how it aligns with interpreters advocating for better working conditions.

2. Learn specific strategies that reduce interpreter mental fatigue, improve performance, and create greater awareness about the mental demands of healthcare interpreting.

3. Understand how differing modes of interpreting and equipment usage can affect interpreter mental fatigue and resulting performance.

About the presenter: Andrea Henry has worked professionally in the field of healthcare interpreting for 27 years. Her areas of interest and expertise include specialization (e.g., pediatric cancer, pediatric heart defects, etc.), outside-the-box methods for navigating technical speech and sociolinguistic bumps, and value-added scripting for improved encounter interaction.

#7 When Our Performance Depends on It: Strategies and Scripts for Addressing Interpreter Mental Fatigue

Live session: July 25, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Andrea R. Henry, CHI™

Interpreters inevitably experience mental fatigue in healthcare settings. While you may be aware of the risk of diminished accuracy from mental fatigue, you may not believe you can control your circumstances or environment. Good news: often you can!

This webinar will provide a foundation for interpreters to exercise more agency in the encounter while still adhering to the ethical goal of impartiality. When interpreters become more accountable for their performance, they naturally become more assertive and confident in asking for what they need. This presentation will address ways that we as interpreters can individually and collectively advocate for optimal working conditions. Attendees will receive specific techniques and corresponding scripts for interpreters to employ to better control performance quality. This webinar is a resource for interpreters, trainers, allies, and administrators.

This webinar has been approved for 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 1 ATA CEP and 0.1 RID CEU*. Certificates will be issued only to those viewing the live webinar. Certificate download instructions will be emailed to attendees 24 hours after the webinar has taken place.

Learning Objectives

1. Role Distinction: Differentiate between international visitor liaisons, seminar interpreters, and conference interpreters at the U.S. Department of State and understand the unique responsibilities of each. 

2. Success Blueprint: Understand the practical requirements and essential personality traits that contribute to the success of contract interpreters working for the U.S. Department of State. 

3. Navigate the Application Process: Learn the key steps, documentation, and qualifications needed.

4. Assignment Preparedness: Attain a basic grasp of what to expect when on assignment with the U.S. Department of State.

#8 Up Your Game: Freelancing for the U.S. Department of State

Live session: August 14, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Katty Kauffman

Are you a U.S. citizen or resident? Do you enjoy offering insights into American society, history, and culture to visitors from abroad? Are you available to travel? If you answered "yes" to these questions, this session is for you!

Led by a seasoned independent contractor, this webinar delves into the exciting opportunities available to freelance interpreters and international visitor liaisons with the U.S. Department of State. Join us for a nuanced look at both the formal requirements and what it takes to succeed in practice while on assignment. This presentation will guide you through the application and testing process and show you what to expect if you’re invited to join the prestigious roster.

Please note that the presenter is not an employee of the U.S. Department of State and does not represent the U.S. federal government.

About the presenter: Katty Kauffman is a seasoned conference and court interpreter, a member of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) and TAALS and an instructor at York University's graduate school (Glendon MCI). Trained in Chile and the United States, her extensive conference experience includes presidential summits, general assemblies of international organizations, and countless events for the private sector. She regularly provides services in person and, more recently, online, to the U.S. Department of State, the OAS and ECLAC, among others.

This webinar has been approved for 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEU, 1 OCCI CEU, 1 ATA CEP, and 0.1 RID CEU.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the goal and mission of SAFE AI.

2. Comprehend the survey results and become aware of public access to the larger report and summary report.

3. Learn about the created new guidance documents and of how to comment on the guidance to make changes in future versions of this document.

4. Navigate the upcoming guidance document aimed at interpreters, which is intended to be a joint effort by all the professional associations of interpreters.

#9 A Guide to SAFE AI

Live session: September 25, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Holly Silvestri

Artificial Intelligence has been at the forefront of discussion in the interpreting profession. The SAFE-AI Task Force has made it their mission to "establish, disseminate and promote industry-wide guidelines and best practices for the responsible adoption of AI in interpreting, through facilitating dialogue and action among vendors, buyers, qualified practitioners, end users, and other stakeholders.” This webinar presentation will highlight the most important findings of SAFE AI’s recent survey regarding AI in interpreting. It will elaborate on the creation of SAFE AI and the reason it exists. In addition, you will learn where to find more detailed information by navigating the SAFE AI website. You'll also discover how the first guidance for AI interpreting was created by the guidance committee of SAFE AI.

This webinar has been approved for 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs and 0.1 RID CEUs.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify several non-linguistic tools for the interpreter "toolbox"

2. Identify several elements of an interpreter self-care plan.

3. Understand how to create an interpreter resource network 4. Describe a basic set of interpreter reference tools, including several websites.

This webinar has been approved for 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs and 0.1 RID CEUs.

#10 Practical Tools for Interpreters

Live session: October 9, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Cynthia Mauleón

Like most other professions, it is often what you are NOT taught in a classroom that makes you a successful interpreter. But what are the things that seasoned, successful interpreters wish they’d known when first starting their careers?

You’ve taken your 40-hour community interpreter training. Perhaps you’re recently certified. Maybe you have several years (or more) of community interpreting under your belt. You have worked diligently on your interpreting skills. But what about everything else? What are the practical things a mentor would teach you?

In this approachable webinar, you will be introduced to Cynthia Mauleón (more on her remarkable career below) and what she sees as the practical side of interpreting: how to create a support system, how to build your reference collection, what to wear (or not wear) to an interpreting assignment, how to take care of yourself on the job.

About the presenter: Cynthia Mauleón, the author of the Terminology Workbook for Medical Interpreters, has nearly thirty years of experience as an interpreter, including time working with Cuban refugees for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, interpreting for a medical team in a Mayan village, as an interpreter in education settings, a staff interpreter and interpreter supervisor for a regional trauma hospital.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the differences between Hospice and Palliative Care, including identifying patients eligible for hospice referral.
2. Understand Advance Care Planning, Health Care Proxy, & related documents.
3. Identify proper communication techniques to give bad news related to a terminal diagnosis including family meetings in various stages of grief.

This webinar has been approved for 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs and 0.1 RID CEUs.

#11 Medical Interpretation for End-of-life issues

Live session: November 13, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Dr. Eric Hardt

Dr. Eric Hardt has been a geriatrician for over 40 years, training, working, and teaching in NYC and Boston with a focus on underserved populations including immigrants with diverse language backgrounds. He has been board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care. He has taught health care professionals and medical interpreters, each at many different levels of experience, on issues of cultural competence across the board, but especially on geriatrics and end-of-life care across language differences. This session will focus on the role of and challenges for the medical interpreter in situations including breaking bad news to the patient/family, ICU family meetings, and decision-making regarding end-of-life care. Anecdotal examples will be discussed along with research-based data on the impact of language in these situations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the medical terminology specific to kidney transplantation, including human leukocyte antigens (HLA) matching, Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI), and Estimated Post-Transplant Survival (EPTS).

2. Participants will learn how immunosuppressive therapy works and the types of organ rejections.

3. Interpreters will become familiar with each transplant team member's role within the transplant process.

This webinar has been approved for 1 ATA CEP, 1 CCHI CE hour, 0.1 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs and 0.1 RID CEUs.

#12 Interpreting Kidney Transplants: From Jargon to Clarity

Live session: December 11, 2024, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET
Presenter: Gabriella Maldonado, M.Sc, CMI

Interpreting Kidney Transplants: From Jargon to Clarity is a specialized webinar designed to equip medical interpreters with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate medical terminology associated with kidney transplant medicine. Kidney transplantation is a life-saving procedure for individuals with end-stage renal disease, but it involves a multitude of medical terms and processes that can be challenging to interpret accurately. This webinar aims to enhance interpreters' understanding of key concepts and improve their ability to facilitate clear and accurate communication between healthcare providers and patients in transplant healthcare settings.

About the presenter: Gabriella Maldonado, M.Sc., is a certified Spanish and Italian medical interpreter (CMI) and currently serves as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Cloudbreak Health. Gabriella holds a BA degree in bacteriology and a master’s degree in human nutrition from Universidad Central de Venezuela and Universidad Simón Bolívar, respectively. Gabriella has also worked as a medical translator (English>Spanish) and as a Spanish medical editor for over 10 years. As a subject matter expert in interpreting quality, Gabriella has developed and delivered webinars, workshops, and training courses, and has presented at various conferences nationwide.