ATA Interpreters Division

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Interpreting in the face of a pandemic

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By Carol Shaw On January 21, 2020, the state of Washington reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States; on February 29, it announced the country’s first COVID-19-related death. The virus has since spread across the country, just as it has around the globe. And as the world hunkers down against COVID-19, those of us who work in language access services … [Read more...]

Vicarious trauma and interpreters

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By Cristina Helmerichs The first time I heard of interpreters experiencing vicarious trauma was in 2000. First it was mentioned in relation to the interpreters working during a trial related to the Balkan Wars at the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. But the idea was quickly expanded to include all interpreters working directly with victims of crime and/or … [Read more...]

Phone, video, or in-person interpreting? One size may not fit all

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By Anna Martorell Fuste and Daniela Elizabeth Obregon Andrea* and her mother begin their journey in Fullerton, CA. Slowly, they make their way through the greater Los Angeles area, braving the unusual rainy Southern California weather. They arrive safely and on time for Andrea’s cardiology appointment on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, home of Children’s Hospital Los … [Read more...]

Interpreters respect patient autonomy through best practices

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By Emily Lanier and John P. Shaklee Frankie Byrne, Irish radio broadcaster, characterized love as “respect in plain clothes.” We healthcare interpreters – as well as interpreters who work in other domains – are fortunate to have standards of practice that guide us to consider respect on a daily basis. We must respect our patients’ privacy, both physical and emotional. (How … [Read more...]

Written Translation in Healthcare Interpreting Appointments

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Written Translation in Healthcare Interpreting Appointments By Helen Eby, Tina Peña, Rita Weil Read the full article in the Interpreters Division website   Finally, a well thought out paper that is sure to start a conversation changing the narrative around whether interpreters should also pay attention to developing (or honing) written translation skills. In my 25 + … [Read more...]

Interpreting: On-Site or Remote? A User Perspective

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As we participate in the discussion about the value of different modes of delivery for interpreting services, the Interpreters Division (ID) is approaching stakeholders for their input regarding how they work with interpreters. Helen Eby, the ID Administrator, spoke with Stick Crosby, the Network and Health Equity Manager of All Care Health. Mr. Crosby is a member of the Oregon … [Read more...]

An interview with Pedro Diaz, Interpreters Division Guest Speaker

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With the ATA 59th Annual Conference quickly approaching, guest speakers are getting ready for their big day in October. Interpreters Division Administrator Carol Velandia caught up with Pedro Díaz, the Interpreters Division Guest Speaker, to get some of his thoughts. Here’s the interview. Juan Pino-Silva, Blog Editor   Carol Velandia: How did you go from … [Read more...]

3 Ways Technology Is Improving the Hospital Interpreter Career Field

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By David Fetterolf   As healthcare facilities encounter an increasingly diverse patient population, the demand for qualified medical interpreters continues to grow. In an attempt to provide language services to all non-English speaking patients, healthcare facilities are increasingly integrating healthcare technology into their existing language access plans. Such … [Read more...]