ATA Interpreters Division

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Cognitive testing using an interpreter

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A psychologist and an interpreter find solutions to reduce linguistic confusion By Linda Pollack-Johnson I recently completed an interpreting assignment between a developmental psychologist and an autistic child during which the child was given a cognitive test. I have done many of these sessions over the years and I remember being disappointed that the session did not go as … [Read more...]

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...]

Interpreting “In Flanders Fields”

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By Angela Fairbank Previously published in the STIBC Voice October 2019 edition, reprinted with permission.   Since I began working as a peripatetic health care interpreter in the lower mainland of British Columbia, I have experienced not only situations I was prepared for, i.e. appointments that go pretty much as planned, but also some challenges. For this type of job, … [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...]

Medical Interpreting Certification in the United States: a comparison

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A big thanks to Caduceus for letting us share this wonderful article! It originally appeared in the Summer 2016 issue and is written by our ID Leadership Council member Helen Eby. Thank you Helen for compiling this useful information that will prove a valuable tool for end users of professional medical interpreters, while benefiting the interpreting community at the same time. … [Read more...]