Culture Connect provides professional interpretation and translation in over 60 languages in the medical, educational, social, and legal fields. 

We strive to not only bridge languages, but also cultures, in order to facilitate easy, accurate communication. 

All Culture Connect interpreters have to:

• attend an orientation training.
• pass a language and interpreting skills exam.
• be fully bilingual.
• pass a State and Federal background check.
• submit health records.
• comply with a Code of Ethics.
• be subject to ongoing supervision.

All Spanish interpreters who will interpret or translate for a legal appointment have had legal interpretation training.

All interpreters who will interpret or translate in a hospital setting have passed Bridging the Gap, Culturesmart, or comparable medical interpretation training.

To request an interpreter, contact us.

Reasons to Use Interpreters
You might ask why it is necessary to utilize interpreters and translators.

• 32 million people (13.8 %) of the U.S. population speak a language other than English at home; consequently, many of them either have difficulties communicating in English or feel more comfortable doing so in their native language.
• It is the law:
  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal Law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in all programs that receive Federal Financial Assistance.
  • Executive Order 13166 of 2000, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” continued this protection.
  • The law applies to all entities receiving any federal funding, directly or indirectly, through a sub-grant or sub-contract. Covered entities include: all facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid, hospitals, physician offices, community and migrant health centers who receive federal grants, social service agencies, and mental health services.

What are the responsibilities for institutions serving LEP (Limited English Proficient) clients?

• Title VI requires linguistic accessibility to health and human services.
• The U.S. Office for Civil Rights’ requirements are to:
• offer interpretation services at no cost to LEP clients.
• inform clients of their right to receive interpretation services.
• avoid asking family and friends of LEP patients to provide interpretive service.
• minors should not interpret.