Presentation at the ASPECT2023 Conference
At The Interpreter’s Lab it is our mission to bring the importance of utilizing the services of trained interpreters to the forefront and to fight for improved working conditions. We take every opportunity to advocate and to build awareness by educating consumers of all types: businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations.
“Trained interpreters in the public sector are indispensable for ensuring effective communication and equitable access to essential services. Their expertise bridges language gaps, fostering a more inclusive and just society.”
To that mission, vision and end, I am happy to announce that I will be co-presenting a session on “Professional Interpreting Services in Community and Public Services.” Joining me is Ahmad Maaliji from OPTIONS BC, and we will be sharing our insights and experiences with the participants at this event.
The ASPECT Conference: A Premier Gathering for Service Providers
The Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training (ASPECT) Conference brings together professionals from various fields to collaborate, learn, and share their expertise. The Conference attendees include municipal, provincial and federal government representatives, non-profit organizations, private enterprises, educational institutions, and more, with a focus on employment and work transformation.
Ahmad and I will present on our multi-organizational initiative which included OPTIONS BC, The Interpreter’s Lab, Vancouver Community College, and The Provincial Language Service (a program of the PHSA). We will discuss the project’s successes and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, but our focus will be to underscore the importance of using trained interpreters in community and public services.
Why Qualified Interpreters Matter
Recognizing that many organizations still assign untrained bilinguals as interpreters without understanding that bilingual skills alone do not equate to professional competence in the interpreting field, we aim to foster interest and awareness during our time with the participant and also to provide tools that they can then take away and share at their workplaces and with their colleagues.
ISO Standards in Interpreting
The session will discuss the critical work of the International Standards Organization (ISO) TC 37/SC 5 in the field of translation, interpreting, and related technologies and will highlight ISO’s publications that center on the interpreting profession and the standards that guide it.
The importance of qualified interpreting services in community and public services cannot be overstated. We are excited about the numerous attendees already signed up for our session.
Professional Interpreting in Community and Public Services
November 2 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
ASPECT Conference November 2 & 3
Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel
8181 Cambie Street
Vancouver BC