Tag Archives: year in review

Deep Impacts: 2025 Highlights at The Interpreter’s Lab

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2025 was a year of deepening impact, strengthening training, advancing standards, and building stronger bridges between interpreters, institutions, and communities.

At TIL, we continue to advocate at all levels for the important contributions of interpreters and for recognition of interpreting as a specialized profession. The work that we do and the initiatives supported interpreters across spoken and signed languages nationwide. In 2025 over 150 new and practicing interpreters engaged in our training and continuing education programs. Building on current research and established best practices endorsed by international experts, TIL regularly strengthens its core curriculum and foundational ethical guidelines for interpreters.

Check out this Blog for More Information on How TIL Sets the Pace

Programs continued to align with Canadian and international standards while remaining grounded in real-world practice.

Learning & Professional Development (Membership Program)

Professional Development and Continuing Education

Interpreting in Law Enforcement – Working with the Police – Masterclass with Dr. Debra Russell (offered again in 2026)

  • 2 sessions for ASL interpreters
  • 1 session for spoken-language interpreters

Four cohorts of Interpreting in Community Settings – A Foundational Program

Interpreting in Legal & Court Settings

  • 1 cohort for spoken-language interpreters
  • 1 cohort for ASL–English interpreters, adapted from our long-standing spoken-language curriculum to meet the specific requirements of ASL–English interpreting.

Program & Curriculum Development

  • Implemented ISO/TS 6253:2024 across programs, supported by a successful full internal audit.

Updated course content across programs, including:

  • Revised Ethical Guidelines for Interpreters in Community Settings
  • Updated competency frameworks and assessment measures
  • Engaged a new instructor with expertise in training for interpreting in Indigenous languages 

Partnerships & Customized Training

  • Designed and delivered a customized training program for the Family Support Institute of BC (Resource Parent / Peer Programs)
  • Welcomed new partner agencies into our organizational training programs
  • Strengthened collaboration with professional membership organizations in Canada and internationally

Sector Leadership & Standards

Continued service as:

  • Board Member and Chair, Interpreting Committee – Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA)
  • Certified Member, Women Business Enterprises (WBE)
  • Presentation to Canadian Translators, Terminologist and Interpreters Council Board at their annual AGM on ISO TC 37/SC 5 projects and standards
  • Ongoing leadership in the rollout and implementation of international standards in interpreter education
  • Initiated the BC Working Group on Interpreting Services, in collaboration with the Provincial Language Service (PHSA BC), a cross-sectoral initiative exploring system-level improvements to access and information on qualified language services.

Presentations & Advocacy

  • Speech-Hearing BC: Enhancing Speech-Language Pathology Practices: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Interpreters
  • Health Standards Organization (HSO): Language Access as the Tipping Point for Equity and Inclusion
  • PSIT Networking Group – UK – London Metropolitan University (June 13); The Canadian Experience in Public Service Interpreting
  • Met with Minister Niki Sharma, BC Attorney General, to discuss language access, interpreting, procurement practices, and ISO standards.

Media & Knowledge Sharing

Excellence as Standard Practice

2025 was an exceptional year for The Interpreter’s Lab, marked by meaningful growth, collaboration, and impact. As always, we continue to evolve our programs, strengthen standards-aligned training, and respond to emerging needs in the field.

This progress is only possible through the trust and engagement of our members, partners, and collaborators. We look forward to building on this momentum together in 2026.

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Reflecting on a Remarkable Year at The Interpreter’s Lab: A Year in Review

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A Review and Preview in Wink

As we say goodbye to 2023, it’s time to take a moment to look back and celebrate the incredible journey we’ve had at The Interpreter’s Lab. This year has been filled with milestones, growth, and meaningful collaborations that have significantly contributed to our mission of empowering individuals to excel in the field of interpretation. Watch our short video on TIL’s Speakers Series 2023 and what’s coming up in 2024.

 

Empowering Students: Over 100 Students Trained

We are so proud of the contributions we make in advancing the professional and career opportunities for our students. This past year, TIL successfully trained over 100 students in our comprehensive courses. These individuals are now equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of interpretation. And they have become a part of the TIL community.

Collaborative Projects that Make a Difference

One of the highlights of our year was our collaboration with Vancouver Community College, and The Provincial Language Service (a program of the PHSA) under the leadership of OPTIONS BC. This multiagency project provided over 150 hours of training in community and healthcare/complex care settings to 2 cohorts of students. Working together on projects that make a difference has allowed us to contribute to the broader community and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, and to meet our mission as an organization.

TIL Membership – Welcoming New Members to the Community

Throughout the year, we hosted monthly workshops for our members, fostering continuous learning and professional development. It’s with great joy that we welcomed 20 new members to our community, each bringing a unique perspective and contributing to the rich tapestry of The Interpreter’s Lab.

It is with deep gratitude that we thank all of our TIL Members. With you we hope to continue building a strong and supportive community.

Join us at The Lab and explore a supportive and engaging community.

Stellar Instructors Join the Team

Our success is undoubtedly attributed to the dedication and expertise of our exceptional instructors. This year, we were fortunate to welcome outstanding professionals to our team, enriching the learning experience for our students and ensuring the highest quality of education. We would like to welcome and thank the following:

  • Debra Russell
  • Jane Langes
  • Leyli Niknafs
  • Dana Zlenko
  • Olga Bondarenko

For their contributions to our courses, students and collaborative projects.

And welcome:

  • Jeff Staflund to the Team

We also want thank and acknowledge all of the individuals that have contributed to the development and growth of The Interpreter’s Lab. See them all on our About page

We look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Revamped Course and Website Upgrade

At TIL, we take pride in our proactive approach to interpreter education. Since 2012, we’ve been dedicated to teaching and training bilinguals to work in various settings, including community, healthcare, mental health, court and law enforcement. Throughout this journey, we’ve consistently ensured that our courses remain dynamic and relevant. Our commitment to staying at the forefront is evident in the continuous updating of our content, which incorporates the latest research and embraces promising practices in interpreter training. This year we took an even bigger step into keeping things current, and in light of the evolving demands, we took on the revitalization of our flagship course, “Interpreting in Community Setting.” This foundational program now better equips bilingual individuals to navigate the complexities of professional interpretation across various settings. Simultaneously, we revamped our website, providing a more user-friendly experience for our valued members.

Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Partners and Supporters 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the professionals who have supported our work and our incredible team throughout the year. Your unwavering commitment to excellence has been the driving force behind our success, and we are truly thankful for your continued support.

Looking Ahead to 2024: Join Us on the Journey

As we step into the new year, The Interpreter’s Lab is excited to announce that we have even more to offer in 2024. We invite you to join us on this journey of growth, collaboration, and empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, there’s a place for you in our vibrant community.

Here’s to another year of achievement, learning, and making a positive impact together. Thank you for being a part of The Interpreter’s Lab family. Cheers to 2024!

Angela, Donna and Analisa