WAGAP offers interpreter training and resources

Its new Community Connections program is kicking off by offering interpreter best practices training, an interpreter headset rental program, and immigration resources.

“This initiative is rooted in WAGAP’s commitment to equity and inclusion. It provides practical tools for organizations and groups to build stronger relationships and ensure everyone feels welcomed and understood,” said Sasha Bentley, WAGAP’s director of equity and inclusion.

The workshop for Interpreter Best Practices is focused on empowering effective communication. This interactive training provides strategies for working effectively with interpreters across various settings, including healthcare, education, community services, and business environments. On-site or virtual training options are available.

Key features of the training include:

• Understanding interpreter roles to collaborate effectively and avoid common miscommunications.
• Pre-session preparation to plan for smooth communication.
• In-session communication to optimize interpreter-facilitated conversations in real time.
• A post-session follow-up to debrief and clarify to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

“A lot of the time, we talk about training for interpreters, but rarely for the people working with interpretation needs and services,” said Juan Reyes, associate director at WAGAP. “By building skills like communication and empathy, we can ensure that interpreted conversations are impactful and inclusive.”

WAGAP’s new Interpreter Headset Rental Program aims to simplify language access. The goal is to provide organizations with easy access to reliable, user-friendly equipment for live interpretation. This service supports inclusivity and ensures that events, meetings, and gatherings are accessible to everyone, regardless of the language they speak.

As part of the program, high-quality headsets will be available for seamless live interpretation. The overall goal is to provide non-native speakers with support to participate in events held in English. Organizations will receive guidance on how to set up the headsets so their interpreter can interact with those who need language assistance.

Reyes added that the program is ideal for nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, public service agencies, and other community groups seeking to enhance communication and inclusion. He said the rental options will include flexible scheduling with affordable rental rates.

WAGAP is also expanding its efforts to support immigrant individuals and families by providing resources that address common challenges related to legal assistance, language access, and community connections.

“These resources aim to equip immigrants with the information and support they need to navigate essential services and feel a sense of belonging,” Bentley said. “It is part of an overall WAGAP goal to collaborate with community members to ensure resources are accessible and meaningful.”

Community Connections is made possible through a grant provided by the Inatai Foundation and is accessible online at https://www.wagap.org/community-connections. For more information on interpreter training or headset rentals, contact Reyes at juan@wagap.org. For more information about upcoming community support and resources or to give feedback, contact Bentley at sasha@wagap.org.

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Una versión en español de esta historia está en línea en www.columbiagorgenews.com/enespanol.