In this free learning course, Switchboard teaches providers strategies for overcoming common challenges when working with an interpreter, including preparing for an interpreted conversation, supporting interpreters during a conversation, and improving the quality of interactions. This course is intended for providers who have experience working with interpreters and families with limited English proficiency. Switchboard recommends completing part 1 “Working with Interpreters” before completing this training. The estimated time to complete this course is 20 minutes.
Core Knowledge Area: Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness
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Policy Brief: Building Trust with Immigrant and Refugee Families
In this policy brief, the Migration Policy Institute and the Aspen Institute highlight the importance of building trust with newcomer families when providing services to both parents and children. This policy brief explores what it takes to build trust with newcomer families and the positive results that can come from inclusive programming. Strategies such as 1. hiring and retaining culturally competent staff and 2. creating welcoming spaces are explored in this brief.
Resource: Building Trust with Immigrant and Refugee Families
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Understanding Language Access Laws in Michigan
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Council developed a one-pager to explain 2024 changes to Michigan laws that ensure people with Limited English proficiency receive public services in a language they understand, free of charge. This law ensures everyone can engage with the State of Michigan with dignity, regardless of their English proficiency.
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Michigan Language Access Training Slides
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center developed a training to review state and federal language access laws, including rights to interpretation and translation for limited English proficiency recipients of state services. Federal and state complaint procedures are explained with links and contact information of presenters is provided on slide 28.
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Inclusive Infant Safe Sleep Education for Indigenous Families
In this webinar, we will explore how infant safe sleep practices are supported by traditional Indigenous parenting practices such as skin-to-skin contact, baby carrying, and cradleboards.
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“I Speak” Multilingual Language Identification Book
The Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties developed this “I Speak” booklet to provide limited English Proficiency or speakers of other languages the ability to identify their preferred language. The booklet includes a chart of selected indigenous languages of Mexico at the end.