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CMAA has provided interpretation and translation since its inception. As the demand for these services grows along with Columbus's increasingly diverse population, new standards and practices for interpreters are evolving rapidly.
Through participation in the Language Task Force chaired by United Health Care Advocacy Network of Ohio (UHCAN), CMAA joined a number of community-based agencies working together on issues pertaining to medical interpretation and Limited English Proficiency clients' access to health care. This participation has raised awareness of and familiarity with professional standards and ethics of interpretation as they are being developed, with the goal of ensuring better quality of services to refugee clients. This collaboration has led to several project partnerships with Jewish Family Services, the Ohio Hispanic Coalition, Asian American Community Services, and Somali Women’s Association. A project with Franklin County Department of Jobs and Family Services developed cultural competency training materials (including videotapes) and training sessions for FC Caseworkers. A new phase of the project will continue to train Interpreters for Human Services and expand the interpreter database for FCDJFS usage. A similar project with through AccessHealth Columbus is addressing similar needs in the medical sector. It will also include training to medical staff on how to most effectively use interpreters. CMAA Interpreters who speak Cambodian, Vietnamese, Somali, Ethiopian languages, Arabic, Kurdish, and French are currently available by calling 224-8888. Access to interpreters will be expanded in the near future through the interpreteraccess.com service consortium being developed with partner agencies. |