Document Translation

What types of institutions are in need of document translation services?

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Accessibility is an important and timely issue in our modern times. More and more, people are realizing how important it is to be inclusive to all populations. Inclusivity of all people who might utilize the products, services, or programs being provided is not only the kind and respectful thing to do, but depending on the entity, it may be a legal requirement that needs to be met. For example, due to the legal necessity to be LEP compliant, school systems are required to have a plan in place to provide translation services for their students and for the parents and guardians of those students. Rather than wait until a student or family who require document translation service enter the school system, it is much more effective to already have a plan in place to meet the needs of any population, no matter what language they speak.

 

What is LEP compliance and why is it important to meet?

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LEP stands for limited English proficiency, and it is used in reference to a person who does not speak English as their first or primary language. All people utilizing services that receive funding through federal financial assistance have a legal right to be provided with document translation services or an interpreter. This protection is provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and it is applicable to all schools in the United States who receive any federal assistance.

 

Why choose document translation services over hiring a personal interpreter?

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An interpreter is an individual person who can translate what is being said in English to another language in real time. As you can imagine, an interpreter is a limited resource because the person providing this service can only be in one place at a time and has limited ability in terms of how many languages they are fluent in. Additionally, in the case of a school system, parents and guardians of students need to have translation services provided, as well, and an interpreter would not be able to meet with multiple people simultaneously and would likely not be available to provide translation services outside of the school grounds and school activities. Document translation services, on the other hand, are an efficient and economical way to provide documentation to any person who needs it in any language to ensure the school meets federal LEP requirements. Plus, once a particular document or set of documents is translated, the school can then distribute it to whichever students, parents, or guardians who speak a language other than English in their household. 

 

What if document translation services are needed for multiple languages at one time?

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It is likely that if your organization is in need of document translation services, the service you choose will need to have access and expert knowledge of more than one language at a time. A reputable company that provides document translation services should definitely have this capability. For example, the expert translators at Citygate Language Services can translate documents from English to more than 140 different languages. Our friendly, professional team will translate English documents quickly and accurately every time. Fast, error-free service is especially important when the document being translated is for students or for their parents and guardians. School systems provide vital and important information related to students’ educations, health, and well being, as well as consent forms, notices, progress reports, and meeting invitations. Plus, students and their families should not be left waiting for long periods of time while documents are being translated. They deserve timely delivery of all information coming from their child’s school and related to their child’s education. That is why it is essential to choose a document translation service that employs certified document translation professionals.

 

What are some types of documents that are commonly translated?

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Document translation is useful when it comes to sharing a lot of different types of information. School systems are one of the most common entities that need to use document translation services because of the need to meet legal standards. For students, document translation might be needed for educational resources, tests and assignments, and anything else they might need to learn material, receive instruction, study, complete assignments, or take exams. Different types of document translation are needed for parents and guardians, but having access to accurate, timely information for them as it is for the students. Proper communication from the school system, teachers, and others who interact with students each day is essential. Parents and guardians need to know any policy changes or updates coming from the school.

 

Why are document translation services needed if a staff is bilingual?

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Having a bilingual staff can be very helpful and a wonderful resource to aid communication with people who have limited English proficiency and do not speak English as their first or primary language. However, having members of the staff who speak multiple languages does not meet federal LEP requirements for translation. A staff member who is bilingual does not have the ability to quickly and efficiently translate documents in any spoken language. However, when you opt for a professional document translation service, you can get exactly what you need in a relatively short period of time. Plus, you will be compliant with all federal LEP requirements for translation.

 

What is SPED and why might a school system need it?

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SPED stands for Special Education Document Translation. School systems have special education programs for students who have individual differences and needs when it comes to learning, and if those students also have limited English proficiency, then document translation is even more important to ensure they have access to the education materials they need to thrive and succeed. Certified document translation professionals are able to translate documents for special education students and their families. This allows school systems to provide essential services for everyone. Special education students and students who do not speak English as their primary or first language deserve to have the exact same access to educational resources as every other student.