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When you need remote interpreting services, there are two key modalities to consider: over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) and video remote interpreting (VRI). Both enable you to communicate seamlessly with individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) by connecting you to a wide network of interpreters. 

These services are critical for organizations like healthcare providers and government agencies, ensuring they comply with language access requirements like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

You may find yourself asking whether OPI or VRI interpretation is better for you. In this blog, we’ll look at both options in-depth to help you decide which interpretation service meets your needs most effectively. Table of Contents What are OPI and VRI Interpretation? Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) Differences Between OPI and VRI How to Choose Between OPI vs. VRI Interpretation When to Use OPI When to Use VRI Implementation Strategies for Organizations Frequently Asked Questions Summary: OPI vs. VRI Interpretation As the names imply, the key difference between OPI vs. VRI interpretation is how each one is delivered: OPI interpretation is done via phone call, while VRI is done via video call. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works and what kinds of scenarios they’re best suited for. With OPI interpretation, businesses can simply dial a hotline and get connected to an interpreter who works in the language pair needed. For example, an English-speaking doctor can request an interpreter who speaks Mandarin Chinese and English in order to communicate with a monolingual Mandarin-speaking patient. As with in-person service, the interpreter will listen to both parties and provide an interpretation of what each speaker says.

OPI is quick and efficient, as it doesn’t require any special equipment or know-how. It’s commonly used in on-demand settings where an organization doesn’t necessarily have prior knowledge that interpretation will be necessary — for example, in some medical visits or customer service hotlines. Due to the quick and convenient nature of OPI, 92% of hospitals reported that telephone-based interpreting solutions were the most accessible resource for language access services in a national survey conducted by the National Health Law Program.

However, OPI does have its limitations. Because the interpreter cannot see what’s going on, they aren’t able to take any visual cues into account. This means that it’s not possible to interpret signed languages via OPI. Additionally, complex conversations involving several different speakers may be difficult to interpret over the phone. On the other hand, video remote interpretation incorporates video into the interpretation process. Instead of calling an interpreter on the phone, the interpreter joins a video call with the parties involved. VRI interpreters can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Like OPI, VRI is also commonly offered on-demand, though services may also be pre-scheduled for appointments for medical, legal, or government services. Because interpreters have access to certain visual cues, they may be able to provide more precise services, as these visual cues may clear up some uncertainty around ambiguous or imprecise language. VRI is also a must-have for any organization in need of a remote interpreter for signed languages like ASL.

VRI does come with some drawbacks — unlike standard phone calls, video calls require a reliable high-speed internet connection and video-compatible devices. Additionally, users of these services may need to have higher digital literacy than is required for OPI services.
While OPI and VRI are both effective ways to access interpretation services remotely, they aren’t entirely interchangeable. In some instances, OPI will be your best option; in others, VRI is likely to be more efficient. The table below breaks down some of the key differences between OPI vs. VRI interpretation:
Choosing between OPI vs. VRI interpretation isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The right choice for your organization depends on the specific context in which interpretation services are needed, the technology you have available, and the type of communication you’re facilitating. Let’s break down key considerations to help guide your decision-making process: Here are a few use case scenarios for OPI:

Here are a few use case scenarios for VRI: If you work with a large population of individuals with LEP, it’s likely you’ll need to integrate both OPI and VRI into your workflow. Let’s step-by-step look at how you can implement OPI or VRI interpretation services: Pretty much any organization that works with LEP populations will require OPI or VRI interpretation services. These include, but are not limited to:

- Hospitals and other healthcare providers
- Insurance companies
- Government agencies and departments
- Legal offices
- Election offices OPI interpreting services are delivered via phone call, while VRI interpreting services are delivered via video call. The skills involved in both practices are fairly similar, though VRI interpreters may incorporate visual cues into their services. Additionally, signed languages can be interpreted via VRI or in-person interpretation. Costs vary by provider, language pair, and usage volume. OPI is typically charged per minute and tends to be more cost-effective for shorter interactions. VRI tends to have a slightly higher rate per minute than OPI, due to the video component but provides higher accuracy in complex conversations.  To use VRI effectively, organizations need a reliable internet connection, a video-capable device (such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer), and secure video conferencing software. Organizations should also ensure compliance with data privacy regulations like HIPAA when using VRI in healthcare settings. Yes, many organizations implement a hybrid approach, using OPI for routine calls and VRI for interactions requiring visual cues. This flexibility ensures efficient and effective communication while keeping costs manageable.  While the difference between OPI vs. VRI interpretation may be obvious, it’s not always clear which one is better for different scenarios. In general, OPI is used for quick calls that don’t require the interpreter to take visual cues into consideration, while VRI is better for signed languages and more complex conversations. If you’re unsure which one is best for your organization, consulting with a trusted language service provider is a good idea. At Avantpage, we offer both OPI and VRI interpreting services in more than 150 different languages — contact us today at (530) 750-2040 or info@avantpage.com to learn more.

For so many of us—whether we’re caring for a child, a foster or adopted loved one, an aging grandparent, a live-in relative, a friend, or a trusted caregiver—getting medical care is rarely a solo experience. It often involves the people around us, and that means communication is a shared responsibility. Patients need to understand their care, of course—but when others are involved, they should be part of the conversation too. No matter what your family looks like, clear communication in healthcare is essential. And for families who speak a language other than English, that often means having access to translation services for families—not just during doctor’s appointments, but throughout the care journey. Imagine a parent bringing their child to a clinic, hospital, or emergency room. They deserve to feel confident they’ll understand the diagnosis, treatment plan, and next steps—and that they’ll be understood in return. But when English isn’t the family’s primary language, that experience can quickly become overwhelming. Miscommunication can lead to missed diagnoses, medication errors, and serious health risks. That’s where translation services for families make all the difference. These services ensure that everyone involved in a patient’s care can understand, ask questions, follow instructions, and make informed decisions. They don’t just support better communication—they build trust, safety, and inclusion. For millions of families across the U.S., this isn’t optional. It’s essential. Table of Contents

- Families Deserve More than Just Words
- What the Law Requires-and Why It Matters
- The Real-World Impact on Families
- Moving Forward: How Providers Can Improve Language Access
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Healthier Families, Stronger Communities Language barriers can make even the most routine medical visits stressful. Parents may struggle to understand what a provider is saying about their child’s condition. Grandparents might not follow after-care instructions after surgery. A caregiver could misinterpret medication dosages or fail to follow discharge instructions correctly.  Without access to translation, families may struggle to make informed decisions. The result is often worse health outcomes and higher costs for both families and providers. But when families can clearly communicate with their care teams, they're more likely to pursue preventive care, follow treatment plans, communicate openly with providers, and make the confident, informed decisions about their health that ultimately improve health outcomes.  You can learn more about how these services work by visiting our page on translation services and healthcare translation solutions.  It’s not just good practice to offer language support—it’s the law. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare organizations that receive federal funding are required to provide meaningful access to individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP).  This includes offering professional translation and interpretation services free of charge. According to HHS Office for Civil Rights, organizations must take reasonable steps to ensure LEP individuals can understand and access the services they need.  Failing to meet these standards can result in legal consequences—and more importantly, puts families at risk of not receiving effective care. For families, the absence of reliable language services creates a domino effect. A single misunderstanding can lead to a missed follow-up, which turns into a preventable emergency room visit. A caregiver who doesn’t understand a discharge plan may unknowingly worsen a loved one’s recovery.  In contrast, translation services for families build trust. They ensure parents can confidently consent to treatment. They help patients adhere to care plans. They give families the voice and agency they need to be active participants in their health—not just passive recipients.  Language access is also about dignity. Every family deserves to understand their own medical journey, regardless of the language they speak. Healthcare providers don’t have to overhaul everything overnight, but there are clear starting points. Working with a professional translation partner can help organizations assess where gaps exist and how to effectively close them. That could mean translating intake forms, providing access to on-demand interpreters during telehealth visits, or making sure discharge instructions are available in a patient’s preferred language.  Digital technologies are playing an increasingly vital role in improving access to healthcare for diverse families. Remote interpreting technology platforms, AI-driven translation tools like machine translation post-editing (MTPE), multilingual client portals, and telemedicine services are all helping bridge the gap—especially for families in rural or underserved areas. These tools aren’t meant to replace human connection, but they serve as valuable extensions, ensuring more inclusive communication and care. At Avantpage, we offer global language services tailored specifically for healthcare providers, enabling them to reach families in meaningful, accurate, and culturally appropriate ways. Our solutions include access to usage data and language data, helping providers understand and track the needs of their patients, making it easier to deliver care that truly resonates. You may also like... Language and Trust: How Communication Shapes Health Outcomes Why a Spanish Medical Interpreter is Essential for Equitable Healthcare Access How to Make Telehealth Services More Accessible for All Patients Any individual with limited English proficiency (LEP) is eligible for translation or interpretation services when receiving care from healthcare organizations that receive federal funding. This includes families whose primary language is not English. These services are required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which protect patients from discrimination based on language barriers.  No. Translation services for families in healthcare must be provided free of charge to patients with LEP when the organization receives federal funding. This includes in-person interpretation, phone or video interpretation, and translated written materials such as forms, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. According to the HHS Office for Civil Rights, these services must be readily available to ensure meaningful access.  Families should inform the front desk, admissions team, or care providers that they need language support. Hospitals are expected to have protocols in place to provide interpreters on-site, over the phone, or via video. In many cases, translated materials—such as consent forms or discharge instructions—should also be available. If families are unsure, they can ask for “language assistance” or “interpreter services” at any time during their visit.  Translation refers to converting written content (like forms or discharge instructions) from one language to another. Interpretation, on the other hand, is verbal or signed conversation and used during interactions—like doctor visits or telehealth appointments. Both services are critical components of effective language access for families.  While accurate translation is critical, cultural competency helps ensure that healthcare communication is not only understood but also respectful and relevant. Providers can work with professional language service providers who offer culturally informed translations. Training staff on cross-cultural communication and hiring multilingual personnel also strengthens this effort. Together, cultural competency and translation services for families build trust, improve patient satisfaction, and lead to better health outcomes.  Only if they’re trained and qualified as medical interpreters. Healthcare facilities must ensure interpreters meet competency standards in medical terminology, ethics, and confidentiality. While many bilingual staff want to help, relying on untrained personnel can lead to serious miscommunications and liability risks.  Onsite interpreters are best suited for complex, sensitive, or lengthy medical conversations. When in-person support isn’t selected, video remote interpreting (VRI) or over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) can effectively support simple interactions. Ideally, all three options should be accessible, allowing patients with limited English proficiency to choose their preferred method. Providers should consider the patient’s needs, the context of care, and the complexity of the visit when selecting the appropriate modality.  When healthcare is truly accessible—linguistically, culturally, emotionally—families thrive. Children receive timely, appropriate care. Parents feel supported in making medical decisions. Patients can manage chronic conditions with clarity and confidence.  The long-term benefits are powerful: improved health outcomes, lower costs, reduced disparities, and stronger trust between communities and care providers. Simply put, translation services for families aren’t a bonus—they’re the foundation of equitable care. If your organization is ready to make language access a priority, get a free quote and start building a better experience for every family you serve. Contact us to learn how we can be a trusted partner in your language access efforts.

When seeking out language services, one of the first things people ask is “What is the difference between an interpreter vs. a translator?” After all, interpreting and translation services are both used to convert words and sentences in one language into another. 

While it can be easy to mix the two terms up, the interpreter vs. translator distinction is quite simple: Interpreters work with spoken or signed language, while translators work with written language. They both play a key role in ensuring organizations like healthcare providers and government agencies can communicate clearly with people from different linguistic backgrounds.

In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between an interpreter vs. translator, focusing on the skills required of both roles. We’ll also answer some commonly asked questions about interpreters and translators, while also shedding light on why many organizations need to work with both in order to provide truly equitable and accessible services.  Table of Contents

- Interpreter vs. Translator: Defining the Roles
- What Is an Interpreter?
- What Is a Translator?
- Interpreters vs. Translators: Differences
- Interpreters vs. Translators: Similarities
- Why Translators and Interpreters Are Both Necessary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary As we’ve discussed, interpreters work with spoken or signed language while translators work with written language. In short: Interpreters talk, translators type. Let’s take a closer look at the day-to-day work of an interpreter vs. translator. A professional interpreter works in real time, converting speech from one language to another language. This enables two parties who don’t speak the same language to have a free and spontaneous conversation with one another.

There are many different kinds of interpreting services:
Likewise, there are multiple different ways interpreting services can be delivered. While interpreters may deliver their services in person, it’s also common for them to do so on the phone (this is known as over-the-phone interpreting) or via video call (this is known as video remote interpreting).

Here are a few examples of instances where you might use the services of an interpreter: A professional translator, on the other hand, receives documents—such as brochures, webpages, forms, etc.—in one language and translates them into another language. 

There are many different kinds of translation services, each specialized for different kinds of texts. For example, legal translators are particularly knowledgeable about technical legal terminology that rarely comes up outside of legal contexts. Literary translators, on the other hand, take a more creative approach in translating works of literature, such as novels and plays.

One term you’ll often come across when seeking document translation services is “machine translation post-editing.” This is a service in which translation software is used to produce a translation of a text that is then reviewed and edited by a human who is familiar with the source and target languages, confirming that the text is accurately translated. This method saves quite a bit of time, though human translators tend to yield the highest quality, as they’re able to understand idiomatic phrases and cultural nuance better than translation software can.

Here are a few examples where you might use translation services: As we’ve discussed, there’s a clear distinction between an interpreter vs. translator. While their jobs may seem fairly similar, each role requires a unique set of skills. Besides their focus on written vs. spoken or signed language, there are several key differences that you should know about when deciding whether you need to contract the services of an interpreter vs. translator: 1. Mode of Communication: 2. Settings and Usage:
3. Speed and Timing:
4. Interpersonal Interaction:
5. Accuracy and Nuance:
6. Certification and Specialization:
7. Technology:
8. Cultural Sensitivity: Despite all of these differences, interpreters and translators do have their fair share of similarities: If you’re reading up on the difference between an interpreter vs. translator, odds are, you’re wondering which of the two is right for your organization. But if you work with a large number of LEP individuals, it’s likely you’ll need the services of both at some point. That’s because they complement one another, allowing organizations to fully offer their services in multiple different languages. 

The United States is an increasingly multilingual society: As of 2020, 22% of the population spoke a language other than English at home. That percentage has been steadily rising over the last few decades. Among this population, people speak English at varying levels. While many speak English, there’s a significant group of people who speak English at a very basic level, with about 25 million people—that’s 8% of the population—considered to have LEP.

If you provide your services to people with LEP, it’s not a question of interpreter vs. translator, but rather, when to use which. By working with both interpreters and translators, you ensure that LEP individuals have equitable access to the critical services provided by healthcare organizations, government agencies, and more.  While some translators also provide interpreting services, not all translators are equipped to provide interpreting services. Interpreters convert spoken or signed language from one language to another in real time. Translators, on the other hand, convert written texts from one language to another. It depends. If you need somebody to enable real-time conversations between two parties that do not speak the same language (for example, a patient with LEP and a doctor), you need an interpreter. If you have a document in one language and need it converted to another language, you need a translator. Hospitals typically work with both interpreters and translators. Interpreters allow patients with LEP to communicate with their care team and hospital administrative staff, while translators ensure that documents such as discharge forms, doctor’s notes, etc. are accessible to patients with LEP. Courts also work with both interpreters and translators. Courts typically work with interpreters during hearings to ensure that individuals with LEP can fully understand and participate in the hearing. Courts are required by law to provide an interpreter to LEP individuals at no cost. Additionally, courts may use translation services to make sure that relevant paperwork and documents are available to LEP individuals. The difference between an interpreter vs. translator is fairly straightforward. While interpreters work in real-time, converting speech from one language to another, translators work with the written word. But despite the clear differences between a translator vs. interpreter, they play complementary roles that enable organizations to cater their services to as many people as possible. By working with both interpreters and translators, you enable LEP individuals to access your services just as easily as a native English speaker could. If you’re looking for interpreting or translation services (or both), Avantpage can help. Fill out this form to get a free quote or contact us at info@avantpage.com or (530) 750-2040 to learn more.

Language access plays a key role in healthcare equity — research shows that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) are more likely to go without necessary medical care and face higher readmission rates than patients who speak English.  By providing language access measures that reduce the risk of miscommunication between LEP patients and their care team, healthcare providers can ensure equitable healthcare access for patients who don’t speak English. One simple way to do this is to work with a Spanish medical interpreter to aid your Spanish-speaking patients. After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the United States, with more than 40 million speakers nationwide. Among the population of individuals with LEP, about 63% are Spanish speakers — that means having a Spanish medical interpreter on your team is a critical first step toward improving healthcare equity and supporting LEP patients. Table of Contents

- The Impact of Language Barriers on Healthcare
- The Growing Need for Spanish Medical Interpreters
- The Role of a Spanish Medical Interpreter in Healthcare
- How Spanish Medical Interpreters Improve Patient Outcomes
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion Patients need to be able to communicate seamlessly with doctors, nurses, and other members of their care team — when LEP patients don’t have access to an interpreter, things can go terribly awry.

One often-cited example of the importance of qualified medical interpreters is the Willie Ramirez case. In 1980, Willie Ramirez, an 18-year-old Spanish speaker went to the hospital for pain in his head. Friends and family stepped in to provide impromptu interpretation for Willie and his doctors, but doctors were unable to diagnose him properly due to miscommunication. In the end, Willie lost his arms and legs as a result of the delay in diagnosis and care — had a qualified medical interpreter been present, it’s likely that a diagnosis could have been made much faster.

Willie’s case might seem extreme, but the truth is that LEP patients face a wide range of barriers to healthcare that exert an emotional toll on them as well. Struggling to understand one’s care team can be a frustrating experience at best and a dangerous one at worst. Spanish is by far the most widely spoken language in the United States after English — with around 42 million speakers, Spanish is spoken by about 12 times as many people as the third most widely spoken language, Chinese. Almost 40% of those Spanish speakers are considered to have LEP, meaning that they speak little to no English.

And that population is growing: in the last 25 years, the Spanish-speaking population in the United States has risen drastically, from just under 30 million in 2000. According to Forbes, one in three people living in the United States is projected to speak Spanish by 2050.

With more and more Spanish speakers living in the United States, Spanish medical interpreters will play an even more important role in reducing gaps in healthcare equity and improving healthcare outcomes for Spanish speakers with LEP. Spanish medical interpreters enable seamless communication between patients and their caretakers, by translating speech in real-time between Spanish and English. As a patient explains their circumstances in Spanish, they relay that information to the care team in English; then, as the doctor or nurse speaks in English, the interpreter relays that information to the patient in Spanish.

Interpreter services for healthcare come in a few different forms:

No matter what kind of interpreter service you choose, an interpreter will help your patients express themselves freely in their native language. Whether you’re providing care to somebody in the emergency room or offering mental health services, a Spanish language interpreter will allow you to rest assured that your Spanish-speaking patients with LEP understand what you’re saying to them. Interpreter services for healthcare ensure that LEP patients have access to the same crucial information about their care that English-speaking patients do. In turn, this improves the patient’s sense of trust in their healthcare provider.

Studies show that language gaps and miscommunication lead to higher readmission rates among patients with LEP. By working with a qualified medical interpreter, your organization can build trust with LEP patients and reduce their likelihood of needing to be readmitted to the hospital. You may also like... Language and Trust: How Communication Shapes Health Outcomes 10 Common Misconceptions about Interpreting How to Provide Language Access for Indigenous Languages Besides enabling patients to receive adequate care, interpreter services for healthcare are also required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. These laws ensure that patients with LEP have a right to access interpreting services when seeking medical care from institutions that receive federal funding.

There are several other legal and ethical considerations to make. The interpreters themselves must comply with HIPAA regulations, ensuring patient confidentiality and privacy during all interpreted interactions. Additionally, a qualified medical interpreter must remain neutral and accurate, conveying information faithfully without adding their personal opinion or omitting any details. Here are some answers to common questions about Spanish medical interpreters. A Spanish medical interpreter is needed whenever a Spanish-speaking patient has trouble understanding or communicating in English during routine appointments, emergency care, mental health sessions, and follow-up appointments. A Spanish medical interpreter is a professional who is proficient in Spanish and another language (in this case, primarily English). Medical interpreters are trained on specialized medical terminology that allows them to act as a sort of linguistic intermediary between healthcare providers and patients with LEP, ensuring seamless and confidential communication in a healthcare setting. Healthcare facilities work with language service providers to offer a wide range of Spanish medical interpreter services, including over-the-phone interpreting, video remote interpreting, and on-site interpreting. They may also hire their own multilingual staff and interpreters. No. A medical interpreter works in real-time, enabling spoken communication between two parties that do not speak the same language. They often use consecutive interpreting methods, listening and translating speech in segments. Medical translators, on the other hand, translate written text from one language to another, such as member communications, member letters, evidence of coverage, brochures, medical marketing materials, and more. Although qualified medical interpreters may be trained in healthcare terminology, they may not necessarily be qualified to act as Spanish medical translators. The two roles require distinct skill sets. As such, it’s best to seek out a certified Spanish medical translator for any written documents you may need translated. Yes. Healthcare facilities that receive federal funding are required under Title VI of the Civil Rights act to provide language assistance, including a Spanish language interpreter, to patients with LEP. Although the actual conversation matter must remain confidential, the Association of American Medical Colleges advises healthcare providers to document the use of a qualified medical interpreter. The medical office should keep record of the following details:

- Date, time, and duration of the interpreter services
- Name or identification number of the interpreter
- The type of interpreter service used (over-the-phone, video remote, or onsite)
- Confirmation that the patient understood the medical information discussed
- Patient refusal of interpreter services (if applicable) Patients can request an interpreter at check-in, during appointments, or in emergencies. Most hospitals and healthcare providers have their own interpretation department to ensure the availability of interpretation services. This is not recommended. Some patients may rely on bilingual family members as informal or impromptu interpreters, but professional medical interpreters are a much safer option. Because professional interpreters are familiar with complex medical terminology, they’re better suited to help LEP patients than bilingual individuals who are untrained in interpreting or medical terminology. Spanish medical interpreters can save lives — by improving communication between Spanish-speaking patients and their doctors, interpreters empower patients to better understand and express their medical condition. By giving patients access to a qualified medical interpreter, healthcare facilities can do their part to improve equity in healthcare. Healthcare facilities looking to improve their language assistance services should invest in Spanish medical interpreters — get a free quote today, or contact us at info@avantpage.com or (530) 750-2040 to learn more.

If you’re looking to improve your organization’s language access measures, you may want to consider leveraging an advisory board that specializes in language access and accessibility. Advisory boards can play a helpful role in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of your organization’s language access measures (or lack thereof) and provide actionable insights into improving services for limited English proficient individuals.

Whether you work for a federal government agency or an election office in a small town, it’s quite likely that your work impacts individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). An advisory board that specializes in matters of language access can help you identify ways in which your organization can better serve those individuals.
 
These groups can play an invaluable role in monitoring and improving your language access efforts, as they take a look at the bigger picture to point out weak spots that you may not notice when you’re focused on the day-to-day aspects of your work. They can also provide answers to any specific questions you might have and serve as a great way to crowdsource community members and find community leaders.
 
Advisory boards come in all shapes and sizes — essentially, they consist of a group of specialists and stakeholders who meet regularly to develop solutions to problems that a community might face. These can include language service professionals like translators and interpreters, but an effective advisory board will incorporate a broad range of perspectives: recruiting community leaders, individuals with LEP, and others who are impacted by your services will ensure that you have a wide range of viewpoints to develop an innovative solution.
 
There are plenty of advisory boards that focus on language matters already — for instance, the US Election Assistance Commission’s Language Access Roundtable convenes regularly to “discuss topics and resources available to election officials as they serve language minority voters.”
 
While it’s possible to join an already existing advisory board, you should also consider taking the time to set one up specifically for your organization or industry. This way, you can tailor the advisory board to your organization’s unique needs. In this blog post, we’ll show you how you can set up your own language access advisory board to set you up for success. How Language Access Strengthens Communities Case Study: Bridging the Digital Divide in Minority Communities Learn more about our Translation Services
Starting up your own advisory board can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve broken the process down into four simple steps that will help you get started:
There are plenty of other advisory boards that focus on language-related issues already. Take some time to gather basic information on these advisory boards — look at their members and their experience, as well as their bylaws and meeting minutes if they’re publicly available. This will give you a better idea of what kinds of people to seek out when inviting different community members and stakeholders to join your advisory board.
 
This research should give you some inspiration for structuring your board and planning all the details out. A few examples of advisory boards you can look to in your research include the Language Access Collaborative in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Language Access Services Section of the National Center for State Courts. By getting familiar with the work that other advisory boards do, you can get a better sense of what you want yours to do for your organization.

After conducting research into and getting inspiration from other advisory boards, it’s time to narrow in on your own board. Start by determining the overarching goal of your advisory board — some common goals you might want to focus on include: Once you’ve figured out the scope of your advisory board, you can pin down the different experts and stakeholders you’ll need to serve on your board.
 
If improving language access is the focal point of your advisory board, you’ll want to focus your efforts on consulting with interpreters, translators, other language service experts, and multilingual community members who understand the needs of LEP individuals; on the other hand, if you’re focused more on diversity and equity as a whole, you’ll want to work with DEI specialists and the community members who use your services.
 

Advisory boards are most effective when they include a diverse group of voices — people who have LEP and community leaders should also play a key role in your advisory board.[3]  Make sure to target a wide range of prospective board members. You’ll want to get perspectives from the people who use your services, front of staff, buyers and requesters of services, industry leaders, and language-specific experts, just to name a few. If you already have some stakeholders in mind, go ahead and invite them to join the board directly. But don’t stop there — cast a wide net by posting open calls to sign up on social media and ask others to share as well. In your outreach efforts, be sure to be clear about your goals in setting up the advisory board and what your expectations are. If you need some inspiration for your outreach efforts, take a look at this Linkedin post from the New York City Civic Engagement Commission, promoting their Language Assistance Advisory Committee.
 
Notice that the application in the Linkedin post above is very clear about the commitment level expected of council members. In your outreach efforts, be as clear as you possibly can — outline the frequency of meetings and, if possible, when and where the board’s meetings will take place. Working with an advisory board is an excellent way to improve your organization’s language access services. And while there are many out there already, you may find that setting up your own advisory board allows you to gain more useful, custom-tailored insights into your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Here are some simple steps to get started: If you’re looking to improve your organization’s language access plan, Avantpage can help. We offer language access consulting services that help you expand your language services and adapt to evolving needs. Reach out to us today at info@avantpage.com or (530) 750-2040 to learn more.

Reframed this as bullet points, rather than questions — I think it's a little bit clearer now, but let me know what you think
Does "members" work better than "specialists and stakeholders" here?
Added a new sentence here, per previous comments Contact us today for a brief call to explore how Avantpage can be your trusted language access partner, working together to find the best solution tailored to your needs.

It’s simple, but true: Patients need to be able to trust their healthcare providers. From routine doctor’s appointments to calling their insurance provider, it’s important that patients are confident in their provider’s ability to give them the highest quality of care possible.   After all, the healthcare system can be daunting — fostering a sense of trust allows patients to open up and feel secure in doing so. And when patients feel open and secure, they’re able to advocate for themselves better, improving the outcome of their care.  Building trust with your patients can be a challenge, though, especially for health insurance providers. This is doubly true when it comes to building trust with patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) and other minorities that have historically been marginalized within the healthcare system.   While programs like Medicare and Medicaid aim to improve healthcare outcomes for historically marginalized members of society, inequality in the healthcare system remains—research indicates that even today, racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive lower quality care than their white counterparts. As a result, it can be challenging for members of these groups to fully trust their providers. For individuals with LEP, language gaps can make it even more difficult to build trust.   Measurements of equity in the healthcare system like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Health Equity Index incentivize providers to emphasize equity in their practice—higher scores on these measures can help your patients trust you.   In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the ways in which health insurance plans can improve their communication with LEP patients and feel more trusting—because at the end of the day, that trust leads to a better patient-provider relationship, ultimately boosting the quality of care and saving lives.  Effective CMS Marketing for Multilingual Healthcare Materials Translating Member Letters for State-Managed Health Plans Listening is the foundation of trust — especially for LEP patients navigating the complexities of our healthcare system. By actively listening to LEP patients, health plan providers can gain insight into the unique challenges they face.  
 
Listening isn’t just about gathering feedback from plan members — it’s about actually doing something with that feedback. To build a sense of trust in your patients, it’s critical that you take their input and co-create relevant solutions with community leaders, advisory groups, and other experts. This approach fosters a sense of inclusion and empowers LEP members to voice their concerns openly — here’s how you can take an active approach to listening to your LEP patients. 
Surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews can give you valuable information about the experiences and needs of your LEP plan members.  
 
Working with a trusted language service provider, you can develop multilingual surveys that LEP plan members can complete. Likewise, you can partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) and other cultural experts to help coordinate focus groups and interviews in languages spoken prominently among the LEP communities you’re targeting. 
 
These are just a few examples of ways to get feedback from your LEP patients — by leveraging them, health plans can identify gaps in service, improve communications, and create a more seamless and comprehensive experience that fosters long-term trust and satisfaction. 
Feedback is a crucial tool for refining your services — by acting on the feedback you receive from LEP patients in surveys and focus groups, you can show patients you’re actually listening to them, thereby building a strong sense of trust. 
 
The feedback you receive from LEP members will likely uncover gaps in communication, accessibility, and overall service delivery. By creating consistent feedback loops — i.e., regularly conducting surveys and focus groups — you can address these issues proactively. This process not only improves the user experience but also demonstrates a commitment to listening and adapting.  
 
When you consider member feedback, you may find instances where you can make tangible improvements to the patient’s experience: you might find that you can simplify forms, develop better outreach strategies in certain languages, or improve interpreter access. These changes will all add up to build a sense of trust toward your organization.  
Be sure to be transparent and open when conducting these outreach efforts. Make sure to inform members of why you’re reaching out to them and how you plan to use their feedback. This transparency is essential to building trust with LEP plan members, while also building goodwill and trust. 
 
In some instances, it may be worthwhile to share the results of surveys and focus groups with plan members — this gives them a better idea of how you plan to act on their feedback. As you adjust your practices and act on feedback, patients can rest assured that you’re making changes that are rooted in their own ideas and insights. This incentivizes further participation and creates a foundation of trust that leads to stronger, more equitable healthcare relationships.  When LEP patients trust their health insurance provider, they navigate the healthcare system with a sense of agency and security that allows them to be the best possible advocate for themselves. As a health plan provider, building trust means listening to your patients and being adaptable to their input. Here’s how you can do that:  Foster and maintain confident relationships with your LEP patients and health plan members through translation, interpreting, and other language services. Contact us today at (530) 750-2040 or at info@avantpage.com to learn more about how we can help you. 

For millions of immigrants and refugees living in the United States, navigating essential federal programs poses quite a challenge. Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) often struggle to access critical services like Medicare — even though these agencies are required by law to offer language access services, individuals with LEP often have trouble accessing them as easily as their English-speaking counterparts. This difficulty arises in part due to the fact that the federal government’s guidelines for supporting individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) are rather outdated — most federal agencies today utilize guidelines based on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) LEP Guidance published in 2002. A lot has changed in the last two decades — so our approach to language access at the federal level should adapt to reflect those changes. In fact, there are a couple of key challenges with the current federal approach to language access. Firstly, federal agencies today usually follow a single set of LEP guidelines for all programs, rather than tailored language access plans for each. While this one-size-fits-all approach might have worked in 2002, it falls short as programs have diversified and gone digital. Additionally, there is little transparency about the effectiveness of these language access plans. Although agencies are required to have them, few processes exist to evaluate their efficacy or enforcement. If you work with a federal agency and are looking for ways to develop a unique and creative language access plan, this blog post will give you some insight into how you can address these challenges, particularly in the research and early phases of development. We’ll start with a look at the stakeholders who will be most impacted by changes to your LEP guidance and then explore the other areas you need to consider, from data collection to IT support. Common Components of a Language Access Plan
While language access measures are put in place to help individuals with LEP, those end users aren’t the only people who will be impacted by changes to your agency’s language access guidelines. It’s also important to consider how this will impact your frontline staff, who are often the first point of contact for LEP individuals. You’ll want to consider the ways your staff typically interact with LEP users — do they talk to them on the phone or is communication mostly through mail or online, text-based channels? Answering questions like this will help you identify weakness in your current processes and customize your plan to a specific program. Ensuring that these staff members are equipped with the necessary training and resources to effectively communicate with LEP individuals is critical for the success of any language access plan. Depending on how they interact with users, you may want to hire additional bilingual staff who can perform these tasks in a language commonly spoken among LEP individuals who seek your services.
Odds are, you’ll need a lot of support from outside sources — vendors like language service providers, as well as DEI consultants, research organizations, community representatives and community-based organizations (CBOs) should play a prominent role in the development and implementation of any language access plan. You can work with language service providers to identify the kinds of language services you need, whether it’s over-the-phone interpreting, document translation, website localization, or something else. Meanwhile, consultants and other organizations can share valuable insights into the specific needs of LEP users. For example, a CBO that works with specific immigrant populations can help you organize focus group sessions with LEP residents who seek access to your programs; DEI consultants can provide you with information about the best practices for making sure your language access plan is equitable and inclusive.
A solid language access plan starts with comprehensive data. Use existing sources like U.S. Census data and the American Community Survey (ACS) to identify LEP demographics and common languages spoken among the immigrants who are most likely to need your services. You should also supplement this with internal data on service usage, user feedback, and past interactions to uncover current language access gaps. Combining this data with the insights provided by vendors and other third parties like CBOs can provide first-hand insights from LEP individuals and staff who interact with them. Collecting both quantitative and qualitative data ensures your language access plan is targeted, effective, and responsive to the actual needs of the community.
The way we connect with one another has changed quite a bit since 2002 — social media and the internet have become critical outreach channels and as such, effective language access requires using them to reach individuals with LEP. Be sure to integrate a mix of digital and traditional methods such as online platforms, printed materials, phone services, and in-person interactions. Websites and apps should be optimized for multilingual access, with clear navigation in users’ preferred languages. Be careful not to put all your eggs in one basket though. Digitization is important, but it’s also important to use print media and other channels, as individuals with LEP (especially elderly folks) may face digital inclusion barriers that English speakers don’t. Don’t overlook community hubs like churches and local nonprofits that LEP individuals trust. Partnering with these groups can help amplify outreach and build awareness of available services. By diversifying communication channels, you enhance the likelihood that LEP users can access critical information and support seamlessly.
In the early phases of planning and developing LEP guidance, you’ll also want to consider the ongoing support you’ll need after the plan’s been implemented. Maybe you’ll need additional support from your IT specialists after localizing your website to make sure that everything functions properly (i.e., you don’t want a link on the Spanish version of your website to direct users to an English webpage or PDF). Additionally, you’ll also want to work with CBOs and community members to receive regular feedback on your language access measures to make sure that you’re able to adapt to the needs of your programs’ LEP users.
Modernizing your language access plans can be a major task — as the DOJ’s federal guidance on language access hasn’t changed much in two decades, there’s a lot to consider after two decades of change in other dimensions. Here are some key questions federal agencies should ask themselves if they plan on developing a language access plan for the modern era: If you’re looking to revamp your agency’s LEP guidance and implement a more modern approach to language access, Avantpage has you covered. We offer translation and interpreting services that are crucial to any language access plan — not to mention, we also offer in-depth language access consulting services to help you lay out a roadmap for your organization. Contact us today at info@avantpage.com or (530) 750-2040 to learn more.