IMIA eNews
September 2013
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Nothing happens until you decide.  
Make a decision and watch your life move forward."  
- Oprah Winfrey
MESSAGE FROM THE IMIA PRESIDENT 
 

Dear IMIA members:

 

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer and are ready for a lovely and productive Fall. Several IMIA members took their vacations during the summer months, and many of the IMIA Committees and Divisions did not meet during the month of August. After a beautiful and well-deserved summer break, I would like to welcome you back to our regular activities. In September, we reinstate the standard scheduled meetings, looking forward to the various activities ahead.

 

I would like to invite our members to actively work on the different Committees, Chapters or Divisions. There is something of interest for everyone and different levels of commitment to match individual circumstances. Your participation will definitely make a difference in your professional development. Without our members, IMIA can't move forward with all of the important initiatives we have in place. You will love to work within the IMIA family.If you have any questions about the meetings, please contact me or the Chair of the Committee or Division you are interested to join. We have much work ahead of us to promote the profession and we need to do this together.

 

If you missed our summer edition of the IMIA Enews, I would like to mention again that, IMIA has a new President Elect, Ms. Juana Horton. Juana will take the role of President at the end of my second term (December 2014). For further details, please read the July/August Enews.

I would like to take this opportunity thank Ms. Tina Pena, former Chair of the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, NBCMI (a Division of the IMIA), for her service to the organization, and her arduous and dedicated work towards certification of medical interpreters and constant advocacy for the medical interpreting profession. At the same time, I would like to welcome Ms. Maria Schwieter as the new Interim Chair of the National Board. Maria has occupied leadership positions within our sector for several years where she has demonstrated her leadership capacity, integrity and clear vision. As former president of NIMIA, she is well poised to act as the National Board Interim Chair until the National Board has their yearly elections. Her extensive experience, knowledge and skills are a certain asset to move the National Board further into the future.

 

If you have any ideas or feedback for the IMIA Executive Board to consider, please do not hesitate to email me at president@imiaweb.org I am always happy to connect directly with our members.

 

Thank you for your continuous support.

 

All the best,

 

Lola Bendana

IMIA President

President@imiaweb.org

 

 

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Calling on all Korean interpreters!

The oral performance certification exam for Korean is ready to go!

You may register and sign up to take the written exam (in English). Those interpreters who successfully pass the written exam will be approved to take the oral exam. Those interpreters who pass both the written and the oral exams receive their Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) credential. The Spanish, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean oral certification exams are available and interpreters are testing in these languages nationwide and in Canada. Vietnamese is in the final process of validation.

  

To register, just click on the "Get Certified" tab above or go to this link:   www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/register/. For those who have already taken the written exam and would like to schedule the oral exam, please go to the list of testing locations here: www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/lists-testing-sites-0 and follow the instructions.

  

Thank you for your participation in the National Board's medical interpreter certification program!



 

 

Nominations for National Board Directors Have Opened - Due September 16, 5pm EST

The Nominations Committee of the National Board is pleased to announce that the nominations for Board Directors have opened.

Due September 16, 5pm EST

To see information, go to:

http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/call-nominations-boa 

 

 

JOIN US FOR THE NEXT WEBINAR
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, AT 1 PM ET 

The National Board has monthly webinars that are a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the written and oral certification exams, now available for interpreters of Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean and very soon for interpreters in Vietnamese. The webinar will focus on the specifics of taking the exams, in general what the exams cover, including a description of what to expect when you get to the testing center, screen shots of the test setup, and more. Participating in the webinar is the best way to prepare to become a Certified Medical Interpreter.

This one-hour webinar is open to everyone free of charge, but you need to pre-register. You will have access to interact via audio and view the presentation from your computer if connected to the internet, or you may use a phone line to participate in just the audio portion of the webinar.

Please note, there is no password to access the presentation live from your computer, but there is a passcode required if you want to access by phone. Please see the details that follow and note the different time zones:
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1 pm Eastern / noon Central / 11am Mountain/ 10am Pacific time

Registration information will be posted the week before the Webinar.

Webinar information can be found at 

http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/necessary-step-patie on the NBCMI web site.

 

For a copy of the most recent Webinar presentation power point, click here and then scroll to the bottom of the page.

Future Webinars in 2013:
Thursday, October 31 at 2 pm
Friday, November 22 at 3 pm
Saturday, December 14 at 4 pm

  


NEWLY CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS
This list is based on information received from The National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters. These individuals recently became Certified.  Congratulations!
 
 
Janina Sulca 
Irina Kan 
Ana R. Hernandez 
Patricia Vargas Ver Ploeg 
Maria Rodriguez 
Margaret Glur 
Iole Nall 
Ana Alza Rodriguez 
Irma Morales 
Javier Carrillo 
Emmanuel Arieta 
Omar Carrillo 
Felisa Barillas de Hundman 
Kenton Myers 
Marina Michurina 
Geraldine Spurgin 
Hang Su 
Priscilla Vazquez 
Tatsiana Trakhimets 
Freya Tripp 
Cesar Palacio 
Marlene Blewett 
Lorena Castillo 
Agustin de la Mora 
Murtado Bustillos

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BOARD OF CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL INTERPRETERS
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters is an autonomous certifying body, formed from an independent group of industry professionals who represent all key stakeholder groups, including professional medical interpreters, trainers, employers, providers, and regulators. The National Board developed the first comprehensive national medical interpreting certification program. The National Board is a special division of the IMIA and has independent authority over all essential certification decisions. The purpose of certification is to ensure limited English proficiency patient safety by rigorous evaluation and assurance of the competency of medical interpreters, through written and oral exams. Those who pass the written and oral exams are bestowed the CMI credential which stands for Certified Medical Interpreter.

For more information, visit
The National Board of Certification
LANGUAGE RIGHTS CORNER

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Protecting Against Race, Color, and

National Origin Discrimination by

HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES
Language barriers could deter minorities from benefiting from healthcare reform

 http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/language-barriers-could-deter-minorities-from-benefiting-from-healthcare-reform/Content?oid=2546510  

 

California needs more interpreters for patients

 http://wp.me/p1LUvz-lH  

 

Police take Spanish, Vietnamese language classes to combat barriers  

 http://wp.me/p1LUvz-lp  

 

lANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY
Online indigenous dictionary launched by CIP

 http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=208157&ctNode=454&mp=9   

 

Website for the dictionary itself

http://e-dictionary.apc.gov.tw/Index.htm

 

Smartling and Translation Technology on Public Radio International!

http://www.smartling.com/blog/2013/08/21/smartling-translation-technology-public-radio-international/    

 

Will That Mobile Health App Help or Hurt? Is Anybody Checking Them Out?

http://seniorcarecorner.com/mobile-health-app-help-hurt    

 

St. Joseph Interpreter gets early peek at Google Glass

http://www.kansas.com/2013/07/18/2894238/st-joseph-interpreter-gets-early.html

 

INTERPRETER ETHICS
Does Social Networking Impair Sign Language Interpreter Ethics?

A large part of a sign language interpreter's skillset is a keen situational awareness that is guided by ethical standards intended to protect consumers, the integrity of the profession, and allow the interpreting process to flow unobstructed.

 

This professional skillset blends with our personal image and influences how we conduct ourselves publically, even off the clock. Because we identify so strongly with the tangibility of our physical space, what we call "real life," the consequences of our behavior and personal expression are easy to identify. As a result, we are more easily able to avoid potential conflict.

 

Unfortunately, the cognitive distance between our physical world and the virtual world combined with this lack of awareness of the impact of social networking expression creates an illusion that impairs a sign language interpreter's situational awareness. This impairment leads to a distorted view and understanding of what is ethically acceptable online. Sadly, the result is a large number of interpreters who are unaware that some of their social networking activity is a breach of their professional ethics.

 

What do you think about it?  Please send your comments to  Ethics@imiaweb.org
 

ISP DIVISION CORNER

IMIA Interpreter Service Provider (ISP) Membership Now Includes 5 Representatives!

The Interpreter Service Provider (ISP) Division of the IMIA is pleased to announce that, effective immediately, each IMIA ISP organizational member can have up to five representatives in their membership profile.  We feel that more representation from each organization will increase participation, dissemination of information, and generate more awareness of IMIA ISP activities.  It will also help the IMIA promote collaborative relationships with diverse organizations which will help the IMIA grow and prosper.

 

To add more representatives to your existing ISP profile, go to:

http://www.imiaweb.org/corporate/profile.asp 

 

 

  This Month's Featured IMIA ISP Members

 

Texas Children's Hospital
Texas Children's is ranked among the top children's hospitals nationwide, and is committed to redefining children's healthcare through patient care, education and research.

Vanderbilt University Hospital 
Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education and human development, as well as a full range of graduate and professional degrees. 

 


IMIA Welcomes Our New & Renewing ISP Members!

 

Boston Medical Center (http://www.bmc.org/)
Carolinas Medical Center (http://www.carolinashealthcare.org/)
Choice Translating, Inc. (http://www.choicetranslating.com/)
Cross Cultural Communication Systems, Inc. (http://www.embracingculture.com/)
Eriksen Translations (http://www.eriksen.com/)
Interpreters Associates Inc. (http://www.interpretersassociates.com/)
Texas Children's Hospital (http://www.texaschildrens.org/)
Vanderbilt University Hospital (http://vanderbilt.edu/)
Wentworth Douglass Hospital (http://www.wdhospital.com/)
 
IMIA NEWS
REGISTRATION OPEN!
2014 International Medical Interpreters Conference January 16 - 19, 2014 2014 THEME Medical Interpreter Education: The Gateway to the Future! Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston Houston, Texas
How are you celebrating Translation Day this year?
Send us your pictures at enews@imiaweb.org
IMIA LEADERSHIP GROWS
THE IMIA RELIES ON ITS MEMBERS TO ADVANCE THE PROFESSION. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION THAT BELIEVES EACH PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

If you are interested in Chairing or Vice Chairing a Committee, please read:

Requirements for IMIA Representation:

IMIA Requirements to Apply for Leadership:

IMIA Disclosure Form March 2013:

Please feel free to direct any questions to info@imiaweb.org 
 

 

US INTERPRETING NEWS

Patient-interpreter bill aims to overcome language barriers

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-interpreters-20130819,0,5610841.story

 

11-year-old takes on roles as translator, nurse in home birth

 

A video in Spanish about California medical interpreters

http://noticias.univision.com/noticiero-univision/videos/video/2013-08-17/interpretes-en-california-podran-salvar-vidas

 

CA DWC Final Interpreter Services Regulations Now in Effect

 http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/news/17284-ca-dwc-final-interpreter-services-regulations-now-in-effect.html    

 

Interpreting a way out of poverty

 

 

INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETING NEWS
Abandoning friends; Interpreters in Afghanistan deserve our help 
Shortage of local interpreters main reason for hiring foreigners 

Interpreters break down language barriers of Africa Endeavor 

 

MINORITY LANGUAGES

Filipinos fight for Tagalog access in California

 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/08/15/13/filipinos-fight-tagalog-access-california  

 

Bilingual dictionary preserves the Gurindji language

http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=26580  

  

US is 5th largest Spanish-speaking country: new Census interactive map

http://www.newstaco.com/2013/08/09/us-is-5th-largest-spanish-speaking-country-new-census-interactive-map/    

 

Native languages must be saved

   

SIGN LANGUAGE
Blind and deaf man's caregivers sued over lack of access to interpreters

http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/7989581-95/blind-and-deaf-mans-caregivers-sued-over-lack-of-access-to-interpreters   

 

Sign Language App Featuring Oscar Winner Marlee Matlin Gets Significant Update  

http://appadvice.com/post/453348   

 

Would You Hire a Deaf Nurse? 

http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/NRS-295417/Would-You-Hire-a-Deaf-Nurse   

 

Deaf Student, Denied Interpreter by Medical School, Draws Focus of Advocates

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/20/us/deaf-student-denied-interpreter-by-medical-school-draws-focus-of-advocates.html?_r=0   

 

IMIA VIEWPOINTS
Viewpoints, an online newsletter, was developed to provide members with a forum of ideas and viewpoints that can be recorded, to keep you thinking about the topics that affect our life as medical interpreters. Members can expound on their ideas by writing brief 200-600 word essays of reflections on any topic related to medical interpreting. Viewpoints Newsletter includes interesting facts, trends and profiles of people building their interpreting careers. You'll see winning personal essays about what makes medical interpreting a profession of choice for many members. Some topics that can be included are: Technology, what does it mean to interpreters?;  Career Development, Patient Safety, Interpreter Safety, Mental Health, Mentoring, Work Ethics, Interpreter Education. Viewpoints is meant to be both informative and fun to read. This free online newsletter provides personal reflections, a few tips, and some useful ideas to help you engage in a more personal journey of satisfaction as a medical interpreter. Send submissions to info@imiaweb.org.

Visit Viewpoints on the IMIA web site at http://www.imiaweb.org/members/viewpoints.asp

 

 

FEATURED STUDIES

 

INTERPRETER EDUCATION

New program offered to WOU medical students

 http://www.polkio.com/ns/news/26203/new-program-offered-to-wou-medical-students  

 

The UCLA Language Materials Project is Now Citing Digital Materials for Less Commonly Taught Languages

http://www.lmp.ucla.edu/Default.aspx  

 

University of Texas study reiterates gap in education for English language learners in the classroom  

http://www.kvue.com/news/220112631.html

 

TRANSLATION
Cloudwords Announces Faster, Easier Integration Capabilities with New Cloudwords Developer Center 
J.R.R. Tolkien's foremost and only Yiddish-language translator

US state agency offers Klingon translation

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2013/08/21/10/16/us-state-agency-offers-klingon-translation

 

LANGUAGE NEWS
BBC News - Elmore Leonard: Do we use too many exclamation marks?
Language change is our lifeblood. When does 'wrong' become 'right'?
No matter what, every language's longest word looks silly
http://bddy.me/13RSIxW

How hard is English? How weird?
 

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know that all different types of organizations post jobs on the IMIA Web Site all through the year? 

 

Arabic Medical Interpreter
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Posted on: 9/5/2013 


Interpreter - Russian
Einstein Healthcare Network
Posted on: 8/31/2013

Medical Interpreter
Stony Brook University Hospital
Posted on: 8/29/2013

Coordinator, Language Assistance Program
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Posted on: 8/14/2013

Supervisor, Interpreter Services
Oregon Health & Science University
Posted on: 6/24/2013

Sign Language Interpreter
Children's Hospital Colorado
Posted on: 6/9/2013

 

IMIA Members have access to job listings 24/7 at http://www.imiaweb.org/members/jobs.asp.

 

 

BOOKS OF THE MONTH
Conference Interpreting: A Student's Practice Book

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
2014 International Medical Interpreters Conference 
January 16 - 19, 2014 
Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston, Texas
Information:
IMIA Lifelong Learning Webinar
Friday, Sept. 27th, 2013 at 12pm EST
The Voice of Love
What Medical Interpreters Need to Know About Interpreting for Survivors of Torture, War Trauma and Sexual Violence
Presenter: Marjorie A. Bancroft , MA 


 
IMIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

NATIONAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 
INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

 

COMMITTEE CORNER
The IMIA relies on its members to advance the profession. We have always been a grassroots organization that believes each person can make a difference. Please see the different committees you can join at http://www.imiaweb.org/committees/default.asp:

 

 

Events Committee

Contact the Chair of the Conference Committee at Conference@imiaweb.org.

 

Education Committee

Contact the Chair of the Education Committee at Education@imiaweb.org.

 

eNews Committee

Contact the Chair of the eNews Committee at eNews@imiaweb.org.

 

Ethics Committee

Contact the Chair of the Ethics Committee at Ethics@imiaweb.org.

 

The External Relations Committee

Contact the Chair of the External Relations Committee at ERelations@imiaweb.org.

 

Fundraising Committee

Contact the Chair of the Fundraising Committee at Fundraising@imiaweb.org.

 

Medical Terminology Committee

Contact the Chair of the Medical Terminology Committee at MedicalTerminology@imiaweb.org.

 

Membership Committee

Contact the Chair of the Membership Committee at Membership@imiaweb.org.

 

Nominations and Governance Committee

Contact the Chair of the Nominations & Governance Committee at Nominations@imiaweb.org.

 

Public Relations Committee

Contact the Chair of the Public Relations Committee at PublicRelations@imiaweb.org.

 

IMIA CONNECTION

IMIA PSA

The IMIA would like to encourage all interpreters and stakeholders who are language access advocates to share this PSA in every presentation you do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=twINuqacDdY 

 

IMIA National Medical Interpreter Registry

Search the directory by name, language, state or country: The IMIA is proud to have the only national registry of medical interpreters in the US. It includes over 1,900 interpreters in over 100 languages.

http://www.imiaweb.org/corporate/find.asp 

 

Member Profile Options

Did you know you may add your credentials and Certification information, resume, photo, and more to your IMIA profile? Update your profile at http://www.imiaweb.org/members/profile.asp 

 

IMIA List Serve

Join IMIA Members-only List Serve: http://www.imiaweb.org/members/listserve.asp 

 

Join IMIA's Social Media Networks!

 

Linked In

-Individual Profile

http://www.linkedin.com/in/imiaweb 

-Group Profile

http://linkd.in/l9ATUx 

Once connected, you can post interpreter related information for others to read. 

 

Facebook

http://on.fb.me/lB50Rn 

Please join the page using the above link and click "Like".

 

Twitter

@IMIAUpdates (Connected with Facebook)

http://twitter.com/#%21/IMIAUpdates 

@IMIAeNews (By Claudia Perla E-News Chair)

http://twitter.com/#%21/IMIAenews 

 

For more information, reach the IMIA Social Media Director at imiasm@imiaweb.org 

 

 

 

IMIA STRATEGIC PLAN

It is important for IMIA members to know and understand our bylaws well as it is the charter of the organization. article in each IMIA eNews edition. Please email Izabel Arocha, IMIA Executive Director, at iarocha@imiaweb.org if you have any questions.

  

ADVOCACY
- Continue local, national and international advocacy efforts
- Promote best practices at all levels (laws, language access)
- Advocate for professional recognition, certification, and reimbursement  

 

IMIA BYLAWS BIT BY BIT
It is important for IMIA members to know and understand our bylaws well as it is the charter of the organization. article in each IMIA eNews edition. Please email Izabel Arocha, IMIA Executive Director, at iarocha@imiaweb.org if you have any questions.
 

8.8              Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee shall be composed of (a) such members (at least one of whom shall be a Director) as may be appointed by the President, with the advice of the Vice-President, and (b) the President (acting in an ex officio voting capacity).The Ethics Committee powers and duties include but are not limited to:

(a)                Development of IMIA Ethics Pledge for all members to sign

(b)               Organization of ethics-based discussion groups

(c)                Structuring of ethical violations complaint process

 

8.9              External Relations Committee.The External Relations Committee shall be composed of (a) such members (at least one of whom shall be a Director) as may be appointed by the President, with the advice of the Vice-President, and (b) the President (acting in an ex officio voting capacity). The External Relations Committee powers and duties  include but are not limited to:

(a)                Identify and facilitate the development of collaborative agreements with other organizations with a similar mission;;

(b)               Maintain relations and identify opportunities for collaboration with partner or supporting organizations

(c)                Maintain memberships and communications with other interpreter and translator associations; and

(d)               Coordinate the Corporation's presence at other organization's events.

 

8.10              Fundraising Committee.  The Fundraising Committee shall be composed of (a) such members (at least one of whom shall be a Director) as may be appointed by the President, with the advice of the Vice-President, and (b) the President (acting in an ex officio voting capacity).The Fundraising Committee powers and duties include but are not limited to:

(a)                Development of Fundraising Plan

(b)               Seek Sponsors for the Conference

(c)                Seek innovative ways for the organization to raise funds for The Corporation's causes

 

8.11              Medical Terminology Committee.  The Medical Terminology Committee shall be composed of (a) such members (at least one of whom shall be a Director) as may be appointed by the President, with the advice of the Vice-President, and (b) the President (acting in an ex officio voting capacity).The Medical Terminology Committee powers and duties include but are not limited to:

(a)                Promote Professional Terminology Standard

(b)               Work with international medical terminology project

(c)                Promote medical terminology online sources for interpreters

(d)               Develop standards for medical terminology education for medical interpreters

 

8.12              Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall be composed of (a) such members (at least one of whom shall be a Director) as may be appointed by the President, with the advice of the Vice-President, and (b) the President (acting in an ex officio voting capacity). The Membership Committee powers and duties  include but are not limited to:

(a)                Encourage and promote Membership in the Corporation;

(b)               Provide information about the Corporation to prospective members;

(c)                 Creation of corporate membership marketing materials for distribution;

(d)               Hospital liaison work (includes visits to interpreter departments); and

(e)                General recruitment of individual members.

 
(Articles 8.13+ will appear the next eNews)

 

IMIA MEMBERSHIP

IMIA Provides Outreach to International and Minority Language interpreters by offering free memberships to NEW members! 

By joining the IMIA, these interpreters join an international registry of medical interpreters who can be searched by country, state, or language, increasing their chances of work.

See the entire press releases here:

http://www.imiaweb.org/press/default.asp

 

IMIA PROMOTES AND AWARDS MEMBERSHIPS TO NEWLY CERTIFIED INTERPRETERS

IMIA promotes unity through the CI Division which stands for Certified Interpreter Division, incorporating CHIs, CMIs as well as those certified by RID, to work together under one roof to further promote certification as essential to professionalization. The IMIA gives complimentary memberships to all who were certified after 2009 as a way to recognize their effort. Just go to  http://www.imiaweb.org/members/application.asp note 'CI offer' under notes.

 

IMIA INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER!

If you are not a US-based Interpreter, take advantage of our one year  free trial for new memberships! Simply apply at http://www.imiaweb.org/members/application.asp, and under notes put 'international one year  trial'. Your application will be approved.

 

ABOUT IMIA ENEWS
The IMIA e-News is our monthly news brief.
The purpose and intent of this publication is to advance the medical interpreting profession by providing our members with the latest local, state and international news and reports, as well as provide monthly updates on useful websites, toolkits, and available trainings/resources.

 

 

We know our members do not have time to read everything that comes across their desks or emails, so we actually take the time to select, from a myriad of sources, and condense it into a summary of the most updated, relevant, useful and interesting news about the field on a monthly basis.  The focus is not on being an organizational newsletter but on being industry news brief on medical interpreting.

 

Make the eNews your eNews!

In order to post it we need to receive the contribution by the 15th of each month to get it posted for the next month's eNews.

 

Claudia Perla, eNews Committee Chair

eNews Committee Chairperson 

Claudia Perla

 

 

 

 

 

Please send suggestions, material and comments about the e-News to Claudia Perla, eNews Committee Chair at IMIAeNews@imiaweb.org.

 

We thank you in advance for your personal contribution as a volunteer, donor, or participant.