The Volunteer Interpreter Project was developed by the Southeast Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs in collaboration with many community partners and funding from a Maternal and Child Health Block Title V Grant and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. While its focus is on Latinos, the largest minority group in the U.S., the approach can be implemented with all limited English proficient families following the guidelines described in this tool kit.
The Volunteer Interpreter Project is an approach to providing low-cost, quality interpreters utilizing university or college students majoring in Spanish who are matched with interested community agencies. Because of the volunteer nature of this approach and the fact that the interpreters are students, it is essential that thorough training, supervision and on-going monitoring are strong components of the project.
To assist interested providers in the development and implementation of the Volunteer Interpreter Project in their community, this step-by-step guide was developed and is written from the perspective of the Agency Representative – the lead person from the community agency.
The Volunteer Interpreter Tool Kit includes:
- A sample “job” description, an agency agreement and satisfaction surveys.
- A description of the roles and responsibilities of the Agency Representative, University/College Internship Coordinator and the Student Intern.
- Strategies for interviewing and screening students for the interpreter role.
- Training resources including tips on how to communicate with Latino families as well as interpreters, a code of ethics, and more.
By adhering to the boundaries, training protocol and roles that are defined in this tool kit, families who are otherwise isolated and alone will be better connected to health care and community services.
For more information, please call the Southeast Regional Center at 800-234-5437.
To view or download the Volunteer Interpreter toolkit in PDF format click here.
