Types of Services
Language Access supports the communication between families who don’t speak English as their first language and LWSD staff members by providing interpretation and translation services in the following formats:
Telephone interpreting
Telephone interpreting may be used in place of on-site interpreting in some cases, especially in the case of emergency requests, when need for an interpreter arises unexpectedly or when no on-site interpreter is readily available at the location where services are needed. This type of interpretation is a three-way call and requires an LWSD staff member on the other side of the line. Interpreters (including those on a phone) are the vehicles of communication, not the source of information. They interpret the words they are asked to interpret, and ensure that the original source message is faithfully rendered into the target language.
Translation - for documents
Translating documents provides language access for families who don’t speak English as their first language. To this extent, the role of translations at schools is to convey messages as accurately as possible in a language that is easiest to understand for our families.
Meetings
Request this service when you are attending a large meeting. Remember to request interpretation equipment for this service.
Consecutive
This form of interpreting is used most often for person to person communication, during which the interpreter is positioned near both parties.
Contact Us
If you are in need in need of language access services, please first contact your school to see if they can help you with your situation.
If they are unable to help or direct you to the district office, please reach out to:
Catherine Cruz
425-936-1469
catcruz@lwsd.org