Each team member of Bilingual International understands and deeply values their role of an advocate for the underserved communities with which we work. Advocacy is at the root of our efforts as we aim to ensure equal access to all.
This means educating providers, speaking directly to the public, ensuring that each consumer we serve is aware of their rights and responsibilities, and continuing to advocate for laws and regulations that allow persons with multiple abilities to access healthcare, financial, employment and other resources important to their survival, personal growth, and human dignity.
We are fortunate enough to have some of the most trusted and authoritative voices in the area on staff to speak to immigrant and refugee issues, mental health needs in immigrant and refugee communities, cultural competency, appropriate use of language services, cultural difference and localization, as well as many related topics. While sometimes covered by grant funding, speakers may also be requested for a small fee to address gatherings. Contact us for more information.
New to Working Through Language Interpreters?
We can help foster the confidence and skills needed by your staff to effectively communicate through an interpreter. Please contact us so that we can provide information or on-site training for your staff on how to provide services to your limited English speaking clients and customers. Presentations available include:
- “Working Effectively With an Interpreter”
- “Working with Diverse Populations of New Americans”
- “Immigrants and Values: Cultural Competence Training”
- “National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS Standards)”
National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) are mandates for all recipients of Federal Funds. Bilingual International Assistant Service celebrates the standards and provides education on various topics:
- Human Needs of the clients
- Responsibilities of providers
- How to Use an Interpreter
- What to expect when seeking an interpreter
- How to best incorporate the CLAS Standards in day to day operations
Agency founder Julia Ostropolsky, LCSW, addresses biases and cultural competency in the 2012 PBS documentary “Homeland.”