Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA, MSW October 19, 2015 Roundtable on Health Literacy Institute of Medicine Integrating Health Literacy, Cultural Competency, and Language Access Services: A Workshop

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. George Bernard Shaw October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

Key concepts? Three things which have changed over time that facilitate integration? October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

The Department of Health and Human Services Language Access Plan (2013), provides the following definitions:  “Language access” – is achieved when individuals with LEP can communicate effectively with HHS employees and contractors and participate in HHS programs and activities  “Language assistance” – all oral and written language services needed to assist individuals with LEP to communicate effectively with HHS staff and contractors and gain meaningful access and equal opportunity to participate in the services, activities, programs, or other benefits administered by HHS. October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

 Policy- federal, state, local, organizational  Education about the role of the interpreter and/or translator.  Community engagement and empowerment October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

Bilingual vs. Interpreting vs. Translation  Bilingual- someone who professes to speak two languages.  Interpreting- Oral communication  Translation- Written Communication October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW cHQzPpcnw&height=195

October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

 Certification for Translators  Guidelines Standard Guide for Quality Assurance in Translation October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

 Community engagement and empowerment October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act  Attributes of a Health Literate Organization Papers/BPH_HLit_Attributes.pdf Papers/BPH_HLit_Attributes.pdf  National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

 Patient’s sister: “Why are his hands so swollen?”  ICU RN: “Well, it’s a physiological explanation.”  ICU RN (looking me and then at the family) “That’s the only explanation I have. ”  ICU RN (to patient’s sister) “Um, well, did you understand that?”  Patient’s sister: “No. I don’t know what that means.” October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW

October 19, 2015 Language Access: An Overview Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA MSW Wilma Alvarado-Little, MA, MSW