California Healthcare Interpreting Association upcoming events

Questions? Email the Education Committee Chair: education@chiaonline.org

Mental Health Interpreting: A Specialized Field (01 Jan 2024)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Celebration of Dr. Eva Stitt (1964-2023)

To celebrate Dr. Stitt's contribution to the interpreting profession we would like to share her recent presentation CHIA recorded as part of our CHIA Saturday Webinar Series on Saturday August 12, 2023. We hope that our members may come to experience the talent and warmth of a generous and dedicated professional.

Dr. Eva Stitt served in public, private, and non-profit sectors here and abroad as a graduate school professor, guidance director, school counselor, human resource officer, community organizer, program coordinator, or nurse. Her interests were focused on education, mental health, and language access. She has presented workshops and research papers in national and international conferences. She developed several psychological assessments and curriculum materials to support individual’s work ability, college assessment tests, literacy, community-based intervention, and language access for refugees and limited English proficient populations. She also sat on several public and non-profit advisory boards, and worked with multi-sectoral groups to develop, implement, and evaluate programs to foster intercultural understanding, promote language access, and strengthen professional collaboration.

CEUs: IMIA/NBCMI 0.1500 (5/2025), RID (7/2024), DSHS approval: # 741, General Credits: 1.50, and CCHI 1.5 CE Hour CEAP (5/2025) approved. CEUs are available by participating in the entire activity only (usually 90 minutes).

Cost: Free for CHIA members.

Description:

This session explores the uniqueness of mental health interpreting as a separate and distinct field of interpreting. It will present qualitative outcomes from the training of interpreters using the Behavioral Health Interpreting Curriculum in the Clinical Settings. There will be an interactive discussion about the challenges of communicating with limited English proficient refugees diagnosed with mental health disorders and sharing of best practice strategies to reduce stigma and secondary trauma due to exposure in highly sensitive and traumatic cases.

Objectives:

Familiarize with the uniqueness of interpreting in mental health settings, so they can build on their strengths and become better communicators.
Share best practice strategies from the outcomes of behavioral health interpreter training in clinical settings.
Gain insights on how to effectively promote self-care and prevent secondary trauma.

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library. NOTE: Once you register, you will automatically receive an email with the Hub link. Be sure to check your spam/junk/clutter folder if you do not find it in your inbox. You will be given 30 days to download your certificate after watching the full webinar.

Languages:

Presented in English. The content will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their content and working language/s.

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us!

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Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Remote Interpreting in Pediatric Therapy Settings (01 Jan 2024)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Dr. Indira Sultanić

Cost:

CHIA Members: $15
Non-Members: $30 Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

NOTE: There are no refunds or cancelations for on-demand webinars.

CEUs:

CCHI approved for 1.5 CE Hour CEAP
IMIA/NBCMI approved for 0.1500

CEUs are available by participating in the entire activity only (usually 90 minutes).

Description:

This presentation explores remote interpreting in pediatric therapy settings. More specifically, it examines both the benefits and the challenges of remote interpreting in speech, physical, and occupational therapy settings. It considers how different remote communication platforms may impact role boundaries and turn-taking from both the provider’s and the interpreter’s perspective. With the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the United States, language access was provided through remote telecommunication platforms, audio and/or video. Many of these platforms were not optimized nor designed for interpreting support. Service providers, interpreters, and their Limited English Proficient (LEP) clients, were faced with increased communication and logistical challenges and had to get creative in their endeavors in order to ensure minimal disruption and continuity of care and service provision.

Learning Objectives:

To learn from provider and interpreter experiences about the benefits and challenges of remote interpreting in pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy settings.
To gain an understanding of how to navigate turn-taking in remote interpreting.
To understand the potential impact of remote interpreting communication platforms on role-boundary.

Presenter Bio:

Indira Sultanić is an Assistant Professor in the School of World Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a Ph.D. in Translation Studies from Kent State University, and an M.A. in Translation, Spanish, from the same institution. Dr. Sultanić is a scholar and educator of translation and interpreting with over a decade of professional experience in the language industry as an interpreter, translator, trainer, and consultant, and a passionate advocate for health and social equity through meaningful language access. She has authored articles and book chapters on medical interpreter education and training, challenges of interpreting for vulnerable populations and unaccompanied refugee children in the U.S., co-authored research on language-based inequities in health care and is currently working on research related to remote interpreting in pediatric therapy settings.

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library.

Languages:

Presented in English. The content will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their content and working language/s.

Training level:

Questions? Email the Education Committee Chair: education@chiaonline.org

Trauma-Informed Interpreting: Understanding Trauma and its Impact on Effective Communication (01 Jan 2024)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Ludmila “Mila” Golovine

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40 Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

NOTE: There are no refunds or cancelations for on-demand webinars.

CEUs:

RID TSID Activity 0027.0823.06
IMIA/NBCMI 0.1500
CCHI 1.5 CE Hour CEAP
DSHS approval: # 726, General Credits: 1.50

NOTE: CEUs are available by participating in the entire activity only (usually 90 minutes).

Description:

By the nature of the work they do, interpreters help facilitate communication for vulnerable populations in our society. To assist interpreters in being prepared to provide language access to these groups, we will explore trauma from the perspective of the interpreter. Participants will be introduced to the concept of trauma and how it changes the way individuals think and communicate. For interpreters to be effective members of the care team, we will also discuss two concepts related to the care for survivors: Trauma-Informed Care and Trust Based Relationship Intervention (TBRI) and is following SAMHSA Principles and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA). To support this, we will touch on how language and cultural competency play an important role in delivering trauma-informed care. Finally, attendees will learn strategies for managing difficult interpreting encounters when working with survivors of trauma.

Objectives:

Understand Trauma, its impact on patients and the care team, and ways it can impact communication.
Learn the principles of trauma-informed care.
Understand TBRI – Trust Based Relationship Intervention
Garner strategies to manage difficult situations.
Develop an understanding of how language and cultural competency play an important role in delivering trauma informed care.

Bio:

Ludmila Golovine is President and CEO of MasterWord. An internationally recognized speaker, she has applied her training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention therapy and Trauma Informed Care to educate language professionals on vicarious trauma and Trauma Informed Interpreting and to promote health and wellness to language professionals. An active advocate for survivors of human trafficking, Ludmila is a member of the United Against Human Trafficking Coalition. Golovine is committed to providing trauma-informed services and have training and tools launched for language professionals and trauma-informed providers, who work with language professionals, to foster a partnership that creates an environment conducive to healing and avoiding re-traumatization of survivors.

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library.

NOTE: Once you pay, you will automatically receive an email with the Hub link. Be sure to check your spam/junk/clutter folder if you do not find it in your inbox. You will be given 30 days to download your certificate after watching the full webinar.

Languages:

Presented in English. The content of this presentation will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their working language/s and content presented.

Training level:

The session listed are aimed at working interpreters and applicable to all levels. While students are welcomed to attend all CHIA events, CHIA events are not specifically designed for interpreting students.

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Research Techniques for Medical Translation (01 Jan 2024)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Sara Greenlee

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40 Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

NOTE: There are no refunds or cancelations for on-demand webinars.

CEUs:

RID TSID Activity 0027.0823.05
IMIA/NBCMI 0.1500
CCHI 1.5 CE Hour CEAP
DSHS approval: # 740, General Credits: 1.50

NOTE: CEUs are available by participating in the entire activity only (usually 90 minutes).

Description:

What do you do when you have just minutes to translate a term? Where do you click and what do you type in the search bar? This workshop aims to answer these questions and more by laying out steps and techniques that will help you find accurate translations of unknown medical terms in no time. It will provide real, applicable sources and techniques for accurately translating complex medical terms. A real-time demonstration will leave participants with tips and strategies for streamlining the research process and the confidence to tackle new terms in a heartbeat!

Objectives:

Quickly understand medical terminology.
Easily use online resources to research translations of terms.
Learn how to identify trustworthy sources and translations.

Bio:

Sara is a medical translator and interpreter who works primarily as in-house staff for hospitals and clinics. She is a CCHI-certified medical interpreter (CHI™-Spanish), an ATA-certified translator (Spanish > English), and a member of the ATA’s Medical Division Leadership Committee. She also holds a master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS). Her career in medical interpretation began at Stanford Children’s Hospital in the San Francisco Bay area, though she currently lives and works in Orange County outside of LA.

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library.

NOTE: Once you pay, you will automatically receive an email with the Hub link. Be sure to check your spam/junk/clutter folder if you do not find it in your inbox. You will be given 30 days to download your certificate after watching the full webinar.

Languages:

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

CHIA's California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Introduction to Ethics, Roles and Modes in Healthcare Interpreting (11 Oct 2024)

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Lourdes L. Cerna

Cost:

CHIA Members: Free
Non-Members: $30 Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

NOTE: There are no refunds or cancelations for on-demand webinars.

CEUs:

There are no CEUs provided for this session.

NOTE: Certificates of attendance will be provided for registrants who watch the full webinar.

Description:

Released in 2002, our nationally recognized California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters - Ethical Principles, Protocols, and Guidance on Roles & Interventions - or the CHIA Standards - are an essential tool for raising language-service quality and quality of care. Join us for a presentation on California Healthcare Interpreting Association Standards of Practice where we explore the 6 Ethical Principles, Roles, Modes, Pre-sessions, Note-Taking and more!

Objectives:

Identify the connection between civil rights and the provision of language services.
Apply the roles, modes and ethical principals from the California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters
Use CHIA Standards to address ethical common ethical dilemmas.

Bio:

Lourdes L. Cerna, CMI, CHI, is a Medical Spanish Interpreter, Translator and Trainer with over 35 years of healthcare interpreting experience that includes and is not limited to interpreting in private and county hospitals and clinics, over-the-phone and VRI interpreting, freelance worker compensation cases, as well as interpreting for school districts, and conference interpreting for several entities and organizations. Ms. Cerna has taught a medical interpreting curriculum at several colleges and currently teaches a 40-hour healthcare interpreting training curriculum. She also developed an award-winning curriculum for Indigenous Interpreters for an organization in Ventura County that serves the Mixteco community. She has received the Distinction of Education award from the International Medical Interpreters Association and the Trainer of the Year award from CHIA. Ms. Cerna is a native of Guatemala. She currently serves on the CHIA Board of Directors.

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library.

Languages:

Training level:

The session listed is aimed at novice and experienced interpreters. While CHIA events are not specifically designed for interpreting students, this session will be beneficial for all levels.

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Cultivating a Resilient Brain and a Resilient Mindset (24 May 2025)

Sat, 24 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Shaobo (Chris) Jiang

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5 CE Hours CEAP and RID Activity 0.15 CEUs in Professional Studies.

Description:

With Resting, Uplifting, and Movement (RUM) practices, the aim of this presentation is to help medical interpreters, and everyone, become kinder, stronger and happier at work and in their personal lives. RUM first takes attendees on a backstage tour of the brain to understand how our brain handles stress, and the challenges our brain has in this process. We will share a set of concepts and practices that help cultivate a resilient brain and a resilient mindset.

Objectives:

Understanding stress from a neuroscience perspective
Practices that cultivate a resilient brain
Seeing the world through a resilient mindset

Bio:

Shaobo is a CCHI Certified Healthcare Interpreter, an ATA Certified Translator, and a Certified Resilience Trainer. He felt connected with self-compassion and resilience practices a few years ago, thanks to all the wellness seminars at his workplace. These practices have helped him a great deal during the pandemic and in his everyday life. He is looking forward to sharing some wellness ideas and becoming kinder, stronger and happier with everyone.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $15
Non-Members: $30

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs for sessions are only available to participants who complete the entire activity. Your viewing will be timestamped to verify participation and issue certificates.

Languages:

This presentation will be delivered in English and apply to both spoken and sign language interpreting. The presenter may reference examples in multiple languages, as relevant to the content.

Training level:

This session is intended for working interpreters and is appropriate for all experience levels. While interpreting students are welcome to attend CHIA events, these events are not specifically designed for students—though they are still likely to benefit from participating.

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Interpreting for Spiritual Care (24 May 2025)

Sat, 24 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Yuliya Speroff

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.2, CCHI 1hr general CE and 1hr Performance-based CEUs, and for RID Activity 0.20 CEUs in Professional Studies.

Description:

Spiritual Care plays a unique yet essential role in caring for patients, whether the patient practices a particular religion or needs an additional layer of support in the face of a life-changing health event. Even the most experienced interpreters may feel uncertain when interpreting for spiritual care encounters - concerns can range from not being familiar with sacred texts to being able to do a good job when you don't share the patients' beliefs. This interactive workshop will introduce the participants to the work of spiritual care providers, outline specific challenges for interpreters, discuss strategies for overcoming them and provide an opportunity to develop interpreting skills.

Objectives:

Describe the work spiritual care providers perform and explain why spiritual care an integral part is of healthcare.
Discuss challenges interpreters may face when interpreting during spiritual care encounters and identify strategies for handling these challenges.
Perform skill developing exercises to prepare for interpreting in spiritual care encounters.

Bio:

Yuliya is a Russian-English CoreCHI-P™- and WA DSHS-certified medical and social services interpreter. In her current role of a supervisor with Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, Yuliya supports the work of a team of staff medical interpreters and manages translation projects. She is certified as both an English and a Russian language instructor with more than 10 years of teaching experience. Yuliya’s experience as an interpreter trainer includes teaching continuing education classes as well as basic medical interpreters training courses for a variety of major professional organizations across the USA.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs for sessions are only available to participants who complete the entire activity. Your viewing will be timestamped to verify participation and issue certificates.

Languages:

This presentation will be delivered in English and apply to both spoken and sign language interpreting. The presenter may reference examples in multiple languages, as relevant to the content.

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Workers' Compensation for Medical Interpreters (24 May 2025)

Sat, 24 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Carmen L. Gonzalez

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5hrs Performance-based CEUs and RID Activity 0.15 CEUs in Professional Studies.

Description:

This session introduces Medical Interpreters to the Workers' Compensation System of California. Medical Interpreters have to understand and learn technical vocabulary and concepts related to industrial injuries to interpret for injured workers who must be evaluated by AME/QME doctors that will rate their disabilities. Besides being knowledgeable in medical vocabulary, interpreters will need to know workplace safety basics, use of tools and machinery, health and ergonomics, pain and injury terms, types of work accidents, job descriptions, functional capacity programs, and specialized acronyms. We will review forms used in the WC System, and practice skill-building exercises for the sight translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpretation modes.

Objectives:

Understanding the Worker's Compensation System.
Learn the terminology required for the different assignments to cover in the Worker's Compensation System.
Review of the forms used in the Worker's Compensation System.

Bio:

Carmen L. Gonzalez, Spanish Certified Court Interpreter in California, Medical Certified Interpreter, and ATA Certified Translator, graduated from the San Francisco State University Legal/Court Program. She holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and a Business Administrator Degree from the Central American University in Nicaragua, her native country. Carmen has worked as a freelance Spanish Interpreter and Translator in the San Francisco Bay Area for over fifteen years, primarily as an interpreter in Worker’s Compensation. She has been an interpreter trainer for more than five years. She is a Licensed Trainer of The Community Interpreter ©, by Cross Cultural Communications.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs for sessions are only available to participants who complete the entire activity. Your viewing will be timestamped to verify participation and issue certificates.

Languages:

All sessions will be presented in English. The content of presentations will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their content.

Training level:

The sessions listed are aimed at the working interpreter and applicable to all levels. While students are welcomed to attend all CHIA events, CHIA events are not specifically designed for interpreting students.

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Connecting the dots of Compliance- Breaking apart the complex picture of Compliance and your role as an Interpreter or Translator (29 May 2025)

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Jodi Bralow

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.1, CCHI 1.00 CE Hour CEAP and RID Activity 0.10 CEUs in Professional Studies

Description:

Compliance, while necessary, can often be confusing, and understanding the impact it has on your role as an interpreter or translator is crucial. Through this session you will receive tools to help you better connect the dots to the larger picture of Compliance, including: HIPAA, Section 1557, The Joint Commission, and other Federal regulations. You will also glean insight into Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, how to report compliance concerns, and supports in place to ensure your role as an interpreter or translator does not conflict with compliance regulations.

Objectives:

Review and understand the term Compliance and its impact on the role of an interpreter and translator.
Learn and understand specific regulations in various service industries including HIPAA Compliance, PCI, Joint Commission Regulations, and CMS requirements, and how to ensure compliance while in a session or completing a translation.
Use real-life examples to apply regulatory requirements in an interpretation or translation session.

Bio:

As the Vice President of Contracting and Compliance at Language Services Associates, Inc (LSA), Jodi provides strategic guidance on compliance and contracting issues impacting the organization. She oversees LSA’s Contracting, Credentialing, and Compliance Department, including HIPPAA compliance, policies, training, and auditing. A respected leader, Jodi collaborates with stakeholders to build and train teams, ensuring a successful Compliance Program and understanding the operational impact of contracts and solicitation. Previously an Elementary Education teacher, Jodi entered the Compliance field in 2013 at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, managing the institutions-wide Conflict of Interest program.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $15
Non-Members: $30

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs for sessions are only available to participants who complete the entire activity. Your viewing will be timestamped to verify participation and issue certificates.

Languages:

This presentation will be delivered in English and apply to both spoken and sign language interpreting. The presenter may reference examples in multiple languages, as relevant to the content.

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Skill Refresher: Note-taking and Symbol Usage in Consecutive Interpretation (29 May 2025)

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: William Giller

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.1500 and CCHI 1.5 Performance-based CEUs.

Description:

Join us for an informative refresher on effective note-taking techniques in consecutive interpretation. We will discuss how to optimize our note-taking process to enhance accuracy, memory retention, and overall interpretation quality. This interactive session will explore various methods, tools, and best practices for taking clear, concise, and comprehensive notes during consecutive interpretation. Whether you're a seasoned interpreter or new to the field, this presentation will provide valuable insights to elevate your note-taking skills and improve your interpretation performance. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and become a more proficient interpreter!

Objectives:

Review best practices for note-taking in the consecutive interpretation mode
Discuss creation and implementation of symbols
How to leverage note-taking to improve interpretation

Bio:

William Giller holds a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation (English, Spanish, French) from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He currently works as the Lead Interpreter for AVS translations at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. He also serves on the board of directors of the Northern California Translators Association, an ATA chapter, as the digital content director.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs for sessions are only available to participants who complete the entire activity. Your viewing will be timestamped to verify participation and issue certificates.

Languages:

This presentation will be delivered in English and will focus on spoken language interpreting. The presenter may reference examples in multiple languages, as relevant to the content.

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Language Access for Indigenous Populations with a focus on Mexico and Guatemala (21 Mar 2026)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Aurora Pedro

CEUs: Approved for CCHI 2.00 CE Hour CEAP, IMIA/NBCMI 0.2. and RID.

Description:

There are over 500 Indigenous languages spoken in Latin America. Why is it then, that the narrative that everyone from south of the US-Mexican border speaks Spanish (with a few exceptions)? This is not by accident, but rather by design. During this presentation, you will learn about the diversity of Indigenous languages, best practices, and techniques for identifying Indigenous languages led by Indigenous experts in the field. You will learn about case studies that demonstrate how this dominant narrative has fatal consequences and the efforts of Indigenous peoples to fight for their language rights.

Objectives:

Participants will:

learn about the diversity of Indigenous languages and techniques on how to identify these languages. Participants will walk away with the knowledge to apply these techniques in their everyday work.
learn about best practices for interpretation when working with Indigenous interpreters and the community. This will include unique situations that may arise when working with Indigenous populations.
learn about the historical context of migration and displacement of Indigenous populations and how these historical trauma arise when working with Indigenous populations. Participants will learn how to recognize and work through these challenges.

Bio:

Aurora Pedro is Maya Akateko and Q’anjob’al from San Miguel Acatan and Santa Eulalia Huehuetenango, Guatemala. She manages the Center for Indigenous Languages and Power (CILP) at Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO). She co-facilitates CIELO’s cultural sensitivity workshops with a focus on language diversity and migration patterns by looking at root causes and historical contexts of displacement of Maya communities from Guatemala. Aurora is a trained interpreter in English, Akateko, and Q’anjob’al and incorporates her linguistic skills as a doula for Indigenous parents. Aurora continues to develop her skills to assist Indigenous communities and fight for linguistic rights.

Note that this session will use key words in Spanish to describe Indigenous history. This will be contrasted with words from Indigenous languages: Akateko and Q'anjob'al.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $35

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

To receive CEUs for a session, you must participate in the entire activity—partial attendance will not qualify. Your participation will be timestamped to verify completion and issue certificates.

TSID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is at the little/some Content Knowledge Level.

Languages:

Unless specifically mentioned sessions will be presented in English. The content of presentations will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their content.

Training level:

This event is intended for working interpreters and is appropriate for all experience levels. While interpreting students are welcome to attend CHIA events, these events are not specifically designed for students.

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Supporting Language Justice Work as a Community Health Worker (21 Mar 2026)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Darouny Somsanith, MPH

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5 CE Hours CEAP and RID.

Description:

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of Interpreters and Translator is estimated to be about 2% for the next 10 years, while Community Health Workers (CHW) growth is expected to be at 13% nationally. As more health and social service providers are looking to support diverse communities throughout the United States, including those who speak a language other than English, they are looking to hire more bilingual CHWs.

"A community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy."

This definition was first developed by the CHW Section and codified through American Public Health Association in 2009.

Come learn about the intersection and differences within the HCI and CHW profession in supporting language justice work.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to explain the core roles CHWs play in the field of public health, health care, and social services.
Discuss emerging models of healthcare and opportunities for HCIs, as bilingual CHWs.
Discuss the importance of language access for clients and communities with limited English proficiency within health and social services.

Bio:

Darouny Somsanith is the coordinator of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program and faculty member within the Community and Public Health Department at City College of San Francisco (CCSF). She started her public health career as a CHW and has over 20 years' experience working on issues of workforce development and supporting the diverse training needs of community health workers and bilingual staff. Before coming on as the program coordinator for the CHW program, she coordinated the Health Care Interpreting Program at CCSF and taught within the program.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $15
Non-Members: $30

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

To receive CEUs for a session, you must participate in the entire activity—partial attendance will not qualify. Your participation will be timestamped to verify completion and issue certificates. CEUs are available for both live and on-demand participation.

TSID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered at the little/some Content Knowledge Level.

Languages:

Unless specifically mentioned in each session, all sessions will be presented in English. The content of presentations will apply to both spoken and sign language. Presenters may draw on examples using multiple languages as relevant to their content.

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

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CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

The Educational Setting: An Interpreting Crossroads (21 Mar 2026)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Gabriela Espinoza Siebach

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5hrs CEUs and RID.

Description:

Interpreting in education can provide for more diversity than many other interpreting sectors, making many educational interpreting settings a true knowledge and skills crossroads between legal, health care, education, and even conference interpreting. In this session, we will have an opportunity to discuss the various areas of overlap in educational settings. We will have an extensive discussion related to the challenges that are specific to educational settings where interpreters may find themselves, and brainstorm ideas to more successfully facilitate communication in those settings in an ethical manner.

Objectives:

Compare areas of overlap between interpreting in healthcare and educational settings.
Determine the educational settings where healthcare interpreting protocols, knowledge & skills are and aren’t applicable.
Identify resources and tools to successfully interpret in educational settings, including the collaborative-adversarial spectrum.

Bio:

Gabriela Siebach, Director of Interpreting Services at Cesco Linguistic Services and Adjunct Professor at UMass - Amherst, has accumulated more than 15 years of professional experience. Gabriela holds a graduate degree in Spanish translation and interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Gabriela also Co-chairs the AAITE Job Task Analysis Committee, sits on the ATA Government Division Leadership Council and Interpretation Profession Advisory Committee, and volunteers on several initiatives of the NCIHC Policy, Education & Research Committee. She is also a member of the CATI, NAJIT, and ASTM.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $15
Non-Members: $30

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available. Cancelling your Zoom registration link alone does not cancel your event registration or billing.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

TSID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered at the little/some Content Knowledge Level.

Languages:

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Understanding Consent: More than Meets the Eye (22 Mar 2026)

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Gustavo R. Negrete

CEUs: Approved for IMIA/NBCMI 0.2, CCHI 2hr general CE and RID Activity.

Description:

As interpreters, what are we really taught about consent? Not much! Especially as it is not part of the usual curriculum nor a knowledge requirement for certification. Some healthcare interpreters know of consent and others, through work experience, gain basic knowledge of what to expect when a provider is attempting to ensure informed consent or, as may be the case for court interpreters, when an attorney is questioning if informed consent was indeed obtained. It is the intention of this presentation to expand the attendees knowledge on the subject of consent. Why? Because the better we understand consent, the more we realize that there is more than meets the eye.

Objectives:

Define informed consent.
Review relevant ethical principles applicable to interpreting during consent.
Take a deeper dive into the elements of consent and discuss special circumstances and situations

Bio:

Gustavo Negrete is the past Chair of the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. He is President and CEO of Titan Language Solutions, a boutique interpreting and translation company which offers diverse services and is the Managing Director of TransInterpreting an interpreter and translator education organization. He is a Certified HIPAA Privacy Expert and has over twenty years of experience in health care. He is a staunch advocate for language access, LEP rights and the interpreting profession as an active participant in and consultant for organizations who lobby and or promote these causes.

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $35

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available. Cancelling your Zoom registration link alone does not cancel your event registration or billing.

Platform and Recordings:

Zoom recorded webinars will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

To receive CEUs for a session, you must participate in the entire activity—partial attendance will not qualify. Your participation will be timestamped to verify completion and issue certificates.

TSID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered at the little/some Content Knowledge Level.

Languages:

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

Interpreting for Gender & Sexual Diversity (05 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Presenter: Kelly (Grzech) Henriquez

Cost:

CHIA Members: $20
Non-Members: $40 Become a CHIA Member for $50 It is not necessary to live or work in California to become a member.

NOTE: There are no refunds or cancelations for on-demand webinars.

CEUs:

RID: TSID Activity 0027.0823.08
IMIA/NBCMI 0.1500
CCHI 1.5 CE Hour CEAP
DSHS approval: # 738, General Credits: 1.50

NOTE: CEUs are available by participating in the entire activity only (usually 90 minutes).

Description:

Significant health disparities have been documented within LGBTQIA+ communities, many of which are the direct result of stigma. As members of the medical team, healthcare interpreters can and do contribute to this stigma, even inadvertently. This workshop will have interpreters examine common assumptions about gender and sexuality, as well as how these biases can affect the application of healthcare interpreting ethical principles. Attendees will ultimately develop a personalized action plan for how they can provide ethical and affirming interpretation services to diverse communities.

Objectives:

Outline the health disparities experienced by the LGB, trans, gender nonconforming, and intersex communities, as well as how interpreters can contribute to these disparities.
Identify common assumptions about gender and sexuality, as well as how they can affect application of healthcare interpreting ethical principles.
Create an action plan for how the interpreter can provide ethical and affirming interpretation services to diverse communities.

Bio:

Kelly is a dual-certified Spanish medical/healthcare interpreter in Richmond, Virginia. She acquired her BA from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a concentration in Spanish and completed their SETI (Spanish/English Translation and Interpretation) program. Kelly began her career in language services as a Bilingual Patient Advocate at a local safety net clinic and has since been an on-site as an independent contractor in both medical and mental health facilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began her YouTube channel for interpreters, producing educational content for interpreters, and teaching medical interpretation with Americans Against Language Barriers (AALB).

Platform: CHIA's Educational Hub, our online library.

Languages:

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/california-healthcare-interpreters-association

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram!

CHIA promotes an environment of mutual respect free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, hearing status, or any other protected class.

CHIA Saturday Webinar Series, 2026 (08 Aug 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

CHIA Saturday Webinar Series!

Saturday August 08, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm (PDT)

**CHIA is delighted to bring to you four webinar sessions for an all-day special Saturday virtual training day. Sessions will be recorded and offered on demand*. See details below!**

From Principles to Practice: Bringing the Revised National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care to Life in Healthcare Settings

9:00am-11:00am

Presenters: Analia C. Lang & Jane Crandall Kontrimas

CEUs: In progress for CCHI 2.00 CE Hour CEAP, IMIA/NBCMI 0.2. and RID.

Description:

Join us to hear about the revision process for the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care. Interpreters shared how they implemented the National Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and commented on the applicability of various standards. They reflected on their experiences, their understanding of their responsibilities, and the growth of remote interpreting. Hear about the new concepts and perspectives introduced to the Code after analyzing the national data. Discuss and analyze real scenarios with colleagues using an outcome-based approach.

Objectives:

Participants will:

Know what makes healthcare interpreting a practice profession.
Recognize the connections between the values, principles, and standards of our profession.
Practice applying an outcome-based approach to case scenarios.

Bio:

Analía C. Lang, CHI-Spanish, acquired her BA from Indiana University. She has been a healthcare interpreter since 2005. Analia has interpreted in all modalities, face-to-face, VRI, and OPI. As a trainer, Analía has instructed interpreters for more than 20 years. She has developed webinars, workshops, and training curricula. She has been a presenter at conferences, and she is a contributing author of The Remote Interpreter textbook. She serves as a member of the NCIHC STC and as a co-chair of its NES work group. Presently, Analia is the Manager of Training and Curriculum for Cross-Cultural Communications, LLC.

Jane Crandall Kontrimas CoreCHI™, M.S., worked as a Russian Interpreter from 1978 to 2025. She was a founding member of the Massachusetts Medical Interpreter Association (MMIA), now IMIA, and chaired the MMIA Standards of Practice Committee while the “Standards of Practice for Medical Interpreters” (1996) was written. She co-wrote Interpreter Advocacy in Healthcare Encounters: A Closer Look with the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)National Standards of Practice (NSOP) Work Group. She currently chairs the NCIHC National Ethics and Standards Work Group (NES) working on revising the Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care.

Palliative Care for Interpreters

11:30pm-1:00pm

Presenter: Rab Razzak, MD FAAHPM

CEUs: In progress for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5 CE Hours CEAP and RID.

Description:

Clinicians and interpreters have not have an understanding of what palliative care is. In this session, we will define what palliative care is and how it differentiates from hospice. In addition, we will review common questions that palliative care physicians and providers discuss when communicating with patients with serious illness. We will then discuss key challenges interpreters face when in these encounters, including, how to manage our state and composure given these conversations can be emotional.

Objectives:

Understand differences between palliative care and hospice.
Discuss about key challenges interpreters may face when interpreting for palliative care encounters.
Understand common questions asked during a palliative care encounter.

Bio:

Dr. Rab Razzak, is a palliative care clinician educator at Sutter Health West Bay Medical Group, Sutter Health in San Francisco, CA. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. After obtaining his medical degree from Bangladesh Medical College, he completed his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine Program at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. He worked as a hospitalist in the early years of his practice and then transitioned to palliative medicine in 2011 while he worked at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. As an Assist Professor at Johns Hopkins Hospital he led outpatient palliative medicine, palliative care for Hopkins’ ACO, and led development of Hopkins’ palliative care program in Saudi Arabia (at JH ARAMCO), then to Cleveland, served as Clinical Director for Palliative Care at University Hospitals (UHCMC); Clinical Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU); Founding Program Director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship at UH CMC/ CWRU. His research, clinical interests, and advocacy interests include development of palliative care delivery systems, palliative medicine education, self-care, mentorship, novel therapies for symptom management for patients with serious illness, and social justice advocacy as it relates to health and well being.

Languagepreneur 101: Business Basics for Translators and Interpreters

1:30pm-3:00pm Presenter: Gloria M. Rivera, CHI, CCCI

CEUs: In progress for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5hrs CEUs and RID. Description:

As freelance translators and interpreters, we juggle many roles. We are not only “the talent,” but also project managers, customer care representatives, marketers, accountants, and HR professionals, to name just a few. Most of these skills are learned through trial and error. And while running every aspect of your business on your own can be rewarding, it can also be confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes a little boring. During this language-neutral webinar, participants will learn practical tips, tricks, and resources for running and growing their small businesses.

Objectives:

Create essential business tools, including a professional email account, résumé, business card, and rate sheet.
Set up basic systems for managing business finances, including banking, accounting, and mileage tracking.
Identify best practices for working with clients and agencies.

Bio:

Gloria Rivera is an English–Spanish translator, interpreter, and trainer specializing in medical and legal communication.her passion for language by completing a diploma in translation and interpretation at the University of California, San Diego. She later earned her certifications as a medical interpreter (CMI and CHI) and as a California Certified Court Interpreter (CCCI). In addition, she holds a Certificate in Advanced English–Spanish Simultaneous Interpretation from USAL–Estudio Lucille Barnes.

This professional transition has enabled her to combine her three passions: medicine, linguistics, and teaching. She has presented at conferences and delivered lectures at universities throughout the United States and internationally. In 2008, she was honored as Instructor of the Year by the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA).

She currently works as both a freelance and staff interpreter at Stanford Health Care. In her free time, she creates educational content on Instagram and teaches medical and cultural topics through Blue Urpi.

Review of Medical Genetics & Family Disease Pedigrees for Healthcare Interpreters

3:30pm-5:00pm

Presenter: Mateo Rutherford-Rojas

CEUs: In progress for IMIA/NBCMI 0.15, CCHI 1.5hr general CE and RID Activity.

Description:

A 1.5-hour presentation will review molecular genetics to (re)establish a baseline understanding of DNA, Cell Division, Meiosis, mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, Mendelian Genetics, Reproduction and Heredity. Emphasis will be given to the inheritance of genetic disorders with examples of recessive, dominant and multi-gene conditions. Students will then be invited to create language-specific groups to either create family trees of genetic traits or interpret scenarios with particular patterns of disease inheritance. The final section will allow for group feedback, particularly regarding challenges of interpreting family histories and genetic pedigrees.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify the molecules and processes involved in genetic heredity.
Participants will review how traits and illnesses can be transmitted from one generation to the next at the gene level.
TParticipants will practice and interpret the process of creating a family tree with emphasis on genetic inheritance of disesease.

Bio:

Mateo is a freelance conference interpreter since 1987, working throughout the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia. In 2012 he managed the Interpreting Services Dept. at UCSF Health for 11 years, where he launched multiple language improvement programs. He has a master’s degree in Biology (UC Berkeley) and in Spanish Interpretation & Translation (Monterey Institute of International Studies). Mateo has taught Translation & Interpretation in Ecuador and currently teaches Biology and Medical Interpreting at Laney College in Oakland, CA. He has presented at conferences throughout the US, Central America and the Caribbean. Mateo is a nationally certified Healthcare Interpreter (Spanish-CHI™).

Program:

The program will commence at 9:00 am and conclude at approximately 5:00 pm. There will be a 30 minute break between each session. CHIA reserves the right to amend the program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Please ensure you are aware of the time zone for the live streaming of the event: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Cost:

Live attendance on August 08, 2026:

CHIA Members: $80
Non-Members: $160

Important! *Attendees who register before August 08 will be able to use their zoom links to watch session recordings on demand until September 08, 2026. Registrations close August 08. On-demand viewing will require attendees to complete some additional tasks to qualify for any performance-based credits. If sessions are not viewed or completed by September 08, attendees may re-register and pay for individual sessions when they are re-released at a later date for all-access on demand viewing. Registration costs will increase when the webinars become available on demand via CHIA's Educational Hub.

Become a CHIA Member for $50 You do not need to live or work in California to join—membership is open to all!

Please note: All registrations are final. Refunds and cancellations are not available. Cancelling your Zoom registration link alone does not cancel your event registration or billing.

Platform and Recordings:

The platform will be Zoom and webinars will be recorded. They will be offered on demand on the provision that the quality of the recording is adequate. CHIA cannot guarantee the availability of on demand viewing.

CEUs:

CEUs are awarded per individual session, not for the full day as a single program. To receive CEUs for a session, you must participate in the entire activity—partial attendance will not qualify. Your participation will be timestamped to verify completion and issue certificates. CEUs are available for both live and on-demand participation.

TSID is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for a total of 0.70 CEUs at the little/some Content Knowledge Level.

Languages:

Training level:

Questions?

Email the Education Committee Chair: