New Training Center Focuses on Medical Interpreter Training and Educational Workshops
(Chicago, December 7, 2010) – Metaphrasis LCS, a translation and interpreting company based in Frankfort, IL, today announced the opening of its new training facility, dubbed The Intercultural Center. The 2,300-square-foot facility expands Metaphrasis’ interpreting, translation, training and consulting services further bridging the gap between businesses and the diverse people they serve.
The company chose Chicago because of its central location for many Midwest companies. In addition to its services, The Intercultural Center is available for meetings and events hosted by companies seeking a unique venue complete with onsite language talent.
“The number of interpreters and translators is forecasted to increase more than 22 percent within the next eight years in the United States,’’ said Elizabeth Colón, founder and president of Metaphrasis. Her company supports all major languages and dialects, including Spanish, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Greek, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and Korean. “Opening The Intercultural Center is an investment in our customers, as well as our interpreters and staff. As more and more Midwest companies tap into the global market, we want to be top-of-mind to help them grow their businesses.”
Colón says that the new training center will be particularly vital to organizations in the healthcare industry, especially because recipients of federal dollars such as hospitals, institutions and HMOs are mandated to provide language services at no cost according to Title VI of the Office of Civil Rights. The Intercultural Center is scheduling medical interpreter training every other month and is one of the few such places in the Chicago area which focuses specifically on the healthcare industry. All participants who attend the medical interpreter training receive a certificate upon successful completion of the coursework.
“Medical translation and interpreting are very important services. Limited English speaking people need professional interpreters to translate medical reports and interpret medical-related information rather than relying on family members, friends or even the medical staff, unless they have been properly trained in interpreting. The wrong translation could mean the difference between tragedy and hope,” said Colón. Proponents of the law contend that Title VI helps ensure that patient symptoms are completely understood and that the likelihood of medical mistakes and treatment delays are reduced.
Educational workshops for professional development, such as leadership, education and communication, will be held monthly at the Center. Colón says that the growing demand for such training can be attributed to globalization, a key business strategy for many companies given the current economic climate. Businesses that are not offering language services or who ignore non-English speaking customers can lose as much as 20 percent of their business revenue.
The Intercultural Center is open from (8am to 5pm, M-F) and is located at 1147 W Ohio, Suite 306 in Chicago. Metaphrasis has hired two full-time and one part-time employee to staff the training center. For more information, please contact 312-924-1845.
About Metaphrasis
Metaphrasis is a full-service language company connecting businesses with their diverse clients and community. Language services include onsite interpreting, telephonic interpreting, document translation, cultural diversity training, testing, and consulting. Providing language services is just one way businesses can show their dedication to their clients, employees, and community. Based on a recent company survey, Metaphrasis was rated superior in the areas of professionalism, client service, expertise in their field and trustworthiness. The company is headquartered in Frankfort, Illinois and may be reached at 815-464-1423, in Chicago at 312-924-1845 or online at metaphrasislcs.com. Follow Metaphrasis on Twitter @Metaphrasislcs.
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