University Language Center

“When somebody tells me I can’t do something, I just want it more". Former MLB player and multi-media artist and author Micah Johnson recently released his recent children's book Aku: Journey to Ibra. Johnson understands the importance of children seeing AND hearing themselves in his stories and art. Read more about his art and inclusivity from Down East Magazine in comments ⬇

For over two decades, federal agencies and recipients of federal funding have been required to provide critical language access services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The Language Access Board Act of 2026 was introduced last week by California Rep. Judy Chu hu to ensure that all LEP Americans have access to services and resources. The bill would establish an independent board of community leaders and federal agency officials to research, develop, implement, and enforce language access standards across the federal government. Learn more at link in comments ⬇️

Did you know April is Language Access Month? We are grateful for our incredible language services team every single day! Read more about the importance of language access in and nationwide.

April in Focus: Celebrating Language Access Month National Language Access Month is the culmination of hard work and advocacy by linguists over decades who have built upon its common use for multilingual outreach, interpreter advocacy, and public…

Minneapolis is home to the largest population of Somali immigrants and refugees in the United States. The Somali Museum of Minnesota preserves Somali culture and art and serves as a meeting space for Somali artists and community members. The New York Times recently wrote about the museum and the community it serves. Link to the Times article in comments ⬇️

Calling all spoken language professionals who want to expand their preparation skills! Century College is offering a two-hour webinar, "Preparing for Assignments" on April 20. The session will cover interpreter strategies and resources for current and new specialties and domains. Course CEUs are sponsored by industry partner Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association - UMTIA (UMTIA).
Register for the webinar here https://umtia.org/event-6550072.
View additional language services resources in comments ⬇️.

Many of our medical and social service clients require interpreters to have a minimum of 40 hours of professional training in certification programs. The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters - CCHI is an excellent industry resource for language professionals in healthcare. Learn more about CCHI and its work as a training and certification leader. Visit our careers page, link in comments 👇

In every phrase interpreted, in every cultural nuance understood, certified healthcare interpreters stand at the intersection of empathy and effective care. Together, we bridge linguistic gaps for a healthier, more connected world. 💬🌍 https://cchicertification.org/certifications/eligibility/

[Image description: person in a tan suit and blue tie standing in a hospital with white text that reads “Healthcare Interpreting: Where Communication Meets Compassion” and “CCHICERTIFICATION.ORG”

Providing patient-centered communication and language support are key priorities of our valued partner and long-time client HealthPartners. Language leaders Silvana Uchidiuno and Jamie Vetvick co-presented the initiative "The Power of Speaking Up: How Interpreters can Safeguard Patient Safety and Advocate with Confidence" at the American Translators Association 2025 annual event. We applaud HealthPartners' ongoing commitment to language access, equity and positive healthcare outcomes.

Through our two-year Speak Up for Safety initiative led by Jamie Vetvick and Silvana Uchidiuno, patients experience safer care as interpreters are empowered to speak up when something could affect patient outcomes.

The initiative empowers care teams to speak up when they identify anything that could compromise patient safety.

The results of this work reached a national audience, leading Jamie and Silvana to share the approach at a national conference.

This work reflects our responsibility to create an environment where every voice helps keep patients safe.

Spoken language interpreting and translation connects cultures, businesses, and people across the globe. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how individuals and businesses communicate but lacks the cultural nuance and precision offered by the gold standard of face to face, in-person interpreting in professional settings. And, the author argues, AI translation replaces the true value of language learning for all. Read more on our blog, link in comments ⬇️ and from The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2025/11/what-translation-airpods-are-taking-away-from-us/684865/?utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.

The Costs of Instant Translation AI might soon rob us of the thrill and challenge of cross-cultural conversation.

Language industry partners the Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association - UMTIA and Century College are offering a Preparing for Assignments virtual workshop on February 17. Participants will explore strategies and resources that will help them prepare effectively for interpreting assignments, including new and specialized work. More information about the workshop and link to register in comments ⬇️

Course offered by Century College´s Continuing Education and Customized Training (CECT)
CEUs sponsored by UMTIA

https://umtia.org/event-6550072?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=2/5/2026

The American Translators Association recently released Language Access Cards for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. The cards are designed for wallets or phones and indicate the LEP language request and how to utilize the ATA directory to source an interpreter or translator. Learn more about the ATA's Language Access Initiative in comments⬇️