Cybersecurity in Language Access: How LSA Protects Your Data

Posted on October 21, 2025October 27, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

10 min read

The Rising Cost of Cybercrime

What’s the price of a cyberattack?

On average, it’s $4.88 million per breach according to an IBM report from 2024. And by 2027, according to Anne Neuberger, former US Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies, cybercrime will cost the world more than $23 trillion a year.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but for organizations that handle sensitive data, security is a concern every day of the year. And it’s a concern that applies to language access as much as any other aspect of your business. Healthcare records, court testimony, financial data, personal conversations — all of it runs through interpreters, translators, and technology platforms. A single weak link in that chain — one unsecured platform, one overexposed interpreter login — could put it all at risk.

The potential fallout goes beyond money. Breaches can damage your reputation with your customers and hinder long-term revenue growth.

That’s why, at Language Services Associates (LSA), cybersecurity is foundational. From compliance to encryption to proactive monitoring, every service we deliver is built to protect your data and your reputation.

Here, we break down how breaches can happen in language access, and show you how LSA protects your data against those risks.

How Breaches Happen in Language Access

Language access may not be the first place you think of when it comes to cybersecurity risks, but it should be. Every day, interpreters, translators, and the systems they use handle some of the most sensitive information your organization owns.

The Types of Data at Risk

When language services aren’t fully secured, a wide range of sensitive information can be exposed:

Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Names, addresses, birthdates, Social Security numbers.

Protected Health Information (PHI): Patient medical records, diagnoses, insurance details.

Financial Data: Account numbers, payment information, transaction details.

Legal Information: Court testimony, client communications, case files.

Intellectual Property and Business Data: Proprietary research, contracts, internal reports.

Government and Agency Data: Sensitive records that impact compliance and public trust.

From HIPAA, CMS and consumer privacy regulations in the US to the GDPR abroad, this data falls under some of the toughest privacy and security laws.

How Breaches Can Happen

Without strong safeguards, that data can slip through the cracks in a number of ways:

Misdelivered files or messages.

A single translation file sent to the wrong inbox can expose critical information.

Too much access for too long.

If an interpreter or translator has access beyond what’s needed — or if that access isn’t cut off after a session — it creates unnecessary exposure.

Insecure platforms.

Outdated or poorly protected systems may lack encryption or proper access controls, making them an easy target for cybercriminals.

Phishing and social engineering.

Interpreters, contractors, or even your own staff can be tricked into giving up credentials, opening the door to a breach.

In short: language services connect people, but without the right protections, they can also add risks.

How LSA Protects Your Data

When the stakes are this high, generic IT policies aren’t enough. That’s why LSA has built a comprehensive cybersecurity program tailored to the unique risks of language services. Every safeguard is designed to protect sensitive information, maintain compliance, and give you confidence that your data is safe.

Regulatory Compliance

LSA meets the strict requirements of HIPAA, HITECH, CMS, and other privacy regulations. Our information security program integrates administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to keep clients compliant across healthcare, government, legal, and business settings.

Encryption and Secure Systems

Confidential information is protected with advanced encryption both in transit and at rest. Our secure platforms are built for reliability, with 99.9% uptime that ensures interpretation and translation sessions remain both safe and accessible — whether delivered by phone, video, onsite, in writing, or through AI-powered services.

Access Control

To reduce risk, interpreters and translators only see the information required for their assignment. Access is automatically revoked once the session ends, so sensitive data isn’t exposed any longer than necessary.

Security Expertise

Our dedicated IT and security team monitors systems around the clock, manages compliance audits, and maintains incident response protocols to address threats quickly and effectively.

Infrastructure Built for Protection

The foundation of our language access services is a proprietary, U.S.-based interpreter platform. Hosted on geo-redundant systems with failover datacenters, it’s designed for continuity and disaster recovery as well as security.

Training and Testing

Every interpreter, translator, and staff member receives security training at the start of their work with LSA and annually thereafter. Training covers PHI, PII, phishing prevention, and secure handling of sensitive data — reinforcing compliance at every level.

Proactive Safeguards

We don’t wait for attackers to strike. Regular audits, social engineering tests, and policy reviews help us uncover and address vulnerabilities before they become problems. Employees requiring additional support are placed on individualized remediation plans.

Trusted Across Industries

For more than 30 years, hospitals, courts, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies have relied on LSA not only for language expertise but also for the security and compliance behind every interaction. With nearly 300 languages supported and more than 7,000 vetted linguists, our scale is backed by a security program clients can trust.

Your Data, Protected Every Day

Cybersecurity is never “finished.” Threats evolve, regulations change, and expectations rise. That’s why LSA invests continuously in people, processes, and technology to stay ahead.

For more than 30 years, organizations across healthcare, government, legal, and business sectors have trusted us not just for our language expertise, but for the security behind it. With LSA, you gain a partner committed to protecting sensitive data every step of the way.

Ready to strengthen your language access with cybersecurity you can count on? Contact us today.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 16, 2025October 23, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

3 min read

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to amplify voices, share stories, and stand together. Today, and every day, we honor the power of clear understanding in every conversation, diagnosis, and moment of support.

We asked our team what wearing pink means to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Deborah S.

As both an interpreter in the field, who bears witness to many breast cancer diagnoses, mastectomies, recoveries, and even post mastectomy plastic surgery, as well as a person whose family, friends, colleagues and students have been touched by breast cancer, I wear pink for various reasons — to mourn and honor those who lost their battle with breast cancer, as well as to show solidarity with the fierce survivors in my life.

Heather S.

At the early age of 34, my gynecologist referred me to get my very first mammogram due to a lump that would not go away. I had a marker placed in the area of concern in December 2018 and was told to follow up in 6 months. By June 2019, I went back for a follow-up. Just a few weeks after turning 35, I was told, “You have breast cancer.”

Kristin B.

Pink used to be just a color — soft, cheerful, maybe even frivolous. But now, pink means power. It means early detection. It means life.

I went for my first mammogram thinking it was just a routine check, something I could’ve easily put off again. I had no family history, no lump, no symptoms. But that pink ribbon — the one I used to glance at without much thought — now represents the moment everything changed.

This Health Literacy Month: Support Patients’ Health Literacy Through Language Access

Posted on October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

13 min read

According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), only 12% of adults in the US have proficient health literacy. That means nearly nine out of ten adults lack the ability to understand and effectively manage their health and healthcare needs.

When communication breaks down in a healthcare setting, patients, caregivers, and providers all pay a price: poorer outcomes, higher stress, and greater risk.

Add language barriers to the equation (an issue for approximately 22% of the US population), and the obstacles to patient safety, compliance, and trust increase even more dramatically.

That’s why every October, healthcare organizations nationwide recognize Health Literacy Month, reminding us all that clear communication is the key to better patient care.

Health literacy isn’t just about reading levels or medical jargon. It’s about empowering every patient — regardless of language, culture, or background — to fully understand their health information so they can make informed decisions about their treatment.

Read on to learn more about why health literacy and language services are integral to care, and how Language Services Associates (LSA) can help you guarantee equitable language access for better health outcomes for your patients.

Why Improving Health Literacy is Essential for Patient Safety

In the US, over 67 million people speak a language other than English at home. For these individuals, the quality of their healthcare largely depends on the language access available to them. 

That’s because when patients don’t understand their medical instructions, the consequences can be dire: missed appointments, incorrect medication usage, delayed treatment, preventable hospital readmissions, and more. Limited English proficient (LEP) patients and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals face even greater risks without proper communication support.

In fact, data from the Joint Commission’s Sentinel Event Database reveals that almost 59% of major adverse events in healthcare arise from failures in communication.

And LEP patients are typically readmitted at a significantly higher rate than English-speaking patients or those who have access to a qualified medical interpreter. Medical safety experts from CRICO Strategies found that:

Almost 59% of major adverse events in healthcare arise from failures in communication

Among 23,000 malpractice claims, 7,000 were attributed to communication breakdowns

Leading to $1.7 billion in malpractice costs and around 2,000 preventable fatalities

All of this is assuming they get care at all. Many patients with LEP often avoid seeking medical assistance due to the complexity of medical literature and the unavailability of easily understandable information in their language.

In the current diverse healthcare environment, health literacy and language access are closely linked. Achieving one is impossible without the other.

The Language Access-Health Literacy Connection

Health literacy requires clear communication in a patient’s preferred language. This goes beyond simple translation — it calls for cultural understanding, contextual awareness, and real-time support.

Yet many healthcare organizations struggle to meet these needs. Staff may rely on ad hoc interpreters, face delays in connecting with qualified professionals, or lack access to services in the right languages and modalities. These gaps put patients at risk and strain caregivers and providers alike.

That’s where professional language services come in.

An experienced LSP equips providers with dependable translation and interpretation across the languages their communities speak, delivered in the ways that work best for their teams and patients. That might include telehealth services, video remote interpreting available on demand, Epic integration for smooth workflows, or AI interpretation to handle routine encounters such as check-ins or appointment scheduling. With the right support, healthcare organizations can make language access a foundation for stronger health literacy and better outcomes.

Practical Steps for Healthcare Providers During Health Literacy Month

To advance health literacy and equity, providers can take simple but powerful steps:

Ask patients what language they prefer for both spoken and written communication.

Provide translated discharge instructions and medication information.

Use professional interpreters instead of relying on family members or bilingual staff.

Ensure materials are written in plain language and are culturally appropriate.

Integrate language services directly into workflows — from EHR to telehealth visits.

How LSA Supports Health Literacy

As a full-service language access provider, LSA supports healthcare organizations in meeting the goals of Health Literacy Month and putting them into practice year-round.

With secure technology for phone and video interpretation, an easy-to-use interpretation app, and integration with systems like electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth platforms, LSA’s technology supports health literacy every day of the year.

LSA’s medical interpreters undergo a rigorous selection process, with only 1 in 40 applicants meeting its high standards. And with more than 30 years of experience, LSA has worked alongside healthcare providers in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers to make language access dependable and effective.

By improving communication at every step —from check-in to discharge — LSA helps providers reduce risks, strengthen trust, and create more equitable experiences and outcomes.

Our solutions include:

Interpretation

On-demand and scheduled professional interpreters help providers and patients communicate accurately during medical encounters, promoting understanding and trust.

Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI): Provides on-demand interpretation in nearly 300 languages, accessible 24/7/365 via a toll-free number or the LSA App.

Video Remote Interpretation (VRI): Offers instant access to live video interpreters in over 55 languages, including ASL, through the LSA App, with integration capabilities for telehealth and conferencing platforms.

Onsite Interpretation (OSI): Provides in-person interpretation for situations requiring physical presence, available in nearly 300 languages and accessible via the LSA Client Portal for scheduling and management.

American Sign Language (ASL): Delivers ASL interpretation services both onsite and via video, with RID-certified interpreters available 24/7/365 to support communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

Translation & Localization

Written materials such as consent forms, discharge instructions, medication guides, and patient education documents are translated to ensure patients know exactly how to follow their care plans.

AI + Human Hybrid Solutions

AI Video Translation & Dubbing: Translate and dub videos into 70+ languages while preserving the original speaker’s voice and expressions. Ideal for training, education, marketing, and corporate communications.

AI Machine Translation+: Delivering faster, more affordable translations than standard human-driven methods, AI translates the content using your linguistic resources, and a professional reviews it for accuracy.

AI Interpretation: Streamline high-volume, everyday interactions, while professional interpreters handle complex or sensitive conversations.

Telehealth Integration

Easy access to interpreters makes digital care as accessible as in-person visits.

Epic

LSA’s audio and video services are available in Epic for more than 750 healthcare organizations to integrate directly into their workflows. LSA has also earned its designation in the Epic Toolbox, underscoring its commitment to delivering reliable language access services for healthcare systems worldwide.

Language Assessments & Testing

Evaluate your bilingual staff’s language proficiency and interpreting abilities to confirm employees meet organizational and regulatory standards such as the Joint Commission and Section 1557 of the ACA.

By combining advanced technology with professional expertise, LSA helps healthcare providers reduce errors, improve outcomes, and meet compliance standards such as HIPAA, HITECH, and CMS regulations.

Closing the Gap Between Health Information and Patient Understanding

At its heart, health literacy is about dignity. Every patient deserves to understand their health and make choices with confidence. When organizations commit to language access and understanding, they create a future where healthcare is safer, fairer, and more compassionate.

At LSA, we partner with healthcare providers to help patients fully understand their care journey, no matter what language they speak.

Learn more about our healthcare language solutions.

LSA 2025 Academic Honors Internship Program is a Wrap!

Posted on September 29, 2025October 2, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

5 min read

Empowering the Next Generation

At Language Services Associates (LSA), we believe in empowering the next generation of professionals, which is why we were excited to host Re’Nijah P. and Gerald G. from Chester Charter Scholars Academy for our 2025 five-week Academic Honors Internship Program.

Hands-On Experience Across Departments

Over the course of the internship, these ambitious students worked closely with our dedicated teams across multiple departments, including Contact Centers, Interpreter Management, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and Client Solutions. They gained valuable hands-on experience while receiving Excel training and meaningful exposure to our diverse service lines, workflows, and operations.

“This summer’s interns showed up with heart, curiosity, and a real drive to learn. It was incredibly rewarding to watch their growth firsthand,” said Erica Banks, Program Manager, Community Engagement & Relations at LSA. “I’m especially proud of Gerald and Re’Nijah who absorbed so much from each department. Their questions were thoughtful and engaging, and their creativity began to shine along the way, offering fresh ideas. It was inspiring to see their confidence grow.”

Recognizing Exceptional Talent

The LSA Academic Honors Internship recognizes high school students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a passion for languages and their application in helping others. This program provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world work experience with a professional language service provider.

“Something that LSA has taught me is to run a language services company; all I need is a good group of people who genuinely enjoy helping others. I'm grateful for this internship and the things it taught me, and I will use these experiences to help me in my future endeavors.”

— Gerald, Intern

“This internship helped me a lot. I really enjoyed it and all the nice, sweet, and kind people, and a big thanks to Ms. Banks for keeping me motivated.

— Re’Nijah, Intern

“Contributing to the community is at the core of our mission. It’s a privilege to offer a program that allows motivated students to explore our interpretation services and understand how we operate.”

— Erica Banks, Program Manager, Community Engagement & Relations at LSA

Ready to Apply?

LSA plans to open applications for the 2026 Academic Honors Internship next Spring. If you would like to be on the early notification list, please submit an application form here or visit our website for more details. For any additional questions regarding LSA’s Academic Honors Internship Program, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].

About LSA 

For over three decades, Language Services Associates (LSA)  has offered a comprehensive suite of language interpretation and translation solutions to enhance the experience of limited English proficient customers and patients, and the companies that serve them. Providing native language support improves the efficiency and productivity of staff, raises customer satisfaction levels, and builds loyalty.

For thousands of clients worldwide, in hundreds of languages, LSA provides a competitive differentiator across various industries, including education, healthcare, government, finance, banking, insurance, sports, hospitality, and more.

How LSA Is Redefining Language Access in 2025 (So Far!)

Posted on August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

11 min read

LSA’s 2025 Innovations to Enhance Language Services and Accessibility

In 2025, Language Services Associates (LSA) has made some big changes to help organizations serve more languages, reduce delays, and launch AI-powered solutions that save time, lower costs, and expand reach.

Our goal is, as always, to help you deliver accurate, timely communication in every interaction — combining skilled interpreters with advanced proprietary technology so you can serve more people, meet compliance requirements, and protect your reputation.

Here’s a breakdown of how our updates are making it easier to do that.

Expanded Language Coverage

We now offer over the phone, onsite, and scheduled video interpretation in over 250 languages, on-demand video remote interpretation in more than 50 languages, and we’ve increased coverage for rare and in-demand dialects across all modalities.

Ready to expand your multilingual capabilities? Contact LSA to add the languages your communities really need.

99.9% Uptime

Have you ever found yourself in a crucial meeting or urgent scenario where language services let you down at the most inconvenient time? With our 99.9% uptime guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that dropped calls, unresponsive interpreters, and technical issues won’t disrupt your communications.

Don't leave interpretation to chance. Let us help build your fail-safe language access plan.

New AI-Powered Language Solutions

Ready to modernize your language strategy with LSA’s sophisticated AI solutions? Schedule a call with our team today.

AI Video Translation & Dubbing

A revolutionary technology that dubs and translates videos into over 70 languages — while maintaining the original speaker’s voice, tone, and expressions. Perfect for training videos, educational content, advertisements, patient instructions, team interviews, marketing videos, and corporate communications delivered as if you fluently speak your target language.

AI Machine Translation+

Delivering faster, more affordable translations than standard human-driven methods, AI translates the content using your linguistic resources, and a professional reviews it for accuracy.

AI Interpretation

Through our alliance with Lingolet, we offer AI Interpretation services that allow our customers to transition effortlessly between AI and human interpretation services without disruption to call flows or reporting platforms. With real-time, multilingual interpretation capabilities, our AI integration ensures continuous support.

Updates to the LSA App and LSA Client Portal

LSA is committed to offering the best customer experience possible by providing our customers with different options for requesting services: 

Customers can now schedule video interpretation services through the LSA Client Portal in addition to audio and onsite interpretation services. 
The LSA App now offers a picture-in-picture feature for video calls, so you can toggle multiple screens on your device without losing sight of your call.

Over the Phone Interpretation Add-Ons

LSA’s Reverse Call Flow

When a non-English-speaking patient or customer calls and can’t tell you which language they speak, your staff has to figure it out, wait on hold, and go through interpreter introductions before the call can even begin. The result is unnecessary time spent and frustration for both your caller and your staff.

LSA’s coordinators are highly trained to assess a caller’s language using proven techniques. But our Reverse Call Flow is a superior option. This service allows limited-English proficient (LEP) patients or customers to connect with an interpreter before they reach your staff. When the non-English speaker calls in, they can select their language, and the call is routed directly to the right interpreter. The interpreter then conferences in your staff member, ready to begin the conversation.

Save time, reduce costs, and give callers a more welcoming experience with our Reverse Call add-on.

Scheduled Over the Phone Interpretation

While on-demand OPI can be a lifesaver, especially in an emergency, LSA also offers the option to schedule calls. For rarer languages or specific appointment times, scheduling a call with an interpreter can eliminate wait times and uncertainty about obtaining an interpreter for a language of lesser diffusion and provide a better patient or customer experience.

LSA’s Call Back Feature

Now, if an interpreter isn’t available when you call, you don’t have to wait on hold. Simply leave your information with a coordinator, and we’ll call you back as soon as we’ve connected with an interpreter. Less waiting. Less hassle. More support — when you need it.

Epic Toolbox Recognition and Audio Solutions

LSA earned its designation in the Epic Toolbox, underscoring our commitment to delivering reliable language access services for healthcare systems worldwide. We’ve also introduced audio-only interpretation for clients who prefer it alongside our video services.

New Partnership with Tampa Bay Sun

We have partnered with the Tampa Bay Sun as their official interpretation and translation provider! From ASL interpretation to translating important stadium signs and assisting with multilingual customer service, we’re helping their fans fully understand rules, payments, and more.

LSA is also the official interpretation and translation provider for the Philadelphia Union. Learn more about how we support sports, entertainment, and live venues with inclusive communication.

Top Workplaces Awards

Our team loves what they do — and that translates into better service for you. These awards prove it.

Three-Time Winner: Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplace Award!

For the third year in a row, we’ve been recognized by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a Top Workplace! This award reflects our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and outstanding service.

LSA Awarded 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces Award

We were named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplace again. This marks the second time we’ve received this prestigious recognition, demonstrating our people-centered culture, team-focused environment, and employee-driven mindset.

Partner with a language services provider that values excellence, culture, and innovation.

Serving More Industries Than Ever

In 2025, we’ve expanded our services to meet the needs of more sectors, helping organizations of all kinds connect clearly and confidently with the people they serve.

We now offer services for:

Casinos, Travel & Hospitality

Guest experience interpretation + translated guides/menus. Learn more.

Palliative Care

Language support for sensitive conversations and comprehensive 360° care. Learn more.

Global Events & Conferences

Multilingual support to bridge language gaps for global audiences. Learn more.

Insurance

Language access for policy clarity, claim accuracy, and stronger compliance. Learn more.

Finance

SEC-compliant interpretation and document translation. Learn more.

Public Sector & Education

Access for students, families, and community programs. Learn more.

Don’t see your industry listed? Let’s talk—our solutions are as diverse as your clients.

Redefining Language Access for Lasting Impact

At LSA, we’re not just providing interpretation and translation — we’re redefining what language access looks like in 2025 and beyond. Whether through AI innovation, 24/7 interpreter access, or our commitment to cultural fluency, we help ensure every voice is heard.

Let’s reach more people, in more languages, together. Contact us today or visit www.lsa.inc.

Would You Let a Friend Perform Surgery or Represent You in Court? Then Why Would You Trust Them to Interpret?

Posted on August 5, 2025September 16, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

9 min read

Why Untrained Bilingual Friends, Family, or Coworkers Should Never Replace Professional Interpreters

When you’re juggling tight budgets, limited staff, and urgent needs, turning to a bilingual friend, family member, or coworker to interpret can feel like a practical—and convenient—solution. After all, they’re available and usually eager to help.

But good intentions aren’t enough. Using untrained, untested interpreters is a risky shortcut that can lead to serious misunderstandings, privacy breaches, lost revenue, and the potential for legal liability.

Interpreting isn’t just about speaking two languages. Without the right training, even well-meaning helpers can leave out important details, say the wrong thing, or cross lines they don’t realize are there. And it happens more often than you might think, especially in organizations that don’t have a clear plan for language access.

With more than 67 million people in the U.S. speaking a language other than English at home, these challenges aren’t going away. Whether you’re supporting patients, customers, students, or coworkers, clear communication is too important to leave to chance. Professional interpreters know how to handle sensitive conversations in an accurate and respectful way, so that everyone walks away on the same page.

So how do you protect your organization—and the people you serve—from the risks of “good enough” language help? This article will walk you through what’s at stake, where the dangers show up, and how Language Services Associates (LSA) can help you build a safer, more effective language access strategy.

The Hidden Risks of Relying on Unqualified Language Support

One well-known healthcare case illustrates the danger clearly: A nine-year-old Vietnamese child was taken to a hospital for flu-like symptoms. Her parents spoke no English, and the staff relied on her 16-year-old brother to interpret. After miscommunication about medication instructions, the girl had a fatal reaction and died. The hospital later paid $200,000 in damages.

This tragic event was preventable and happened only because the proper language support wasn’t used.

Outside of healthcare, similar risks apply. Misunderstood contracts, incorrectly completed government forms, or mismanaged customer service interactions can all result in lost business, legal exposure, and damaged reputations.

What Professional Interpreters Are Trained to Do (And Why It Matters)

Professional interpreters are trained to go beyond simply relaying information. They understand context, tone, body language, and cultural nuance. They serve as impartial communicators, trained to deliver even the most sensitive messages with professionalism and accuracy.

In contrast, family members or untrained bilingual staff may inadvertently edit, soften, or omit critical information due to emotional involvement, discomfort, or lack of vocabulary.

In a field like healthcare, this could mean failing to ask necessary medical questions that may be too intimate or embarrassing for a family member or friend to ask.

In legal or financial settings, it could result in misunderstood rights, risks, or obligations. In customer service, it could mean a lost client due to a poor experience.

Additionally, professional interpreters are fluent in the protocols and ethics required for sensitive interactions — whether that means understanding HIPAA protocols in a hospital, confidentiality in a courtroom, or customer privacy in finance. They’re also trained to remain neutral and objective — something that can be nearly impossible for someone personally connected to the situation. This professionalism also leads to better interactions, faster resolution times, smoother transactions, and even improved revenue for your organization.

When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough: The Problem with Unvetted Bilingual Staff

A bilingual coworker who claims to know enough to get by is not the same as a trained interpreter. While dual-role employees may help in basic interactions, you’ll need to assess their language ability and interpreting skills before allowing them to communicate in high-risk situations. LSA offers Language Assessments & Testing to confirm your bilingual staff meet industry standards. This secures compliance, reduces liability, and protects your brand and the people you serve. It will also strengthen customer confidence, reduce costly errors, and support retention.

How LSA Can Help: Scalable Language Access Solutions for Every Industry

When there’s no clear system for language access, teams do what they can in the moment. That often means relying on bilingual coworkers or family members — not because it’s ideal, but because it seems faster, easier, or like the only option.

LSA helps you replace that uncertainty with a reliable, ready-to-go solution. We give your organization immediate access to thousands of rigorously vetted interpreters across nearly 300 languages. Whether you need Over the Phone, Video Remote, or Onsite support, our interpreters are trained in industry-specific terminology and ethical standards, delivering expert services when and where you need them. LSA’s customizable solutions are scalable and secure, meeting the demands of sectors like:

Healthcare

HIPAA-compliant interpretation across specialties

Legal 

Accurate, confidential communication for sensitive matters

Customer Support & Retail 

Multilingual assistance to drive loyalty and revenue

Hospitality & Gaming

Seamless guest experiences for global clientele

Education & Public Services

Equitable access for students and families

What’s Next

LSA isn’t just a language service provider — we’re your partner in removing barriers, improving outcomes, and strengthening your connection to the people you serve. For our clients, compliance is just the baseline. They’re also discovering new pathways to revenue by creating inclusive, accessible, and reliable experiences for every audience.

Let’s get your organization speaking all the right languages.

AI-Powered Interpretation Services to Cut Costs and Improve Language Access

Posted on July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

10 min read

A Tech-Forward Approach to Fast, Scalable, and Cost-Effective Language Support — Powered by LSA

The future of interpretation is evolving rapidly, and the demand for quick and affordable solutions has never been higher. Language Services Associates (LSA) is leading the way with a fresh approach that emphasizes collaboration between advanced technology and expert human interpreters. Whether you’re a hospital navigating emergency room intakes, a public agency managing walk-in services, or a financial institution assisting non-English speaking clients, the ability to communicate instantly — without added cost or delay — is critical. This is where LSA’s AI Interpretation comes in.

LSA’s mission is not to replace human expertise, but to enhance it, providing tools that empower interpreters while also serving its clients’ needs. As LSA CEO, Scott Cooper acknowledges, “It’s not whether AI is coming — it’s about how much of it the client is comfortable with and how it fits into their workflow.”

At LSA, we’re redefining what language access looks like. Our AI-powered interpretation solution allows organizations to save valuable time, reduce costs, and increase accessibility without compromising the quality of care, service, or compliance.

What Is AI Interpretation?

AI Interpretation uses advanced speech recognition, natural language processing, and real-time translation to deliver instant multilingual support without the need for a human interpreter. It’s available 24/7, scalable across locations, and ready in seconds — perfect for high-volume or low-complexity interactions.

Acknowledging the current technological shift in the language industry, LSA chooses to collaborate with Lingolet — a Silicon Valley-based platform at the forefront of AI-driven interpretation tools. This partnership is not merely a technical integration; it’s a cultural alignment. As LSA COO, Pablo Tercero puts it, “Chemistry matters.”

This integrated approach allows LSA to deliver solutions tailored to its clients’ unique needs, ensuring that technology complements their existing workflows.

And thanks to this alliance, LSA’s clients can effortlessly transition between AI and human interpretation when the situation calls for it — allowing for continuity, accuracy, and flexibility at every step.

AI Interpretation in Action

Through LSA’s alliance with Lingolet, this cutting-edge AI-powered service has allowed the Philadelphia Union instant communication between multilingual players and coaching staff in up to 150 languages both on and off the field. By implementing a real-time solution that utilizes QR codes and AI-powered communication tools, LSA and Lingolet enabled multilingual players to connect with their coaches effectively.

This marks one of the first times such technology has been implemented in professional soccer, setting a new standard in sports communication.

This service is not limited to the sports arena. LSA and Lingolet are actively reshaping language accessibility across healthcare, education, and enterprise environments. By leveraging task-based AI routing alongside interpreter escalation, this solution allows for quicker, smarter, and more cost-effective access to vital language services.

Benefits of AI Interpretation

Save Time

AI Interpretation eliminates wait times and connects users with on-demand language support in just seconds. It’s ideal for:

Intake and triage

Front desk and reception

Quick-service scenarios

Repetitive or standardized interactions

When time is of the essence, AI reduces friction, increases speed, and helps you move forward faster.

Cut Costs

Traditional interpretation, especially in rarer languages or urgent settings, can be expensive. With AI, you can:

Reduce per-minute interpreting costs

Lower spend on low-risk, repetitive conversations

Free up human interpreters for more complex or sensitive situations

AI interpretation delivers a smart, cost-effective alternative for organizations with high usage or budget constraints.

Improve Language Access

AI enables support in hundreds of languages with continuous improvement through machine learning. Combined with LSA’s human interpretation services (available in 250+ languages), it creates an inclusive, comprehensive solution for communication with diverse communities.

Offer support in multiple languages — even during peak hours

Serve rural or low-access regions

Extend coverage after hours or across global time zones

LSA’s Hybrid Advantage: AI + Human Support

At LSA, we believe technology should enhance, not replace, human expertise — It should be thoughtfully designed to complement the work of human interpreters. That’s why our AI Interpretation solution includes:

The Best of Both Worlds

Easy escalation to a live interpreter when needed

Secure & Compliant

Full data security and HIPAA-compliant infrastructure

Scalable & Customizable

Customizable options tailored to the needs of every client and industry

Our clients can choose the right modality for every situation, maximizing both efficiency and care quality.

While many companies chase the next flashy demo, LSA’s focus remains on functionality and addressing real client challenges. This disciplined approach ensures that we have a clear roadmap extending well beyond 2025, maintaining distinct boundaries between automation, compliance, and human contributions. The success lies in the symbiotic relationship between LSA and Lingolet, where each party operates within its strengths while moving toward our shared goals.

Who Should Use AI Interpretation?

AI Interpretation is especially effective for:

Healthcare

✅ Healthcare providers handling basic instructions, follow-ups, booking appointments, or admin tasks.

Insurance

✅ Insurance companies processing claims or explaining forms.

Government

✅ Government agencies supporting walk-ins or call centers.

Customer Service

✅ Customer service and tech support desks.

Hospitality & Transportation Hubs

✅ Hospitality check-ins and transportation hubs.

Sports

✅ Sports teams with multilingual players and/or coaches.

If you’re in these industries and you’re dealing with high volumes, quick turnarounds, or predictable conversations, AI can lighten the load and cut the cost.

Healthcare
Insurance
Government
Customer Service and Tech Support
Hospitality and Transportation Hubs
Sports
Conferences & Events

Future-Ready Language Access Starts Here

AI Interpretation is more than a tech trend, it’s a game-changer for organizations that want to do more with less while maintaining quality service. And with LSA’s flexible, secure, and human-centered approach, you’re not just adopting AI, you’re transforming communication.

Language access shouldn’t be complicated, expensive, or delayed. With LSA’s AI Interpretation solutions, you get speed, savings, and scalability — without losing the human touch. Join the many healthcare providers, government agencies, sports teams, and global brands already benefiting from the next generation of interpretation services.

Let’s build the future of language access together.

Visit www.lsa.inc or contact us at [email protected] to learn more. 

Rolling the Dice on Interpretation? That’s a Bad Bet

Posted on July 9, 2025July 28, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

10 min read

The High-Stakes Cost of Language Barriers

In an industry built on experience, language barriers can undermine customer confidence and affect your bottom line.

Hotels and casinos work hard to deliver exciting experiences that keep guests coming back, but what happens when a guest misunderstands a promotion? Or a player walks away from the table confused? Or a family leaves a one-star review after struggling to ask for towels? These moments may seem minor, but across your operation, they can add up to millions in lost revenue.

Whether it’s missed offers or misunderstood policies, poor communication is a high-stakes risk.

That’s where Language Services Associates (LSA) comes in. We make it easy for casinos and hotels to communicate clearly with every guest, in every language, whether it’s a conversation at check-in or a question on the casino floor.

Without LSA’s professional language solutions, casinos and hotels risk:

Losing 20-30% of potential spending from non-English speakers.

Damaging their reputations with negative reviews: “Staff couldn’t understand us!”

Missing compliance requirements, risking fines for inaccessible services

How LSA Gives Hotels and Casinos a Competitive Advantage

Our solutions help hotels and casinos give multilingual guests the kind of experience that leads to higher profits by:

Attracting & Retaining Big Spenders

International travelers often spend significantly more than domestic guests—but before they open their wallets, you need to lay down a foundation of trust. In fact, high rollers from China, Latin America, and the Middle East spend significantly more when services are available in their language.

That starts with a seamless experience. From check-in and concierge to bookings and gaming support, LSA provides interpretation and translation in over 250 languages — so nothing gets in the way of a great stay.

Removing Barriers That Disrupt Service

When guests aren’t sure what’s being offered, they hesitate — or opt out altogether. That hesitation, repeated across dozens of small moments each day, quietly eats into your revenue. LSA helps you remove those barriers:

On the gaming floor, with multilingual signage and video content that help clarify rules and promotions and AI-powered interpreting tools to assist with quick, real-time questions.

At restaurants and spas, with translated menus, brochures, and loyalty materials that make it easier for guests to say yes to upgrades and add-ons, boosting upsells.

In your marketing, with translated and localized ads that resonate with international travelers. A simple “Welcome” in Mandarin or Arabic can turn a curious click into a booking.

Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Efficiency

Language services do more than improve the guest experience — they also protect your business and make operations run more smoothly.

LSA helps you:

Support compliance with confidence. We translate safety notices, responsible gaming policies, and other essential materials to help you meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Reduce service breakdowns. Clear communication means fewer miscommunications, fewer guest complaints, and less time spent troubleshooting.

Free up your team. With on-demand interpretation and translation tools, your staff can respond quickly and stay focused on what they do best—providing great service.

Where Revenue Slips Through the Cracks (and How LSA Helps Catch It)

Sometimes the biggest losses come from the smallest moments. Here are some real-world examples of how language barriers quietly cost casinos and hotels — and how LSA helps turn those moments into wins.

On the Gaming Floor

❌ Korean-speaking players miss out on high-roller bonuses because they don’t understand the promotion signage.

✅ With multilingual video content and AI dubbing, those perks are clear—and those players stay engaged.

At Check-In

❌ A Spanish-speaking family waits over 30 minutes just to get help. Frustrated, they leave a negative review before their bags hit the room.

✅ With LSA’s on-demand phone and video interpretation solutions, and AI interpretation tools, staff can assist them in real time — no delays, no complaints.

In the Restaurant

❌ Arabic-speaking guests can’t decipher the menu and decide to dine elsewhere.

✅ A translated digital menu turns a missed opportunity into a 25% boost in food and beverage sales.

Top 5 Languages Your Casino Hotel Needs

Your guests arrive from all corners of the globe, but these five languages represent particularly lucrative clientele. It’s essential that your staff, signage, marketing, and services are well prepared to meet their needs.

Spanish: Spoken by 25% of Las Vegas locals and many domestic and international guests.
Mandarin/Cantonese: Chinese tourists consistently rank among the highest spenders in hospitality and gaming.
Korean: Major players in luxury resorts.
Arabic: High-net-worth guests from the Middle East expect premium service in their language.
Portuguese: Brazilian tourists flock to Vegas and Miami.

LSA offers interpretation and translation in all of these languages — and over 250 more — so you’re always ready to welcome your next VIP guest.

How LSA Works for Casinos & Hotels

LSA’s services are built to meet the needs of fast-paced, guest-facing environments like yours, with a full range of services, including:

24/7/365 Interpretation:

Phone, video, onsite, and AI interpretation support for front desk, security, and emergencies.

AI Video Dubbing:

Translate slot machine tutorials and promotional screens with LSA AI Video Dubbing.

Multilingual Staff Training:

Ensure your team’s language skills meet service standards so they can communicate confidently with diverse guests.

Translate Website and Materials:

E liminate confusion and legal risks by translating everything from pool rules to jackpot disclaimers, online and at your location(s).

Let LSA be Your Language Partner in Creating Unforgettable Guest Experiences

Ready to Raise the Stakes? 

Whether you’re catering to international high rollers or multilingual families on vacation, your guests expect clear communication at every touchpoint.

Partner with LSA to provide inclusive, high-impact multilingual services that drive revenue and create lasting guest impressions. From the casino floor to your digital platforms, we deliver smarter language solutions that will resonate with your staff and customers.

Don’t let language barriers gamble away your profits.

Visit www.lsa.inc or contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

ASL Is Not English, Stop Treating It Like It Is.

Posted on July 3, 2025July 14, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

8 min read

American Sign Language Is Not a Signed Version of English

Did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and structure? Unlike what many people assume, ASL is not a visual representation of English — it’s a distinct and rich language used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. Closed captioning and written transcripts are not substitutions for ASL Interpreters.

For businesses, educators, and content creators, this means that simply adding English subtitles to videos is not enough to ensure accessibility. Many DHH individuals rely on ASL as their primary language, and written English may be difficult or inaccessible for them. That’s where professional ASL interpretation comes in — whether for pre-recorded videos, live events, or on-demand Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) services.

Do not let insufficient language support alienate your DHH audiences. Allow Language Services Associates (LSA) to help you use the right tools and services to effectively break down language barriers and communicate with your DHH community in their own language.

LSA proudly offers American Sign Language services provided virtually or onsite by highly qualified interpreters who are certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). We remain up to date with the latest state requirements and actively review and update our records to ensure our team meets all necessary documentation and compliance standards. For onsite healthcare needs, our ASL team is security-cleared and maintains current immunization records. Additionally, we can seamlessly incorporate an ASL interpreter into your prerecorded videos.

Why ASL Interpretation Matters

Did you know ASL is the third most used language in the U.S. today? Think about how many people you’re currently not reaching because you don’t have effective ASL support.

Here are some important facts debunking common misconceptions about ASL:

ASL is a Visual Language

ASL is highly expressive, using facial expressions, body movements, and spatial references to convey meaning — much like tone and inflection in spoken languages. Subtitles cannot capture these nuances, leaving DHH viewers without full comprehension or emotional context.

Not All DHH Individuals Read English Fluently

Many members of the Deaf community grow up using ASL as their first language, and their proficiency in written English varies. Providing an ASL interpreter ensures that your message is clear and accessible to everyone.

Legal & Ethical Responsibility

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations are required to provide effective communication access. By including ASL interpretation, you’re not only complying with the law but also demonstrating inclusivity for your audience.

With LSA’s professional ASL services you boost diversity, support equity and inclusion, improve productivity, and have the potential to expand your workforce with talented DHH prospects. Equitable access to language services is not just the law – it’s the best way to serve DHH individuals in your community.

How LSA Can Help

At Language Services Associates we provide:

ASL Interpretation for Pre-Recorded Videos: Ensure your content is fully accessible with professional ASL overlay.
Live Onsite ASL Interpreters: Perfect for conferences, meetings, and events.
Expertise in ASL Linguistics: Our interpreters understand the cultural and linguistic nuances of ASL, delivering accurate and engaging communication.

Benefits of Choosing ASL Interpreters With LSA

LSA Supports The Philadelphia Union

As the official Language Service Provider for the Philadelphia Union, our ASL interpreters allow Deaf and HOH fans to follow games with interpreted interviews, announcements, conferences, and more – on the field and online.

Make Your Content Truly Inclusive

Don’t let language barriers exclude the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. By incorporating ASL interpretation, you’re opening your content to a wider audience while fostering equity and inclusion.

Contact us today to discuss your ASL interpretation needs — let’s make communication accessible for all!

Prepare for Change: New Section 1557 Rules Take Effect July 5 — Is Your Organization Ready?

Posted on June 18, 2025July 14, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

7 min read

Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized updates to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, reinforcing protections against discrimination in federally funded health programs with 15 employees or more. These enhancements included new mandates to guarantee meaningful language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), as well as for patients with disabilities.

While the rule officially took effect on July 5, 2024, many key requirements — especially those around language access — don’t become enforceable until this year. These requirements include:

Written language access policies and procedures

Staff training

Nondiscrimination notices in the top 15 LEP languages for the state

Appointment of a Section 1557 coordinator responsible for compliance

What’s at Stake for Healthcare Organizations?

68 million U.S. residents speak a language other than English at home, with many reporting limited English ability. Millions more face disabilities that can impact communication. For healthcare providers, these language barriers create legal, clinical, and strategic concerns.

Failing to provide meaningful language access for patients with LEP or accessibility needs can lead to serious and wide-ranging consequences, including:

Risk of non-compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws

Higher liability due to miscommunications

Missed opportunities to serve diverse patient populations

By meeting Section 1557 requirements, health programs reduce risk, strengthen patient trust, and improve health outcomes through better communication and equitable access.

What You Must Do by July 5, 2025

To be compliant with the updated standards, organizations must take the following steps:

1. Publish policies on language access, including:

Nondiscrimination policies: Reinforcing the organization’s dedication to equitable treatment. 
Grievance procedures: Detailing the process for individuals to report discrimination and pursue resolution. 
Language access procedures: Making sure services are available to LEP individuals.
Auxiliary aids and services procedures: Offering vital support for individuals with disabilities. 
Reasonable modifications: Modifying policies and practices to support individuals with disabilities.

2. Display notices of nondiscrimination and language assistance

Healthcare providers must ensure that individuals with LEP know about non-discrimination policies and their right to free language assistance services. This includes posting notices prominently at their facilities and on their websites. The notices must be provided in English and at least the 15 most common languages spoken by LEP individuals in their state.

3. Use qualified interpreters/translators

If a provider uses machine translation, the new rule requires review by a human translator in cases where accuracy is critical — such as when the source materials are relevant to a limited English proficient individual’s rights or benefits, impact meaningful access to care, or contain complex or technical language that can be hard to understand.

Under the new rules, all interpreters must be trained and qualified. That means providers can’t rely on family, friends or untrained staff to interpret. Bilingual staff may serve as interpreters as part of their job duties — but only if they’ve demonstrated proficiency in both English and the non-English language used by the patient.

Where LSA Can Support You

You don’t have to navigate these new requirements alone. LSA is here to help at every step with:

Qualified interpreters (Onsite/Over the Phone/Video Remote) to meet real-time access requirements

Expert translation and localization of policies, notices, forms, aftercare instructions, patient materials, and more — always done by a human or with human oversight

Language assessments and testing for your multilingual staff to fulfill new training mandates

AI-enhanced solutions (AI Video Dubbing, AI Interpretation, AI Machine Translation +) with human oversight to guarantee accuracy and confidentiality

Consulting on language access planning, including population analysis, policy drafting, selecting appropriate language tools, and identifying all required languages.

Meeting the Section 1557 language-access standards isn’t just about compliance. It’s a strategic investment in better patient care, stronger community trust, reduced legal risk, and broader market access.

July 5, 2025, is your deadline — partner with LSA to ensure you’re ready. Contact us at 800.305.9673 X55305 or fill out the click the button below to fill out the contact form.

About LSA

Language Services Associates Inc. (LSA) is a leading provider of interpretation, translation, and innovative AI language solutions, enabling clients to connect with expert interpreters for effective multilingual communication. With over three decades of experience, LSA facilitates millions of interactions yearly in hundreds of languages.

Why Subtitle When You Can Speak the Language?

Posted on June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

13 min read

Globally scale your videos with LSA’s AI Video Dubbing

Video content is a powerful way to connect with audiences, but traditional subtitles are not necessarily the most effective solution for engaging multilingual viewership. While subtitles allow viewers to follow along in their native language, they require constant reading, can be distracting, and fail to fully capture the speaker’s tone and intent. Language Services Associates (LSA) has a solution.

Don’t settle for subtitles — speak the language without ever actually speaking the language with LSA AI Video Dubbing.

It’s a new way to translate and dub your videos. It’s fast, cost-effective, and easy to connect in more languages than ever before.

Let’s break it down:

The Problems with Traditional Video Translation

For years, subtitles and voiceovers have been the industry standard for making video content accessible to multilingual audiences. However, they come with limitations:

Subtitles divide the viewer’s attention between reading and watching.
Voiceovers often sound unnatural and disconnected from the speaker’s original expressions.
Traditional dubbing is expensive and time-consuming, requiring extensive manual synchronization.

LSA AI Video Dubbing is a revolutionary technology that dubs and translates videos into over 70 languages — while maintaining the original speaker’s voice, tone, and expressions.

It’s a high-quality solution with faster turnaround times than traditional dubbing. It allows you to connect with multilingual audiences at speed and scale.

Creation of text representing the spoken dialogue in a video.
Requires transcription, translation, and time coding.
Preserves original audio and authenticity of the performance.
Improves accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
More cost-effective than dubbing — requires less production time and fewer resources.

Replacing spoken dialogue in a video with translated dialogue performed by voiceover actors.
Requires translation, voiceover, lip synching, mixing, and post-production.
Attempts to match the emotional content of the original by synching dialogue as closely as possible and using relatable voiceovers.
Improves accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
More costly and time-consuming due to its complexity, production costs, and multifaceted team.

Dubs and translates videos into over 70 languages — while maintaining the original speaker’s voice, tone, and expressions.
LSA's advanced AI technology translates your video, clones your voice, and syncs your lip movements. An experienced linguist reviews and edits for clarity before delivering an authentic viewing experience in the target language(s).
Preserves original audio and authenticity of the performance while creating a more immersive experience.
Improves accessibility for everyone.
Significantly more cost-effective and less time-consuming than traditional dubbing, and creates a better overall experience than traditional subtitling.

Creation of text representing the spoken dialogue in a video.
Requires transcription, translation, and time coding.
Preserves original audio and authenticity of the performance.
Improves accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
More cost-effective than dubbing — requires less production time and fewer resources.

Replacing spoken dialogue in a video with translated dialogue performed by voiceover actors.
Requires translation, voiceover, lip synching, mixing, and post-production.
Attempts to match the emotional content of the original by synching dialogue as closely as possible and using relatable voiceovers.
Improves accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
More costly and time-consuming due to its complexity, production costs, and multifaceted team.

Dubs and translates videos into over 70 languages — while maintaining the original speaker’s voice, tone, and expressions.
LSA's advanced AI technology translates your video, clones your voice, and syncs your lip movements. An experienced linguist reviews and edits for clarity before delivering an authentic viewing experience in the target language(s).
Preserves original audio and authenticity of the performance while creating a more immersive experience.
Improves accessibility for everyone.
Significantly more cost-effective and less time-consuming than traditional dubbing, and creates a better overall experience than traditional subtitling.

Beyond Subtitles: The LSA AI Video Dubbing Advantage

Our cutting-edge AI technology does more than just add captions. It clones your voice, syncs your lip movements, and delivers an authentic viewing experience in the target language.

Present your training videos, educational content, advertisements, patient instructions, team interviews, marketing videos, and corporate communications delivered as if you fluently speak your target language(s).

Maintain consistent voice quality and brand alignment while improving accessibility and enhancing engagement.

Here’s how it works:

Create Your Video – Record your content as usual.
Select Your Language – Choose from over 70 languages and dialects.
Deliver with Impact – LSA’s AI-powered dubbing translates, syncs, and refines your video for seamless communication.

72.4% of consumers said they would be more likely to buy a product with information in their own language — Don’t lose potential customers to language barriers, dub your ads now with LSA AI Video Dubbing.

See the Difference

Watch below to see how we translated and dubbed the Tampa Bay Sun’s interview, making it more accessible for their multilingual audience.

Through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club (Tampa Bay’s first professional women’s soccer team), we translated and dubbed this interview into four different languages — French, Spanish, German, and Russian.

This is an example of how we expand the game to an increasingly diverse fanbase by connecting with fans in innovative ways.

Watch the video and see how natural each language looks and sounds.

Speed, Accuracy, and Cost Savings

AI Video Dubbing isn’t just more engaging — it’s also faster and more cost-effective than traditional dubbing methods. Unlike expensive studio recordings that take weeks to produce, AI Video Dubbing is completed in a fraction of the time while delivering high-quality output — our technology eliminates the need for expensive voice actors and time-consuming professional synchronization.

Plus, LSA’s expert linguists provide final quality assurance, ensuring accuracy and cultural appropriateness. An experienced translator with a background in your field will review the video and make adjustments where necessary to ensure each word is spoken exactly as it should be.

LSA’s AI-Powered Language Solution Suite

LSA AI Video Dubbing is just one component of LSA’s new forward-thinking AI-powered language solutions suite. LSA also offers AI Machine Translation+ for fast, cost-effective translations enhanced by a human post-editor. AI translates the content using your linguistic resources, and a professional refines it for accuracy. And, through our alliance with Lingolet, we offer AI Interpretation services that allow our customers to transition effortlessly between AI and human interpretation services without disruption to call flows or reporting platforms.

LSA’s full suite of language services.

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign
Language

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments
& Testing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine
Translation+

AI
Interpretation

Interpreter Scheduler

Don’t let language be a barrier — let LSA help you speak to the world. Contact us today to learn more!

About LSA

The Vital Role of Language Services in Palliative Care: An Essential Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Posted on May 21, 2025May 22, 2025 by Ximena Garcia

14 min read

In palliative care, where every word matters, effective and empathetic communication forms the cornerstone of high-quality holistic services. For patients and families with limited English proficiency (LEP), language barriers can severely impede understanding, erode trust, and diminish dignity.

In an article from Hospice News, an NHPCO spokesperson said, “Trust serves as the center point for whether patients and the community utilize hospice care or not. Trust shows up in different forms, like language and consistency in what the hospice organization states that their resources are. The other key factor is that providers are not having the important discussions early on, [likely] because of the lack of managing language barriers and staff who can relate to the patient and family and help build trust.”

Partnering with an experienced language service provider, like Language Services Associates (LSA), makes it easier for your team to connect patients and families with the language access they deserve at every touchpoint. Whether it’s quick access to phone, video, or onsite interpreters—or built-in connections through the Epic Toolbox—LSA helps your team reach the right support quickly, when families need it most.

Implementing professional interpretation and translation services is not just an advantage; it’s an indispensable component of delivering fair, ethical, and patient-focused palliative care.

In this guide, we’ll explore why communication is at the heart of palliative care, the real impact of language barriers on patients and families, and how practical solutions like LSA’s can help your team provide more equitable, compassionate care.

Communication Is Care

Language barriers significantly hinder access to vital palliative care, result in lower hospice utilization, and limit essential conversations about care goals.

In many cases, this starts before LEP patients have even had a chance to consider their care options.

Palliative care encompasses intricate conversations about symptom management, care objectives, advance directives, and end-of-life decisions. These discussions are profoundly personal and emotionally charged. Without the assistance of professional interpreters and translators, patients risk missing vital information or feeling excluded from their own healthcare experience.

And the risk doesn’t stop there. Patients with LEP are twice as likely to experience medical errors due to communication issues.

When patients get assistance in their own language, they can:

Clearly understand their diagnosis and treatment options
Communicate their values, cultural beliefs, and personal goals
Actively participate in shared decision-making

This not only leads to improved clinical outcomes but also better emotional well-being for both patients and their families.

LSA’s integration with Epic and Toolbox designation provides instant access to medical interpreters directly through your EHR.

Cultivating Trust Through Cultural Competence

In a study about clinicians’ awareness of language access and barriers, 95.6% of clinicians surveyed agreed that language barriers and cultural differences impact patient care.

Overcoming these barriers requires more than language proficiency. Interpretation goes beyond words; it involves understanding emotions, culture, and context. Even if you have bilingual staff available, they may struggle with these nuances.

Skilled medical interpreters, particularly those with a background in palliative care, recognize the critical role of tone, empathy, and cultural awareness.

Their involvement:

Averts miscommunication that could lead to mistrust or anxiety
Bridges cultural divides that can impact decision-making and perceptions of illness
Fosters a strong therapeutic partnership between the care team and the patient/family

This vital human connection, created through accurate and compassionate communication, lies at the heart of palliative care.

LSA’s expert medical interpreters are carefully vetted, ensuring they have the experience and background to provide critical language services in situations that require sensitivity, cultural competence, and a clear understanding of medical terminology and nuances.

Maintaining Ethical and Legal Standards

Utilizing professional language services is not only a best practice, but also a legal requirement. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, along with various state health regulations, mandates that individuals with LEP have meaningful access to services.

Neglecting to provide interpretation can lead to:

Insufficient informed consent
Violations of confidentiality
Higher chances of medical errors and liability issues

It is crucial to avoid using family members, particularly children, as interpreters. This practice can be emotionally inappropriate, often inaccurate, and carries significant legal risks.

Additionally, using untrained bilingual staff presents the same issues. If you have bilingual staff you would like to use as ad-hoc interpreters, LSA offers Language Assessments and Testing. These assessments test language proficiency and determine if your employee meets the requirements set forth by The Joint Commission and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.

Assisting Families in Navigating Difficult Decisions

Palliative care isn’t just for the patient, it’s also for their family. Access to language services enables families to:

Receive clear updates and guidance
Engage in care planning and decision-making
Feel empowered and respected during an extremely challenging time

Providing translated materials—like POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms, pain management instructions, or grief resources—offers clarity and solace that extends beyond the bedside.

When families need support, they often need it in the moment. Our interpreting services, like Over the Phone Interpretation, allow for fast access to interpreters to reach a family at home. LSA has expanded its OPI service with features and add-ons like Reverse Call Flow and Scheduled OPI, by connecting directly to an interpreter via a toll-free number before calling your facility.

How a Partnership with LSA Improves Palliative Care for Doctors, Clinicians, and LEP Patients

Palliative care isn’t just clinical work—it’s deeply human work, guiding patients and families through moments that will stay with them forever. By incorporating interpretation and translation services into your processes, you help eliminate disparities and reinforce the message that every patient is valued, regardless of language or background.

We know that busy teams often worry about adding “one more thing” to their workflow. That’s why LSA focuses on making language support easy to access, whether through quick phone or video connections, built-in access in the Epic Toolbox, or tools designed to fit the way your team already works.

LSA has served hospital and healthcare facilities’ interpretation and translation needs for over three decades, delivering medical language services around the clock through all modalities. Palliative care requires more than just an interpreter, it requires experienced experts capable of providing comprehensive care, 24/7/365. LSA’s medical interpreters are carefully vetted and provide the highest level of support to staff and LEP patients.

Behind the scenes, our technical team works to keep services fast, secure, and user-friendly. We develop our own applications and software explicitly tailored to our clients and over the phone and video remote interpretation services.

With an ever-expanding suite of language services, LSA outfits your team with the language tools you need to deliver optimal palliative care for your LEP patients. Our open API allows for integration with all major telehealth platforms, and LSA’s designation in the Epic Toolbox affirms that LSA uses the required technologies that meet Epic’s recommended integration pattern for next-level service through your EHR.

We also offer unique tools like AI Video Dubbing to create natural-looking patient education or instructional videos in over 75 languages, so patients and families can better understand their care.

Prioritizing language access is not merely an additional task — it’s essential to protecting patient well-being and making sure every family feels seen, heard, and cared for when it matters most.

LSA’s full suite of language services.

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign
Language

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments
& Testing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine
Translation+

AI
Interpretation

Interpreter Scheduler

Ready to upgrade your palliative care service with advanced technology and language solutions?

In This Blog Post

The Rising Cost of Cybercrime

How Breaches Happen in Language Access

Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Names, addresses, birthdates, Social Security numbers.

Protected Health Information (PHI): Patient medical records, diagnoses, insurance details.

Financial Data: Account numbers, payment information, transaction details.

Legal Information: Court testimony, client communications, case files.

Intellectual Property and Business Data: Proprietary research, contracts, internal reports.

Government and Agency Data: Sensitive records that impact compliance and public trust.

Misdelivered files or messages.

Too much access for too long.

Insecure platforms.

Phishing and social engineering.

How LSA Protects Your Data

Regulatory Compliance

Encryption and Secure Systems

Access Control

Security Expertise

Infrastructure Built for Protection

Training and Testing

Proactive Safeguards

Trusted Across Industries

Your Data, Protected Every Day

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Deborah S.

Heather S.

Kristin B.

In This Blog Post

Why Improving Health Literacy is Essential for Patient Safety

Almost 59% of major adverse events in healthcare arise from failures in communication

Among 23,000 malpractice claims, 7,000 were attributed to communication breakdowns

Leading to $1.7 billion in malpractice costs and around 2,000 preventable fatalities

The Language Access-Health Literacy Connection

Practical Steps for Healthcare Providers During Health Literacy Month

Ask patients what language they prefer for both spoken and written communication.

Provide translated discharge instructions and medication information.

Use professional interpreters instead of relying on family members or bilingual staff.

Ensure materials are written in plain language and are culturally appropriate.

Integrate language services directly into workflows — from EHR to telehealth visits.

How LSA Supports Health Literacy

AI + Human Hybrid Solutions

Closing the Gap Between Health Information and Patient Understanding

In This Blog Post

Empowering the Next Generation

Hands-On Experience Across Departments

Recognizing Exceptional Talent

Ready to Apply?

About LSA

In This Blog Post

LSA’s 2025 Innovations to Enhance Language Services and Accessibility

Expanded Language Coverage

99.9% Uptime

New AI-Powered Language Solutions

Updates to the LSA App and LSA Client Portal

Over the Phone Interpretation Add-Ons

Epic Toolbox Recognition and Audio Solutions

New Partnership with Tampa Bay Sun

Top Workplaces Awards

Serving More Industries Than Ever

Redefining Language Access for Lasting Impact

In This Blog Post

Why Untrained Bilingual Friends, Family, or Coworkers Should Never Replace Professional Interpreters

The Hidden Risks of Relying on Unqualified Language Support

What Professional Interpreters Are Trained to Do (And Why It Matters)

When “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough: The Problem with Unvetted Bilingual Staff

How LSA Can Help: Scalable Language Access Solutions for Every Industry

What’s Next

A Tech-Forward Approach to Fast, Scalable, and Cost-Effective Language Support — Powered by LSA

What Is AI Interpretation?

AI Interpretation in Action

Benefits of AI Interpretation

LSA’s Hybrid Advantage: AI + Human Support

The Best of Both Worlds

Secure & Compliant

Scalable & Customizable

Who Should Use AI Interpretation?

Healthcare

Insurance

Government

Customer Service

About LSA 

LSA AI
Video Dubbing

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign
Language

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments
& Testing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine
Translation+

AI
Interpretation

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign
Language

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments
& Testing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine
Translation+

AI
Interpretation