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

Posted on by Ximena Garcia
11 min read

In This Blog Post

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.

TRANSLATE YOUR VIDEOS INTO 70+ LANGUAGES

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.

TRANSLATE YOUR DOCUMENTS

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.

TRY INSTANT INTERPRETATION TODAY

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:

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

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

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

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

SEC-compliant interpretation and document translation. Learn more.

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.

REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM

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 by Ximena Garcia
9 min read

In This Blog Post

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. 

professional interpretation

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:

HIPAA-compliant interpretation across specialties

Accurate, confidential communication for sensitive matters

Multilingual assistance to drive loyalty and revenue

Seamless guest experiences for global clientele

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. 

Contact us today at (800) 305-9673 ext. 55305 or visit www.lsa.inc  to learn more. 

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

Posted on 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

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.

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. 

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 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: 

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. 

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. 

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:

Eliminate 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. 

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

Posted on 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. 

ASL Interpretation provided by LSA

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 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. 

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. 

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 

24/7/365 live technical and customer service support

100% RID-certified ASL Interpreters

Subject-specific interpreters specialized in every sector

Security-cleared ASL interpreters with updated immunization records for onsite healthcare assignments

Victoria Rodriguez-Mitchell | ASL Interpreter

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! 

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

Posted on 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   
Section 1557

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.

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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 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.

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.

Traditional Dubbing

  • 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.

LSA AI
Video Dubbing

  • 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.

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.

Traditional Dubbing

  • 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.

LSA AI Video Dubbing

  • 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:

  1. Create Your Video – Record your content as usual.
  2. Select Your Language – Choose from over 70 languages and dialects.
  3. 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.

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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 icon

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign Language_2

American Sign
Language

Translation & Localization

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth Solutions

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments and Testing

Language Assessments
& Testing

LSA AI Video Dubbing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine Translation+

AI Machine
Translation+

AI Interpretation

AI
Interpretation

Scheduler Icon

Interpreter Scheduler

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

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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.

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

Posted on 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 icon

Over the Phone
Interpretation

Video Remote Interpretation

Video Remote
Interpretation

Onsite interpretation

Onsite
Interpretation

American Sign Language_2

American Sign
Language

Translation & Localization

Translation &
Localization

Telehealth Solutions

Telehealth
Solutions

Language Assessments and Testing

Language Assessments
& Testing

LSA AI Video Dubbing

AI Video
Dubbing

AI Machine Translation+

AI Machine
Translation+

AI Interpretation

AI
Interpretation

Scheduler Icon

Interpreter Scheduler

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

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How to Maximize Your Global Events with Language Services

Posted on by Ximena Garcia
13 min read

Event managers planning global events like conferences, trade shows, and summits know that they offer valuable opportunities for businesses to expand their reach. However, for those events to achieve growth results, they must plan for communications that effectively cross linguistic and cultural barriers. This is where professional interpretation and translation services become essential. 

Without these services, meaningful communication with potential clients, partners, and investors who do not speak the language will not happen, limiting your ability to grow. Organizations without language services will struggle to fully connect with audiences and engage participants in panel discussions and networking events, missing out on valuable industry insights and losing out to competitors that come prepared to communicate with a multilingual audience. 

Partnering with a language service provider like Language Services Associates (LSA) will outfit your company with a strategy, the right tools, and a comprehensive plan to effectively engage multilingual audiences on the global stage.

Conference Interpretation

The Role of Language Services in International Events

Global events gather diverse audiences, including industry leaders, policymakers, and potential clients from various countries and backgrounds. To maximize these opportunities, businesses must prioritize clear and accurate communication. Language services are essential in this context for several reasons: 

  • Facilitating real-time communication – Live interpreters ensure that attendees understand speakers accurately.
  • Enhancing audience engagement – Providing multilingual content, such as translated materials, subtitles, and dubbed videos, allows audiences to engage with presentations and discussions in their preferred language.
  • Strengthening brand presence – Companies that offer multilingual support demonstrate cultural awareness and inclusivity, positioning themselves as global leaders.
  • Increasing market reach – By overcoming language barriers, businesses can attract a wider audience and effectively engage international stakeholders. 
  • Improving networking and relationship building – Clear communication helps build trust and strengthen partnerships with global clients and collaborators.
  • Boosting reputation – Organizations prioritizing language access demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to inclusivity, increasing their credibility in international markets. 

Types of Language Services for Global Events 

To effectively manage events, organizations should consider the following language solutions: 

  • Simultaneous interpretation – This service is ideal for large conferences and keynote speeches. It allows interpreters to translate spoken words in real time without interrupting the flow of presentations. LSA will provide professional interpreters experienced in your field and ensure you are using the most appropriate equipment and technology. 
  • Consecutive interpretation – Best suited for smaller meetings, panel discussions, and one-on-one sessions, consecutive interpretation requires the speaker to pause so that the interpreter can convey the message accurately. LSA’s onsite conference interpreters are accustomed to event interpreting and can assure every word is understood. 
  • Translation of event materials – Translating event materials such as brochures, programs, videos, slide decks, and press releases guarantees that attendees can access important information in their native language. LSA provides standard translation services, including our AI Machine Translation+ option for more affordable translations with faster turnaround times for non-sensitive materials.  
  • AI Video Dubbing – LSA offers voiceovers in over 150 languages, using AI to clone your voice and synch your lip movements. This results in natural looking videos where it truly appears as if you are speaking the target language, maximizing engagement. 
  • AI Interpretation – Instant language support by integrating AI interpretation, offering real-time language conversion capabilities, allowing seamless communication between speakers of different languages. 
Technology and language solutions for your next conference or global event

How to Prepare for a Multilingual Event 

To enhance the effectiveness of language services at a global event, companies should prepare. 

  • Plan ahead – To create a memorable and inclusive multilingual event, it’s essential to understand the language needs and preferences of your target audience. Here are some important steps to follow when planning your event: 
    • Identify the languages spoken by attendees and arrange for professional interpreters and translators well in advance. Partnering with an experienced language service provider like LSA is your best option to guarantee comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate.
    • Plan your multilingual registration process. 
    • Consider adding American Sign Language (ASL) services to make your event accessible to everyone. 
  • Registration, information, and marketing materials – Once the necessary language services have been determined, consider streamlining the registration and ticketing process for attendees. Here are some effective strategies to enhance this experience:  
    • Send email invitations and event registration updates in the target languages to increase attendance and response rates.  
    • Offer multilingual customer support and follow-up communication through phone, email, or chat in the attendees’ preferred languages.
    • Promote event sessions by providing translated marketing materials and programs in targeted languages.
  • Leverage technology – Using AI-powered translation tools and remote interpreting platforms to complement traditional language services can be a game changer – cutting costs, improving services, creating better workflows, etc. LSA offers a comprehensive suite of language solutions, including AI options, to enhance the multilingual experience. We will help you plan, choose the right technology, and assist you with our advanced technological solutions for smooth interactions. 
  • Train speakers and staff – Be sure event presenters and team members are trained to work effectively with interpreters to ensure smooth communication. LSA can provide your team with training materials, reference guides, and training before the start of services during implementation. 
LSA can help you ensure the ideal services and languages are in place to maximize your reach. 
Multilingual support for your global event

Keep the Conversation Going   

After your event, take advantage of the opportunity to reach a wider audience by translating and dubbing your recordings and materials into multiple languages. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:  

  • Translate or dub audio and video recordings into multiple languages for continued accessibility.
  • Expand your event’s reach by sharing key moments in multiple languages across your website and social media.

Partnering with LSA for Optimized Conference Support

As enterprises hold more international events to drive their growth, impact, and reach, companies prioritizing effective language services will gain a competitive advantage. Whether through real-time interpretation, document translation, or multilingual engagement strategies, businesses can make a lasting impression on the global stage. By investing in professional language solutions, organizations can confidently navigate these opportunities, ensuring that language barriers never stand in the way of success. 

LSA will manage your specific requirements and guide you through the process, including any equipment rentals, practice demos, and interpreter coordination. We provide professional interpretation and translation services for all types of events, including medical conventions, trade shows, employee gatherings, shareholder meetings, seminars, and global business retreats.  

LSA has been a leading language provider for over three decades. We offer a comprehensive suite of language services solutions, including Over the Phone Interpretation, Video Remote Interpretation, Onsite interpretation, AI Machine Translation+, AI Video Dubbing, Translation & Localization (written word), Language Assessments & Testing, the LSA Scheduler, and additional features and add-ons to ensure your program is fully customized to fit your needs. With thousands of clients worldwide, more than 7,000 carefully vetted interpreters, and expertise in hundreds of languages, LSA stands out as the language provider of choice for conference support. 

Ready to reach a wider audience by speaking their language? Contact us now to explore customized language solutions for your next international event. 

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Improve Service and Cut Costs with LSA’s Over the Phone Interpretation Features and Add-Ons

Posted on by Ximena Garcia
14 min read

Cut costs without cutting services at hospitals and medical facilities.

 

Delivering care promptly and accurately can be a challenge for medical facilities when servicing a large population of patients who do not speak English. Hospitals can spend considerably more time and money on each limited English proficient (LEP) patient without the correct language services and tools than on English speakers. By partnering with an experienced language service provider, like Language Services Associates (LSA), doctors and medical staff can improve care while reducing time and money spent. 

Just about everyone is familiar with LSA’s incomparable Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI) services. But did you know we offer several additional features and stand-alone phone solutions to accommodate various needs?  

LSA’s OPI service is a lifeline for many, ensuring 24/7/365 access to high-quality interpreters on demand in hundreds of languages. With just a push of a button (or a quick phone call to your dedicated toll-free number (TFN)), medical professionals will be connected with a carefully vetted multilingual expert in your field. 

There’s more…

Our latest additions and features take our services a step further, enhancing accessibility for non-English speakers and improving workflows for our clients. Let’s take a look at two features that can be useful for your organization:

Save on Time and Costs with LSA’s Reverse Call Flow

Determining a patient’s language, waiting on hold, and ensuring interpreter introductions are performed before the start of a call can impact your workflow when a non-English speaking patient calls your facility and cannot express to you which language they speak. While LSA’s coordinators are highly trained to assess a patient’s language using proven techniques, allowing your patient to connect with an interpreter before calling your facility can save time and money. 

In the traditional call flow, a medical professional will call our call center to request an interpreter, who will then join the call. In our Reverse Call Flow, your non-English-speaking customers or patients can call LSA directly via a dedicated TFN and be joined with an interpreter before connecting with your user. The benefits of this service include:  

  • Removes call handling time entirely

    The reverse call flow allows limited English-proficient (LEP) patients and customers to connect directly to an interpreter before contacting your facility. This reduces the time and steps required to begin an interpretation session, significantly cutting call handling time and leading to more efficient and seamless interactions.

  • Saves time to improve workflows

    When an LEP patient or customer can connect with an interpreter before contacting your facility, it saves time for your employees and improves workflows.

  • Enhances customer/patient experience

    Cutting down call handling times eliminates wait times for your staff and LEP customers or patients. The less time your staff spends helping one individual caller, the more time they can spend serving other patients or customers. This improves overall patient and customer satisfaction for English-speaking and LEP individuals. Additionally, by allowing callers to connect in their language, they receive services in a language they can understand from the second their call is answered.

Improve Patient Experience

Two Ways to Utilize the Reverse Call Flow Service 

1. We can create a voice prompt to be included in your IVR. The call will come directly to your main line, and the LEP caller will hear an option to press a number for their specific language — “press 2 for Spanish,” for example. The call will then be sent to the TFN LSA provided for that language, and an interpreter will answer that call in the selected language. The interpreter will greet your patient or customer and call your facility. This would be an option any time a patient calls, and the prompt will be delivered in the appropriate language so it’s clear to LEP patients. 

2. LSA provides your organization with a TFN that an LEP caller can use to connect with an interpreter in their specific language (each language will have its own TFN to eliminate any wait times or confusion). You would share this number with your customer or patient, and they would use it to connect directly to an interpreter in their language before being connected to your facility.

Fast and High-Quality Phone Interpretation

Provide More Efficient Care with 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.  It has these benefits:  

  • Eliminates Wait Times

    Wait times are significantly reduced by scheduling an interpreter in advance. Your user will call LSA and give your request number to a coordinator, or open the LSA Interpretation App, type in the request number, and be connected to the interpreter. This is especially helpful for languages of lesser diffusion where fewer interpreters are available.

  • Guarantees Availability

    Scheduling OPI ensures an interpreter is available at the time of your call. Scrambling to secure a qualified interpreter can waste time and resources when you have time blocked out for an appointment.

  • Provides a Better Customer/Patient/Employee Experience

    Cutting down wait times provides a better experience for your staff and LEP customers or patients. The less time your staff spends searching for an interpreter, the more time they have to work on other tasks or help more patients or customers. This improves overall patient, customer, and employee satisfaction.

Two Ways to Schedule an OPI Interpreter:

1. Call your dedicated TFN and schedule an appointment with an LSA coordinator. The coordinator will collect the required information and place the request on your behalf. Once the request is filled, you will receive a confirmation email. 

2. You can securely request an interpreter through the LSA Client Portal. Enter the required information, and a request will be placed. Once your request is filled, you will receive a confirmation email. 

At LSA, we’re constantly developing new, innovative services to provide a better care experience. Our advanced technology, highly experienced staff, and carefully vetted medical interpreters ensure you and your patients can communicate effectively when, where, and how you need to. Our services cut costs, improve patient experiences, enhance workflows, and reduce resource-draining readmissions.

How LSA Can Help You Do More

LSA is at the forefront of technology, constantly working to deliver services and features that simplify workflow processes and advance doctor-patient relationships. By creating our own software explicitly designed for OPI and Video Remote Interpretation, we constantly improve features customized to our clients’ experiences.

With our Reverse Call Flow and Scheduled OPI features, medical staff can better engage their LEP patients, deliver accurate care faster, and save costs by reducing call handling and connection times. This also allows staff more time to spend with other patients and complete other tasks, ultimately improving services for all.

  • Faster Care
  • Accurate Communication
  • Lower Costs
  • Reduced Readmissions
  • Improved Patient Journey

About Language Services Associates

Language Services Associates (LSA) provides Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI) services that significantly enhance communication between clients and their LEP patients and customers.  

  • Available on demand, 24/7/365, via a toll-free number or the LSA Interpretation App, LSA’s OPI services ensure rapid connection to qualified interpreters within seconds.  
  • LSA offers various call flow options, such as traditional and reverse call flow, providing flexibility in how clients connect with interpreters.  
  • LSA supports third-party connections and assists in language identification when the LEP individual’s preferred language is unclear. Calls can be connected on demand or by scheduling with an LSA coordination or in the LSA Client Portal. This comprehensive approach ensures precise, accurate, and effective communication, boosting customer satisfaction and trust. 

 

LSA offers a full suite of language services that also include: 

Are you ready to save time and money while providing better care?

 Contact us today to improve workflows and enhance patient and customer experiences. 

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6 Steps to Assessing and Optimizing Your Language Access Program: Spring Clean Your Language Support Strategy

Posted on by Ximena Garcia
9 min read

Spring Clean Your Language Support Strategy

When was the last time you fully evaluated your current language access program?  With spring in the air, there’s no better time than now to review your organization’s strategy and determine if it’s performing optimally. A fresh start or some updates to your plan and approach may be on the horizon. Assessing your current language program can uncover performance gaps, highlight missing languages, and identify areas that need improvement to enhance accessibility and provide a better experience for limited English proficient (LEP) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals seeking your services. Here’s how to assess and optimize your language program this season.

Follow along or download the guide as a PDF to start working on your language access plan.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

STEP 1.

Revisit the Population You are Serving and the Services You Are Providing

Before you can make improvements, you need to understand where your current language program stands. Ask yourself: 

Are you covering all the languages your customers or patients speak?

Examine the demographics in your community and determine the most common languages spoken. Is your organization doing everything possible to offer your services in those languages?

Are important customer/patient-facing documents and services accessible in multiple languages?

While interpretation is critical in delivering your services to multilingual communities, ensuring that essential documents are translated, both at your facility and online, is a great way to reach more people. Providing translated documents in at least the top ten languages spoken in your community can help you increase your reach and deliver equitable access to non-English speakers who want to use your services.

Are you covering all the touchpoints where language access would be helpful?

Ensure all touchpoints are accounted for. Including, front desk services, signage, website content, intake forms, administrative documents, contracts, marketing materials, appointment scheduling, etc.

Use the checklist below to make sure you have every touchpoint covered!

Download our checklist to start optimizing your language access plan or contact us today if you need expert guidance from the team.

2025 TOUCHPOINT CHECKLIST
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STEP 2.

Evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Current Language Program

Insufficient language services, inexperienced interpreters, and a lack of sufficient support in the languages your communities speak can hinder your business from effectively serving your multilingual customers and patients.

Take a look at your current language program and consider:

How are you providing interpretation and translation at your organization?

Are you using professional interpreters and translators? Are you relying on untrained bilingual staff? Or are you partnered with an experienced language services provider that offers all the languages you need?

Is your interpretation service available in multiple modalities?

Modalities include Over the Phone Interpretation (OPI), Video Remote Interpretation (VRI), and Onsite Interpretation (OPI).

Did you know?

Experienced language providers, like LSA, can guide you in choosing
the appropriate interpretation method for your needs.
Choosing the most appropriate and effective method(s) of delivery guarantee a better ROI, improved customer experience, and stronger outcomes. Contact us today to discuss how we can help improve your language access plan.
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How long does it take for translated materials to be delivered?

When you need a document or content on your website converted into another language, does the service you use come with long wait times? While some types of documentation can require additional time to complete, some providers, like LSA, offer tools like our AI Machine Translation+ for non-critical documents delivered faster and at a more affordable rate.

STEP 3.

Refresh Your Training and Policies

Even the best language access plan and program won’t be effective if employees don’t know how to use it.

Ensure your staff knows all the details of your language access plan

Be sure your staff knows all the details of your language access plan such as how and when to request interpreters, where translated content is stored, and what languages you cover. Clear guidelines are often forgotten, leaving staff with no way to get an interpreter when they need one. This can cause your organization to lose business and can be dangerous in medical situations when an LEP patient needs immediate care. LSA is proud to provide free training materials as part of its implementation, including Desktop Reference Cards, Best Practices, and more to guide your staff in procuring an interpreter when needed.

STEP 4.

Optimize and Streamline Your Processes

A manual or disorganized process can slow down response times and create inconsistencies. Simplify your workflow:

Implement centralized scheduling for interpretation.

If you already partner with a provider, do they have a dashboard that tracks and offers real-time updates about your requests? If you use independent interpreters or your own, do you have an interpreter management system to organize assignments and scheduling? LSA provides a centralized location through the LSA Client Portal® to track your requests. If you use your own interpreters, various language service providers, and/or LSA as overflow, we offer the LSA Scheduler to streamline the scheduling process with a one-stop Integrated Management Solution that allows you to source interpreters from all outlets in one application.

Optimize how you connect to on-demand audio and video interpreters when you need immediate assistance.

Partnering with a language provider who offers an intuitive app can save you time, money, and frustration. The LSA Interpretation App, allows users to access live interpreters on demand with a simple push of a button, providing instant access in hundreds of languages. It’s available for download on Android, iOS, and Windows, and accessible on any laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

Update translation request procedures for faster turnaround times.

Develop a system that allows you to create and track requests easily to assure speedier turnaround times and consistent service delivery.

Leverage technology and AI-powered translation solutions for non-sensitive materials.

LSA offers several AI solutions, including LSA AI Video Dubbing, and LSA AI Machine Translation+, provided with human oversight.

Learn about our AI solutions.

We harness the latest technology, while ensuring clear results.
Human oversight is always provided on all our services.

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STEP 5.

Measure Impact & Set Goals

Spring cleaning isn’t just about eliminating clutter—it’s about creating a more efficient language program moving forward. For long-term success:

Track Your Language Requests

Are you tracking language requests? Implementing a system to monitor all interpretation and translation requests is essential. This can include tracking the date, time, languages, request fulfillment status, timeliness, and other relevant details like location and/or requester. Language Services Associates’ (LSA) Client Portal® facilitates this by providing secure access to data on every service transaction, allowing clients to monitor and analyze performance metrics in real-time.

Collect Feedback

Collecting feedback from employees and customers on language service effectiveness is a great way to gauge how your current language program is performing. Feedback is your chance to improve. The better your employees feel about how well these services operate and the more your LEP customers or patients feel heard, the more impactful they will be.

Track Performance Metrics

Tracking performance metrics like interpreter response times, translation accuracy, and patient or customer satisfaction is another great way to understand how well your language services are performing. If you don’t have a system to do this on your own, partnering with a language services provider who can track these metrics for you. This indicates that the provider has complete confidence in their services by offering transparency in these metrics and services.

Set Goals

Set goals for expanding language access and improving inclusivity by strategizing with your language provider. Are they offering the guidance you need? Do they offer the services and languages necessary for your growth? If not, it’s time to switch to LSA!

STEP 6.

Partner with Language Services Associates for a More Inclusive Future

Spring cleaning your language access strategy isn’t just a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment to serving multilingual populations and facilitating inclusivity and accessibility. By assessing, refining, and optimizing your language services, you can ensure your organization is meeting the needs of all individuals, regardless of the language they speak, providing better outcomes and improving your standing in your community.

LSA takes a proactive approach to understanding your company, customer demographics, language needs, and technology. Our services are designed for seamless integration into existing platforms and workflows, enabling your organization to focus on its core competencies while LSA handles your language needs. Our experienced professionals are committed to providing high-quality, accurate, and appropriate language services and are dedicated to solving challenges and delivering excellent customer service.

The partnership begins with a deep discovery with your stakeholders to understand the specific multilingual challenges you face. This might include evaluating the volume and types of content for translation (e.g. forms, policy documents, educational materials, etc.), determining the languages most spoken in your community, the delivery methods to provide optimum service, and workflow customizations or technology implementations to create a tailored solution for your needs.

Why Top Performing Companies Choose LSA

For over three decades, Language Services Associates has offered a full suite of interpretation and translation solutions to help optimize the experience of customers and patients with limited English proficiency and the companies that serve them. We offer:

Our OPI, VRI, and ASL services are available on demand 24/7/365 in hundreds of languages, and all of our services can be scheduled around the clock.

Did you answer “no” or are you unsure of any of these questions? Contact us for expert guidance and to learn about how our interpretation and translation solutions can help your organization’s reach. 

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Ready to give your language access program a refresh? Contact us today to deliver the interpretation and translation solutions your organization and community deserve.

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Part II: An Interview with LSA’s American Sign Language Interpreter Victoria Rodriguez-Mitchell — An Advocate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities for 30+ Years

Posted on by Ximena Garcia
15 min read

Introducing Victoria Rodriguez-Mitchell: Part II

Here’s the conclusion of our interview with Language Services Associates (LSA) ASL interpreter Victoria Rodriguez-Mitchell, M.A., NIC. Recently, we learned about Victoria’s early personal experiences with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and how it led to an unexpected career in interpretation and three decades spent eliminating language barriers, advocating for the community, and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities.

We discussed the layers of support that go into signing national anthems for large crowds, early technology to support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, trilingual interpretation, and more.

Here’s the rest of our conversation where we further discuss Spanish Sign Language, video interpreting, the impact of social media sites like Tik-Tok in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, and more.

Image provided by The Philadelphia Union

LSA: My understanding is that Spanish Sign Language isn’t really a straightforward form of Sign Language. There seems to be many types or variations of it depending on where somebody’s from. So, you were doing the Mexican National Anthem, and when you’re signing, you’re doing it in ASL, but are you also signing for Spanish sign language in some way, and is that extremely complicated, or do you not even think about that portion of it.

When I was young, I went to live in Spain and I was like, I’m going to become the first international sign language interpreter. I’ll do BSL (British Sign Language), and sign language from Spain and Portugal. When I went to Spain I would travel around and meet deaf people everywhere I went. I found out that in Spain their sign language is very provincial because sign language was banned for a long time, so it kind of went underground. Depending on what province you lived in you developed the sign. I was like, Oh hahaha I might not be the person for this. I also went to the university of Durham to learn BSL and then was recruited to work in New Zealand. Sign language in Mexico compared to the Dominican Republic compared to Peru, wherever, is going to be vastly different. I do my best to give it in ASL because I’m in Philadelphia.

LSA: Tell me a little bit about interpreting with the Philadelphia Union. Do you have any favorite experiences or highlights you can tell us about?

VRM: My favorite experience is getting to hang out with Ashli Rice Allen, the designated singer for the National Anthem. Not only is she a beautiful singer, she’s a beautiful soul. I come in there and I’m completely nervous and she’s been doing this for eight years. She’s saying it’ll be fine, don’t worry we’ll do this together. She walks out and she’s waving to all her fans and I’m all nervous my first time. So again, on the shoulders of giants. She’s one of those giants that just brought me along and shared every moment. I’ve worked with a lot of artists and sometimes they get very territorial, but she’s like nope, we’re a team. Everywhere we go it’s like Ashli (clapping hands) and it’s warranted because she’s probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. That’s my favorite experience and everybody at the Union has been amazing.

LSA: How do you feel about the impact of video conferencing on American Sign Language? Has it affected your work, and does it make your work harder to do?

VRM: I think it’s kind of like a double-edged sword. In some areas it’s been amazing because you can do work in California or overseas. You get to learn more, like what’s that sign you’re using in the south, or in Oregon or wherever. Some of it has been wonderful and other times it’s been detrimental. I’ve had friends that have gone to the emergency room, and they set up the screen, and they’re in a vulnerable or intimate place. Let’s say they’re giving birth or something and they’re here trying to navigate with the screen. I think it has its pros and cons and I think we just have to listen to the consumer and what they need in that moment. If the consumer is saying hey, I need a live interpreter, then I think it’s best to provide a live interpreter versus saying well we have this, just use it. This is our idea of accessibility, and I think accessibility is very individualized and it needs to be driven by the consumer.

LSA: Absolutely, I feel like video’s a good option if for some reason someone’s about to give birth and there’s absolutely no ASL interpreters around.

VRM: Right and I think that’s the thing, like we don’t have anything else, at least we can communicate with you. But also, some will say hey we have this, take it, or leave it. 

Did you know?

LSA offers ASL Interpretation both on-site and virtually.
Schedule an interpreter when and where you need them, or use our VRI service to access an ASL interpreter on demand 24/7/365 through the LSA App. For more information, click the link below.
LEARN MORE

LSA: Right, like they want to save on cost.

VRM: Exactly, now we have to hire an emergency interpreter which might be more expensive. But in these moments, anybody else would have full accessibility to the nurse, or full accessibility to what’s going on around them – as interpreters we don’t just interpret what you’re saying to us, we interpret the whole situation, ‘oh I hear this person saying this and this person saying this,’ and you’re trying to give them all the information so they’re getting accessibility like anybody else. That’s always the goal, at least for me.

Image provided by Philadelphia Union.

LSA: What are your thoughts about Tik Tok and ASL? It has become popular for people to sign songs on the platform but there seems to be a lot of either fake or just plain wrong signing.

VRM: I think it’s a really interesting situation. You have the deaf community filled with brilliant individuals who are experts in their own language who are passed over because there might be an influencer or somebody that knows how to kind of maneuver the system on Tik Tok a little bit better. They’ll show up on that “For You” page, and you’re like oh, that’s awesome. But I think it’s the marginalization of the deaf community that concerns all of us. There are plenty of deaf people to learn this from, why are you learning it from a teenager that’s not doing it correctly?

There are a lot of deaf performers, like what we saw at the Superbowl, Justina (Miles), Matt Maxey, Warren (Snipe), so many wonderful deaf performers that you would want to spotlight, because they’re experts at what they do. It’s a lived experience for them. And I kind of agree that you really want to learn ASL from a deaf person and when you’re looking for ASL content, look for ASL users whether they’re deaf or longtime interpreters, as long as you’re looking at people that are experts in the language. I can say with the word “run,” if you’re running in a track meet this is the word run (signs), if you’re running a machine, this is the word for run (signs), if you’re running an organization, it might be this (signs), if the refrigerator is running it might be this (signs), so a new user isn’t going to know all those things about how to interpret it correctly.

As interpreters we need to continue to advocate for our deaf community and say hey, this is the reason we’re here, this is the reason that you get to see this, this is the reason all of us are fighting for this – this beautiful deaf community that we want to elevate, and just have some equity and access for.

Interested in becoming an ASL interpreter?

Check out our open positions at the link below.

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About LSA   

Language Services Associates, Inc. (LSA) offers a full suite of language interpretation solutions to help optimize the experience of limited English proficient patients and customers. 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 in the healthcare, government, financial, banking, insurance, entertainment, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. 

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