As AI interpreting tools rapidly enter the market, organizations are being asked to make decisions without clear standards to guide them. A recent episode of Localization Today introduces the AI Interpreting Solutions Evaluation Toolkit Part A: Organization, Implementation, and Management, offering a structured approach to that challenge.
In the conversation, Eddie Arrieta speaks with Katherine Allen and Ludmila Golovine (SAFE AI), alongside Molly Glass and Jeff Shaul (CoSET), to discuss why the toolkit was created and how it can be used. Part A is designed as a practical resource for organizations evaluating AI interpreting solutions, moving beyond technical claims to consider context, risk, and real-world use.
The toolkit is organized around five areas: organizational readiness, setting-specific guidance, risk assessment, vendor evaluation, and RFP development. Together, these provide a starting point for assessing whether an organization is prepared to adopt AI tools and how to evaluate them responsibly.
A key takeaway from the discussion is that interpreting cannot be reduced to word-for-word output. Communication depends on context, modality, and user needs—factors that become critical in high-stakes environments like healthcare, education, and legal settings. While AI can expand access in lower-risk or routine situations, the panelists emphasize the continued need for human involvement in more complex cases.
Part B and Part C of the toolkit, covering technical and legal considerations, are expected later this year.
Watch the full episode to explore how organizations can approach AI interpreting with greater clarity and accountability.
YouTube (ASL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFW6vVswSxU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.
