LicenseLogix, Interpreters and Translators, Inc., and Network Support Co. form The Supply Change Alliance to aid minority entrepreneurs

LicenseLogix, LLC (LLX), Interpreters and Translators, Inc. (iTi), and Network Support Co. (NSC) have joined teamed up to launch a philanthropic program designed to directly benefit minority entrepreneurs and help them realize their entrepreneurial visions. The Supply Change Alliance (The Alliance) is a minority business enterprise support initiative which provides qualified minority business owners with free and deeply discounted access to the companies’ services.

“Diversity in language and culture is the reason our company exists, so our team is particularly elated to collaborate with like-minded companies on this initiative,” iTi President Francesco Pagano said. “We are doing this to give back to the underserved community in our country. It’s the right thing to do to and we have the ability to make a real impact.”

Cloudbreak Health announces telehealth integration with Oneview Healthcare

Cloudbreak Health, a unified telemedicine and video medical interpretation solutions provider, has announced a new partnership with Oneview Healthcare, a healthcare technology company bringing digital services to the point of care. The partnership enables Martti, Cloudbreak’s video remote interpreting (VRI) services, within Oneview’s virtual care platform to offer patients and providers an integrated solution for overcoming language barriers in healthcare.

“Open and trusted communication is essential to empower patients and clinical teams at the point of care,” said Cloudbreak CEO Jamey Edwards. “As telehealth evolves, ensuring healthcare equity and language access has become a major priority at health systems nationwide. We’re excited to partner with Oneview to bridge the gap in health equity at the bedside.”

SYSTRAN named Official Translation Partner of the World Trade Center San Diego

SYSTRAN, an AI-based translation technology company, announced this week that the company has been named the official translation partner of the World Trade Center (WTC) San Diego. This partnership will give burgeoning small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) access to translation technology that will help grow their businesses and support their customers across the globe.

“San Diego has been home to SYSTRAN since 1968 and our focus has always been on supporting the local community,” said Ken Behan, VP of sales and marketing at SYSTRAN. “This new partnership is about expanding our local economy and supporting SMBs in their global reach and growth. These companies will now have the tools they need to assist in growing exports and trade across the world.”

ACLU of Maine launches voter protection hotline, offering interpreting services in more than 200 languages

The ACLU of Maine is encouraging voters to call or text its 2020 Voter Protection Hotline if they have questions about voting or if they experience trouble at any point in the voting process – from registering to vote, to casting an absentee ballot, to voting at the polls on Election Day.

The hotline offers on-demand interpreting services in more than 200 languages. Voters who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency are encouraged to call if they have questions or encounter issues with voting.

The hotline is staffed by volunteers and ACLU staff from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Election Day on November 3. The number for the hotline is 207-204-VOTE (8683). The TTY line is 207-204-8684. Voters can also email voting@aclumaine.org.

Boostlingo extends VRI support as election season nears

From the Boostlingo announcement: “Navigating the 2020 election season is a challenge. From extended registration deadlines to early voting to mail-in options, it’s hard to keep up with the changes due to COVID-19. That’s why we’re extending our video remote interpreting (VRI) hours to ensure voters have access to the information they need — regardless of their language.”

Long Beach City announces Spanish translation services will be automatic at City Council meetings moving forward

Spanish translation at City Council meetings will no longer need to be requested by residents, the city announced Thursday afternoon. The city had resumed live public comments in June but did not start offering translation services until August after months of outcries from community organizers who said that not providing it was blocking immigrant communities who don’t speak English from getting important information during the middle of a health pandemic.

Prior to Thursday’s announcement, people wishing to hear public meetings had to request those services at least 24 hours in advance. If they did not, the chances were high that they wouldn’t be able to participate in the meeting in a language they fully understood. Now, Spanish translation will be automatic.

“It’s about time this happened and I’m extremely proud of all of our community members who advocated to ensure this became a reality,” said Gaby Hernandez, executive director of the Long Beach Immigrants Rights Coalition, one of the groups who had advocated for better access for non-English speakers. “This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for their voices and courage.”