05-07-2008, 08:13 AM
Rob Orcutt/For the Marshfield News-Herald
Karyn Reese is a Marathon County court interpreter. She interprets for a hispanic defendent during his initial appearance Wednesday.
WAUSAU -- Imagine attending a court proceeding if you don't speak English, or simply can't hear. Or try finding someone to help you get the right medical information and treatment.
Some organizations, from municipal governments to local hospitals, say there are not always enough people with the expertise needed to address such needs.
"It is really difficult to interpret," said Carmel Capati, court interpreter program manager with the Director of State Courts Office.
Wisconsin, for example, does not have a certified Hmong court interpreter, Capati said. State statute does not require it, but Capati's office recommends interpreters be certified to ensure proper lingual skills, ethics and court knowledge.
Area hospitals either contract with interpretation services or have their own interpreters, and staff members say it can be difficult to find people who understand medical terminology. Relatives often are not effective interpreters because they lack knowledge and, sometimes, neutrality.
Some groups are working to address the problem. Southern Wisconsin Interpreting and Translation Services, which contracts with Marathon County for its language needs, began a mentoring program this month.
Translation Services director Saul Arteaga said the program will improve participants' language skills and ethical standards through assessments and work in the field.
"Many interpreters ... don't have an idea what it entails," he said.
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