SALEM — Families for whom English is a second language are now able to receive live translator services in real time at each of the 11 Salem Public Schools main offices via iPads with interpretation software.
The 15 new iPads enable families to be connected to an interpreter within seconds through video interpretation software developed by Waltham-based Lionbridge Technologies LLC. First being introduced during parent-teacher conferences the week of March 19, the software has already proven to be helpful, according to Alexandra Fortich, Salem Public Schools coordinator of translation and interpretation services.
“Facilitators noted that the video remote interpretation services were especially useful in situations where interpreters were needed in multiple rooms at the same time,” she said. “The technology has significantly improved our ability to communicate with families, offering timely and equitable language access across our schools.”
The software has also been particularly helpful in the district’s Parent Information Center, the registration hub where English second language (ESL) and immigrant families can register their children seamlessly, school officials said.
Translation services are available for languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Albanian, Russian and American Sign Language.
The $8,120 purchase of the iPads and interpretation services is being fully supported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Multilingual Newcomer and Homeless Support Grant.
The $47,920 grant awarded to the district has also recently enabled the purchases of English classes for parents, workshops for English-learning families, transportation vouchers, and the SPS Bilingual Incentive Program that provides extra stipends for bilingual teachers to perform bilingual outreach to newcomer family members.
Just recently, 14 municipal employees successfully completed an advanced professional development workshop series titled “The Core Principles of Language Access.” It’s focused on language access, oral interpretation, and written translation.
The workshop, offered through a partnership between Salem and the Edwin C. Gentzler Translation Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, spanned eight months and covered topics such as ethics in language services, interpreting and translation techniques and cultural proficiency.
“This program is a meaningful step forward for Salem’s Language Access work,” said Regina Zaragoza, Salem’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, who spearheaded the initiative. “We are incredibly proud of these employees who invested their time to strengthen their ability to interpret and translate for community members beyond their regular job duties.”
Mayor Dominick Pangallo said Salem is committed to serving everyone in the community, and language access is a critical part of that commitment.
“We want municipal services to be accessible and effective for everyone in Salem, and this initiative is in furtherance of that goal,” he said.
For more information about Salem’s Language Access initiatives, contact Salem’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at salemma.gov/232/Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-DEI.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202