This program provides a primer on language access services and considerations to effectively communicate with limited English proficient and deaf and hard of hearing clients. Practical challenges such as working with interpreters, understanding cultural nuances, and drafting clear, accessible client communications are addressed. Led by experienced practitioners in language access law and advocacy, this program offers actionable insights for practitioners and clients facing language barriers. Participants gain tools for fostering trust and avoiding miscommunication in interpreted conversations. This essential training empowers attorneys to meet their duties while delivering equitable and effective legal services to a diverse client base.
Course Content
3:30pm - 3:35pm - Welcome and IntroductionIris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
3:35pm - 3:50pm - Overview of Language Access
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
3:50pm - 4:15pm - Communicating with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
Alison Fondo, Esq.,
Disability Law Center, Inc., Boston
4:15pm - 4:45pm - Moderated Panel Discussion
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Jessica Maria DeLoureiro, Esq.,
Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts LLC, Brockton
Alison Fondo, Esq.,
Disability Law Center, Inc., Boston
Bethany Yue-Ping Li, Esq.,
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, New York
Diana I. Santiago, Esq.,
Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Boston
4:45pm - 5:00pm - 'Ask the Experts' Q&A Session and Key Takeaways
Panel
Speaker(s)
ChairIris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Faculty
Jessica Maria DeLoureiro, Esq.,
Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts LLC, Brockton
Alison Fondo, Esq.,
Disability Law Center, Inc., Boston
Bethany Yue-Ping Li, Esq.,
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, New York
Diana I. Santiago, Esq.,
Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Boston
