This page has contents that helps you with Translation and Interpretation Service in Washington State
Translation and Interpretation Service
This section provides resources that can help you improve your English or find a translator/interpreter to communicate effectively with a health care provider, your child’s teacher, or a government office. Many agencies offer translation-by-phone services or in-person interpretation, but often require additional scheduling or longer wait times for appointments. If you need to use these services, try to schedule your interpreter as far in advance as possible to ensure that you have the best chance of receiving proper translation services.
If you are interacting with a government office or health care authority, many of them are obligated to provide you with appropriate translation services. If you are writing to request these services, here is a template you can use:
Dear ____ (program or person you are contacting),
My name is ____ and I am contacting you about ____ (reason for the call, name of program or service). Can you please call me with an interpreter who speaks ____ (your preferred language*)? My phone number is: ____. Thank you.
*Say this in English*
Oftentimes, the interpreter provided to you will be on the phone or in an online video call to help with translation.
School and Education Translation
Washington Office of Education Ombuds
This office supports and advocates for the families of public school students. They will work with you to get you important information about your child’s education and help you access translated documents. Use the resources below to get assistance based on your needs.
- Request translation or interpretation of documents
- 1 (866) 297-2597
- oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- For help accessing an interpreter by phone
- 1 (866) 267-2597
Example email to request an interpreter
Dear ____ (Teacher, Principal, Counselor, or Nurse),
My name is ____ and I am the parent of ____. I want to talk with you about my child. Can you please call me with an interpreter who speaks ____? My phone number is: ____. Thank you.
- If you receive a written notice, an email, or other document in English and you do not understand it, ask the person who sent it for a translation into your preferred language.
- If the person cannot provide a full written translation in time, ask to meet with a school staff person and an interpreter to have the document orally translated, with enough time for you to take notes.
Washington Office of Public Instruction: Right to Language Access
As a parent, you have the right to receive translation services regarding your child’s experiences at school even if your child is English proficient. Explain to school staff that you require an interpreter, saying the words “Interpreter” and the name of your spoken language. When you speak with teachers or other school administrators, your school should always prepare an appropriate interpreter for you beforehand.
If you have questions or are not receiving appropriate services, you can reach out to your school principal or the civil rights coordinator for the district. Explain the situation to them and try to discuss how the problem can be resolved. If the problem continues, you can file a formal complaint, but additional assistance from a proficient English speaker will be helpful for this process.
Washington Elementary School District
This program provides English learning services to public school students. It focuses on providing instruction in math, literature, history, and science while developing vocabulary and English proficiency. If you have questions about the curriculum or want to ensure that your child is receiving proper instruction, please reach out to the program coordinator below:
- Jessica Stevens
- (602) 347-2692
This company will provide document translations for a fee depending on the document type and length. A physical copy of the document will be mailed to you after translation is complete.
Government Assistance Translation
LanguageLine Solutions (Government)
This company offers over-the-phone and even in-person translation services to many industries, including Government offices. If you are having trouble accessing adequate services in your region, you could refer them to this service and others like it so they can properly assist you.
Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
If you are applying for any of the programs administered by DSHS, a local office will provide you with a free interpreter to help you throughout the application process. These interpreters are selected by being proficient in both English and your language so they can make sure that processes and application requirements are clear and understandable.
Washington Office of Labor and Industries
You can access free oral and written translations by calling the Office of Labor and Industries. You can speak to a program specialist about how they can provide translation services.
- 1 (800) 547-8367
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you or your family need to discuss legal matters in court, the Seattle Municipal Court provides interpreter services free of charge. Make sure to let officials know your preferred language and ask for an interpreter so you can be provided one.
This company will provide document translations for a fee depending on the document type and length. A physical copy of the document will be mailed to you after translation is complete.
Health Care Translation
Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA)
In Washington, health care providers are required to provide spoken translation and language access to patients. If you require translation, speak with a healthcare professional who works closely with your provider. Because it can take some time to find an appropriate interpreter, making appointments ahead of time is usually the best option. Scheduling health care visits up to two weeks in advance usually allows enough time for the office to arrange an interpreter.
University of Washington Medicine
If you receive medical care at a UW Medicine facility, you are entitled to in-person or phone interpretation services. To request an interpreter:
- Call the clinic or hospital to make an appointment or update your information.
- Say: “I need an interpreter.”
- Tell them the language you speak.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
This health care provider has video-interpreter machines and over-the-phone services that can be accessed by patients and health care providers. If you need interpretation services:
- Call the clinic or hospital to make an appointment or update your information.
- Say: “I need an interpreter.”
- Tell them the language you speak.
Stepes offers translation services to health care providers. If you are having trouble accessing adequate services in your region, you could refer them to this service and others like it so they can properly assist you.
This company will provide document translations for a fee depending on the document type and length. A physical copy of the document will be mailed to you after translation is complete.
LanguageLine Solution (Health Care)
This company offers over-the-phone and even in-person translation services to many industries, including health care providers. If you are having trouble accessing adequate services in your region, you could refer them to this service and others like it so they can properly assist you.
English Learning and Proficiency
Tacoma Community House
This organization offers English classes, but also has useful English learning worksheets you can download to practice and study. Some of their materials are linked below:
- ELA Level 1 Worksheets
- ELA Level 2 Worksheets
- ELA Level 3 Worksheets
- ELA Level 4 Worksheets
- ELA Level 5 & 6 Worksheets
This organization operates primarily in the Tacoma area, but they also offer some helpful pronunciation and grammar video guides to help you practice your English. Here are some of their video playlists:
This website offers free English vocabulary practice with audio comprehension exercises. You can choose to practice specific words or how verbs can change in a sentence.
Interesting Things for Beginning English Speakers
This site offers a wide variety of English learning options, with daily study options and newly updated content. You can use this to explore many different aspects of the English language.
This organization offers online classes to help adult immigrants learn English. Classes run for 6-11 weeks, range from $100-$120, and have two different time options. Because this agency is on the East Coast, the times listed below are adjusted for Washington. They also offer full and partial scholarships to help cover course fees. The classes offered and registration links are listed below:
- Online Group Class
- $100
- 6 Week Course
- Monday – Wednesday
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM PST
- 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM PST
- Classes are delivered through ZOOM
- Online students are provided e-books
- Online 1-on-1 Tutoring
- $120
- 11 Week Course
- Tutors and students select their own time preference
- Classes are delivered through ZOOM
- Online students are provided e-books
Regional Resources List
Click on a county for a list of resources within that county.
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