In this episode, we sit down with Cindy Road, a nationally recognized language access expert, policy leader, and longtime civil rights advocate, to explore a foundational yet often misunderstood question: What does it truly mean to treat language access as a civil right?

Drawing on decades of experience shaping federal, state, and local language access policy, Cindy reflects on the evolution of healthcare interpreting, the ethics that define the profession, and the systems that continue to marginalize people with limited English proficiency. Together, we examine how interpreter training emerged in the U.S., why ethics and role clarity matter, and how language access shifted from an informal workaround to a compliance obligation rooted in civil rights law.

The conversation also dives into the present moment. We unpack the implications of recent executive orders, Medicaid cuts, and political rhetoric around language, and why these forces pose real risks to equitable access to care and public services. Cindy introduces Unheard Voices, a national initiative documenting the lived experiences of individuals whose communication needs are ignored, silenced, or dismissed, and explains why storytelling is essential to effective advocacy.

In this episode of the Language Access Matters Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lorella Viola, Assistant Professor in Digital Humanities & Society at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, to explore a profound question: Who gets to shape digital knowledge, and in which language?

This conversation examines how language, power, and ideology circulate through digital infrastructures: from search engines and archives to multilingual systems, cultural heritage, and AI tools. Dr. Viola explains how English became the default of the internet, what this means for communities worldwide, and how multilingual approaches can break down long-standing silos in digital knowledge production.

If you work in language access, digital policy, interpretation, cultural heritage, AI ethics, healthcare communication, or global education, this episode illuminates why multilingual design is not just a feature: it is a form of justice.

In this thought-provoking episode of Language Access Matters, host Carol Velandia sits down with Stefan Huyghe—Vice President at Communicaid Language Solutions, founder of the AI in LOC newsletter, and host of The Agile Localization Podcast. With over 25 years of experience in global content strategy, Stefan brings a unique perspective from the intersection of artificial intelligence, localization, and language access advocacy.

Together, Carol and Stefan explore how technology and human-centered values can work side by side to create communication that is not only fast and scalable but also fair, inclusive, and deeply human.

From serving as a child interpreter for his immigrant family to leading one of the world's top language firms, Giovanni Donatelli's journey is a masterclass in turning personal challenges into a global mission.

In this episode, the founder of The Language Group shares key lessons on leadership, the vital role of professional training, and how to ethically integrate technology to ensure equitable healthcare for all.

In this episode, learn about: Why formal training and a rigorous 14-point vetting process are non-negotiable for ensuring quality in professional interpreting.

An exclusive look at a new, patent-pending technology that blends AI and human review to provide on-demand translations of patient discharge instructions. How to advocate for language services as a form of risk mitigation, shifting the conversation from a cost to a critical investment.

About Our Guest: Giovanni Donatelli is the CEO and Founder of The Language Group and a leading advocate for language access, serving on national boards like the ALC and JNCL.

🚨 Episode Alert!🚨

Language Access Matters host Carol Valendia welcomes the first European guest , with her incredible insights and a passionate voice for language equity and patient-centered care ❤️, Nur Ferrante. Together, they delve into a vital but often overlooked topic 🧠. Linguistic Validation: Giving Voice to Patients in Global Research in Healthcare and clinical research 🏥. Nur, a linguist and integrative physiotherapist 🧘‍♀️, breaks down how proper language adaptation ensures inclusivity, clarity, cultural sensitivity, and belonging in patient-facing documents worldwide 🌐📄.

Nur shares her incredible journey as a leading expert in linguistic validation ✨. She unpacks how culturally adapted communication tools ensure accuracy , trust, and inclusivity in clinical trials and patient care, prompting empowerment and loss of fear on the patient’s side 💬. This episode is a must-listen 🎧 for anyone working at the intersection of language, health, and equity ⚖️.

🔍 Let’s explore this topic together! Key topics we explore: 🗣️ How linguistic validation ensures patient-centric communication 🔄 The step-by-step process: forward translation, back translation, reconciliation & harmonization 🌍 Why cultural nuance and plain language matter ⚠️ Real-life consequences of poor translation in healthcare

📣 Don't miss this thoughtful and eye-opening episode on how words shape equity in healthcare and why linguistic validation is a must in global research today.

#LanguageAccess #LinguisticValidation #TranslationMatters #InclusiveCommunication #CulturalCompetence #HumanInTheLoop #PatientCentric #GlobalHealth #LanguageJustice #HealthcareEquity #InterpretationMatters #ResearchForAll #LanguageRights #InclusiveResearch #ClinicalTrialsMatter #EquityInHealth #LanguageInHealthcare #EthicalTranslation #TranslatorsOfInstagram #InterpreterLife #languagerightsarehumanrights #effectiveinclusionthroughlanguageaccess #equallanguageaccess #Translation #translationservices #globalmarket #ProfessionalTranslations #LanguageAccess #languageaccesscivilrights

Can AI replace human translators and interpreters? 🤖🧠 In this powerful LIVE episode, we’re joined by Nora Díaz, renowned translator, interpreter, educator, and tech expert, to uncover how AI is reshaping language access in healthcare 🏥, legal ⚖️, and public service 🏛️ settings.

From overcoming tech fear 😨➡️💪 to preserving ethical communication 🤝, this is a must-watch for anyone in the language world 🌍.

✨ Hear how Nora went from ESL learner to industry leader. 💡 Discover what’s hype vs. what’s real in AI translation. 🚀 Learn how YOU can stay relevant and thrive in the AI era.

🎯 Subscribe for more real talk on language access, tech, and equity.

#LanguageAccess #AIInTranslation #HumanInTheLoop #NoraDiaz #LanguageJustice #EthicalAI #InterpreterLife #languagerightsarehumanrights #effectiveinclusionthroughlanguageaccess #equallanguageaccess #Translation #translationservices #globalmarket #ProfessionalTranslations #LanguageAccess #languageaccesscivilrights

🚨 New Episode Drop! 🎧

In this episode of Language Access Matters, we sit down with Jace Norton, founder of Maya Bridge, to discuss the often overlooked challenges faced by Indigenous language speakers — and why it’s time for real inclusion in the delivery of language access. 🌍🗣️

Jace shares his journey from missionary work in Guatemala 🇬🇹 to founding Maya Bridge, which now provides services in 100+ Indigenous and lower-diffusion languages across the U.S. 🧭🧡

💡 Key topics we cover:

🔹 Why Indigenous languages are not just "dialects"—and the harm of that misconception. 🔹 The double language barrier Indigenous migrants face (limited Spanish and English). 🔹 How interpreters can detect when a consumer’s needs go beyond Spanish. 🔹 The legacy of oppression against Indigenous languages and its modern impact. 🔹 Practical steps interpreters and specialists can take starting today.

🎙 Don’t miss this powerful and eye-opening convo about why language access for Indigenous communities isn’t optional—it’s justice. ✊🏽📢

In this episode of Language Access Matters, we sit down with Kevin Thakkar, co-founder of Americans Against Language Barriers (AALB), to discuss the critical need for qualified medical interpreters. Kevin shares how his journey from volunteering in a free clinic led to the creation of AALB, an award-winning nonprofit training interpreters and advocating for language access in healthcare.

We explore the risks of ad hoc interpreting, the economic impact of language barriers, and the policies that shape language justice today. Kevin also discusses the future of language access, the role of AI, and AALB’s plans to hold institutions accountable for systemic discrimination.

🎙 Don’t miss this insightful conversation on why professional language services are essential for equitable healthcare!