Interpreting

20 Seconds of Insane Courage

Have you ever seen We Bought A Zoo? It’s one of my favorites. In the movie, Benjamin Mee buys a zoo, a decision that is as spontaneous as it is terrifying. He finds himself in a completely new environment, surrounded by people who know the ropes, while he feels like an outsider trying to fit in. In […]

The Only Strategy You Need to Achieve Effective Multilingual Communication

When it comes to communication, especially across language barriers, most people tend to overthink the process. They get caught up in the complexities of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, often missing the most straightforward strategy for effective multilingual communication: the willingness to look a little “dumb.” It might sound counterintuitive, but in my experience, this approach […]

3 Limiting Beliefs About Using Interpreters That Are Holding Your Business Back

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful business. Yet, despite the growing need for language services, many businesses still hesitate to fully embrace the use of interpreters. Often, this hesitation stems from deep-rooted beliefs that are outdated and detrimental to a company’s growth and inclusivity. These limiting beliefs create invisible barriers that prevent businesses […]

5 Reasons Why You Need Specialized Interpreters for Legal Proceedings

Let’s face it, courtroom proceedings are always tense. But it becomes even more difficult when you don’t speak the same language as the judge, jury, or lawyers, so you have to rely on a translator to help you navigate the complex legal jargon and ensure you fully understand what’s happening. What’s worse, is if as […]

Strategy To Overcome Language Barriers in Customer Service

I enjoy watching The Bachelor—it’s my guilty pleasure. But one contestant made me realize something as I watched. She continually said she just wanted a guy who would actually show up. Who would be present with her. It reminded me of the importance of showing up for those we serve, especially in customer service. It’s easy […]

Why I Don’t Use AI for Interpreting Anymore

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in various fields, including language translation and interpretation. AI translation apps and devices are becoming increasingly popular because they offer convenience and are often more affordable than hiring human interpreters. For businesses and individuals looking to cut costs and streamline communication, AI seems like an […]

3 Ways to Address ESL Language Barriers in Education

3 Ways to Address ESL Language Barriers in Education Language barriers in educational settings present significant challenges for students learning English as a second language. Learning English is a daunting task, particularly in an environment where it is the predominant language, and other languages are less recognized. The prevailing mindset in many schools is that […]

Why You Need Interpreters at Your Conferences & Trade Shows

Dear conference and trade show organizers…please hire interpreters! International trade shows and conferences serve as vital platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and business growth. They bring professionals from diverse industries together so they can foster collaboration and innovation. However, to truly maximize their potential, these events must be accessible to all attendees. Too often, I […]

How to Boost Inclusion In The Workplace

Many organizations prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to create a workplace that embraces all employees, regardless of their background. However, the execution of these initiatives often overlooks a crucial aspect—accommodating employees with disabilities. Particularly in terms of language accessibility. As someone who has navigated both supportive and challenging work environments as a deaf […]

Inclusive Summer Programs for Deaf Students

Bridging the Summer Gap As summer approaches, many students look forward to a break from school and a chance to enjoy seasonal activities. However, for deaf students returning home or participating in summer programs, this time can also bring challenges. For many deaf students, returning home for the summer means losing their consistent interpreter in […]

The Importance of Proactive Accessibility

In Cedar Falls, Iowa, a commitment to accessibility has become more than a policy. The city has set a precedent by equipping county buildings and field workers with tablets loaded with an on-demand translation app. This proactive community engagement strategy means that communication barriers are minimized, allowing immediate and effective interaction in five major languages […]

Document Translation Services to ensure accuracy and inclusivity

Have you ever handed someone an important document to find out they don’t read the language that document is written in? It’s an embarrassing and worrying moment. You need to make sure this person has the information necessary, but you might not speak their language, and you might not have documents in their language to […]

Unique Opportunities for Aspiring Interpreters

The demand for skilled educational interpreters has never been higher. Yet, there often aren’t enough interpreters to go around. Why? A large portion of seasoned interpreters are retiring or shifting to other careers which leaves more gaps to fill then there are interpreters available. Plus, the pandemic has accelerated a shift towards Virtual Remote Interpreting […]

The Top 5 Mindsets Every Interpreter Needs

As an interpreter, mindset is everything. These are the tools that every interpreter needs in their arsenal to navigate the complex terrain of languages, cultures, and contexts. And one of those key tools is the mindset they carry with them through their work. In this blog, we’re uncovering the top five mindsets that are crucial […]

Our Top Language Learning Tips

Learning a new language is highly rewarding. Yet for many, it often feels like a Herculean task. And they aren’t wrong. Language is not just a collection of words and rules. It’s a living, breathing entity that embodies the culture, history, and soul of its speakers. When we learn a new language, we are learning […]

How To Find The Perfect Interpreter for Your Business Needs

When it comes to selecting an interpreter for your business, the process is much like finding the right key for a lock. Linguistic skills are needed, but they also need to fit well into the specific context and atmosphere of your event. Take, for example, a conference set in a warm, relaxed locale where the […]

4 Common Translation Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Do you ever wonder why some ASL translations hit the mark when others miss it by miles? We’ve got some thoughts. That’s why in this blog, we’re diving into translation mistakes and how to avoid them. Check it out! The ‘Me’ and ‘You’ Mistake One of the challenges faced by ASL (American Sign Language) learners […]

A Day In The Life Of An Interpreter

Each day in the life of an interpreter is a unique journey through languages, cultures, and ideas. It’s a role that demands linguistic prowess and an empathetic understanding of context and culture. In this blog, we’re going to step into the shoes of an interpreter, and take a look at their daily routines. If you […]

The Top 5 Mindsets Every Interpreter Needs

Silent Weekend Conference Hosted By Hands Up Communication

We at HandsUp Communications are thrilled to announce the return of a cherished tradition: the Silent Weekend Conference! Happening on July 11th to 14th, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, this conference is for sign language professionals from across the United States. Our primary goal is to provide world-class professional development for sign language professionals. The conference will offer […]

Diary of a Deaf CEO: 3 Things I Learned In 2023

I think it’s safe to say this year has been wild for all of us. And I believe, the journey of learning and self-improvement never stops. Which is why I want to share the top three lessons I learned in 2023 that have shaped my leadership approach, and deepen my connection with my business and my […]

Top 6 Schools For Interpreter Programs

Before becoming CEO of Hands Up Communications, I worked with Go-React, a software company that helps teach performance-based skills online. At Go-React, I had the unique opportunity to evaluate over 120 interpreting programs across the United States. This experience provided me with a comprehensive overview of the current state of interpretation education, including insights into various […]

Real-Time Interpretation Prep Tactics Beyond School

While academic programs lay the foundational stones of linguistic skills and theoretical knowledge, the journey to becoming a proficient interpreter extends far beyond the classroom walls. In this blog, we will dive into the less-charted territories of interpreter training. Our focus shifts from textbooks and lectures to real-world scenarios and practical strategies that can significantly […]

Affordable Translation Services for Local Government

In an increasingly diverse society, the need for effective communication in local government is more crucial than ever. From the DMV to social services, the ability to convey information clearly to all citizens, regardless of their language, is a matter of public service and accessibility. Consider the case of a local health department conducting a […]

The Crucial Role of Legal Interpreters

Not every interpreter is equipped to handle legal interpreting. When I worked as a Certified translators Deaf interpreter I was not court-certified, but an urgent situation led me to step in when no other interpreters were available due to their obligation with the pre-existing clients and this was a job that preceded the court hearing […]

Why Every First Responder Should Know the Basics of Sign Language

In an emergency, every second counts. But what if words can’t be heard? For the deaf community, this isn’t a hypothetical question but a real-life concern that amplifies the already high stakes of emergency situations. Some Food for Thought Imagine sitting in your car pulled to the side of the road with flashing lights behind […]