Language Access Conference 2024
Make all voices heard: creating a culture of language inclusivity and belonging
- Product Number: 2240217P01
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CLE Credits, earn up to:
5 substantive credits, 0 ethics credits CLE Credit Note -
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Product Description
Product Description
Massachusetts is home to many people and communities who make up the richness and diversity of a multilingual population spanning many cultures. We are the tenth most linguistically diverse state in the country, and 20% of Massachusetts’ total population is deaf or hard of hearing. Just two years ago, 1 in 10 Massachusetts residents spoke a primary language other than English. That number has risen to 1 in 4 residents—above the national average of 21.6%. Legislatures in linguistically diverse states have passed state language access statutes to ensure all residents’ needs are met, regardless of the language they speak. Our state currently has the unique opportunity to make all voices heard and create a culture of language inclusivity for all those who are better served in a language other than English.
Clear and accurate communication is critical for our collective community to not only survive, but thrive. The stability, growth, and success of our state rests on all of us to welcome and embrace the diversity of languages and cultures in Massachusetts. It is imperative we provide access by removing barriers for those who communicate in a language other than English. Most importantly, we must ensure all residents of our Commonwealth feel a sense of belonging and inclusion to freely express themselves linguistically and culturally.
Join this program to hear seasoned panelists talk about how to reach beyond language access toward language inclusivity.
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Agenda
Agenda & Materials
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9:00 am - 9:02 am
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9:02 am - 9:35 am
Keynote Address: Towards a Just, Inclusive & Language-Barrier Free Massachusetts
on demand video Add to CartDr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing , Springfield
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9:35 am - 9:40 am
Break
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9:40 am - 10:10 am
Basics of Language Access Law
on demand video Add to CartIris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq., MLRI , Boston
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10:10 am - 10:15 am
Break
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10:15 am - 11:10 am
Rights of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
on demand video Add to CartCaitlin Parton, Esq., Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing , Boston
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11:10 am - 11:15 am
Break
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11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Transcreation: A Tool for Language and Cultural Inclusivity
on demand video Add to CartMarlen Guerrero, Impact Charitable , Denver
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12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
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1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Workshop (Choose One):
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Best Practices for Assessing English Learners in Education
on demand video Add to CartDr. Ivonne Borrero, Boston Public Schools Behavioral Health Services , Boston
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Best Practices for Working with Interpreters
on demand video Add to CartIris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq., MLRI , Boston
Jessica Maria DeLoureiro, Esq., Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts LLC , Brockton
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1:55 pm - 2:05 pm
Break
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2:05 pm - 2:55 pm
Advancing Language Rights for Indigenous Migrant Communities: the Case of the Maya Diaspora
on demand video Add to CartErnesto Ajanel, International Mayan League , Washington, DC
Claribel Hernandez, International Mayan League , Washington, DC
Sebastiana Reymundo, International Mayan League , Washington, DC
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2:55 pm - 3:00 pm
Break
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3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Language Access Legislative Update
on demand video Add to CartVirginia Benzan, Esq., MLRI , Boston
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq., MLRI , Boston
Diana I. Santiago, Esq., Massachusetts Advocates for Children , Boston
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- Faculty