Contract Awarded to INGCO International (Official Provider) for ASL Interpreting Services UW-Madison

Setting the Standard for Access: INGCO International Awarded Exclusive ASL Interpreting Contract for UW-Madison

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in our mission to facilitate communication without barriers. INGCO International has been officially awarded the American Sign Language (ASL) services contract for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This partnership places us on a strictly limited list of approved providers trusted to deliver high-quality interpreting services for one of the nation’s leading public research universities. This selection is not just a contract; it is a testament to our rigorous standards, ethical compliance, and dedication to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Wisconsin.

Ready to ensure communication access at your next event? Request a quote today!

Madison, Wisconsin: A Commitment to Excellence in Higher Education

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to a vibrant community of students, faculty, and visitors. Ensuring equitable access to education and campus life is a priority championed by the  McBurney Disability Resource Center. As an official partner, we will be working closely with the university to provide seamless communication access for:

• Academic Lectures & Labs: From large lecture halls to intimate discussion circles.
• Campus Events: Graduations, guest lectures, and public forums.
• Administrative Meetings: Ensuring staff and faculty have the access they need.

Why This Contract Matters 

This ASL contract is important for our clients and the community to understand that not every agency is authorized to provide services at UW-Madison.

The university maintains a limited list of providers to ensure quality control, consistency, and adherence to federal and state accessibility laws. Being selected for this exclusive roster means INGCO International has met stringent criteria regarding:

• Interpreter Certification: Utilizing only Nationally Certified and Wisconsin-licensed interpreters.
• Educational Expertise: Proven experience in complex higher education environments.
• Reliability & Compliance: Adhering to the high standards expected by a Big Ten university.

What This Means for Our Interpreters and Clients

For the interpreters on our team, this contract opens doors to diverse and intellectually stimulating assignments at a world-class institution. For our community partners, this award serves as a seal of quality; if we are trusted by UW-Madison, you can be confident in our ability to serve your business, clinic, or event.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you find the information you need quickly, we’ve answered common questions about this new partnership.

Q: Who provides ASL interpreting for the University of Wisconsin-Madison? 

A: ASL interpreting at UW-Madison is provided by the McBurney Disability Resource Center and a select group of contracted agencies, including INGCO International. In fact, we are one of the few approved vendors authorized to work on campus.

Q: How do I request an interpreter for a UW-Madison class? 

A: Students should manage their interpreting requests online through McBurney Connect. For public events or departmental needs, university staff should contact the approved vendors on the limited provider list directly.

Q: Does UW-Madison use uncertified interpreters? 

A: No. The university and its contracted partners, like us, prioritize the use of highly skilled, professional sign language interpreters who are qualified for the fast-paced higher education environment.

Q: What criteria did UW-Madison use to select its ASL interpreting partners? 

A: UW-Madison requires contracted agencies to meet stringent standards, including utilizing only Nationally Certified and Wisconsin-licensed interpreters, demonstrating educational expertise, and adhering to strict reliability and compliance protocols.

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As we approach the end of another remarkable year at INGCO, a leading provider of language services, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey and share our achievements with you. Whether you’re familiar with the language service industry or new to the concept, we hope to demonstrate how our work has sparked meaningful connections and understanding across diverse communities and industries worldwide.

Connecting People Through Interpreting Services

Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t understand someone because they spoke a different language? That’s where our interpreting services come in. This year, our dedicated team completed 7,360 interpreting jobs, covering 47 different languages, ensuring important conversations happened seamlessly, no matter the language. Our top requested languages were Spanish, Somali, and Hmong – a true reflection of the rich cultural diversity we serve.

One of our standout projects this year was a conference in Barcelona. Our Lead Interpreting Project Manager, Martin, coordinated simultaneous interpreting from English to Spanish for about 100 participants. The client was so impressed that they partnered with us for two more onsite interpreting events, which Martin managed remotely. It was a great testament to our ability to ensure smooth communication and flawless event logistics.

Ensuring Clarity with Translation Services

Have you ever tried to understand a document in another language and felt completely lost? We’ve got you covered with our translation services. This year, we completed 700 translation projects, processing an impressive 5.7 million words in 46 languages. Our most requested languages were Spanish, Chinese, and Somali.

One notable translation project in 2024 involved translating crucial healthcare information into Arabic, Dari, and Pashto for Afghan refugees. This project, done for a major university, aimed to inform refugees about the American healthcare system, vaccinations, and the symptoms and treatment of various illnesses. The project covered approximately 8,000 words per language and included 30 minutes of audio recordings for each language. It was detailed and important work that truly made a difference.

Whether it’s business documents, marketing materials, or technical manuals, our translation services help our clients connect with their audiences and achieve global communication.

Our Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

We are committed to providing exceptional language services that empower our clients and enhance their communication efforts. This year, we introduced innovative technologies and methodologies, including advanced machine translation post-editing options and on-demand interpreting services. These innovations ensure that our clients receive the best possible support in the language service industry.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are committed to continuing our journey of innovation, expanding the scope of our services, and deepening our impact within the language service industry. Whether it’s through adopting new technologies, refining our processes, or expanding our team of expert linguists, we remain dedicated to staying at the forefront of the industry to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Our core mission remains unchanged: to provide reliable, high-quality language services that enable our clients to communicate effectively—no matter the language or setting. We understand that your message is an essential part of your success and should be understood by everyone who sees it. Whether you’re addressing a global audience or engaging with local communities, we’re here to ensure your message resonates clearly and accurately across cultures, languages, and borders.

Join Us in Our Mission

Are you in need of interpreting or translation services? Curious about how we can help support your communication goals? We’re here to make that process seamless and effective. At INGCO International, our Wordologists speak over 200 languages and live in over 60 countries around the world, offering you not just linguistic expertise but also a deep understanding of the local markets you’re trying to reach. Their first-hand experiences provide invaluable insights and cultural perspectives, helping your message resonate globally.

Plus, we’re proud to say that our team is highly credentialed and certified. Did you know that we are one of only eight companies in the U.S. with the prestigious ASTM certification? This highly sought-after certification speaks to our commitment to quality and professionalism, assuring you that we are fully equipped to meet all your language service needs with the utmost precision and care.

When you work with INGCO, you’re partnering with a team that is dedicated to helping you communicate effectively across cultures. Together, we can make every word count and ensure that your message connects with your audience, no matter where they are in the world.

Looking for an interpreter now? We’re thrilled to introduce our On-Demand Interpreting Service—a fast, flexible, and reliable solution for instant interpreter access in over 200 languages. With a quick, one-minute connection time, you can communicate confidently and accurately in real-time with a certified interpreter. Our service is designed to meet both occasional and ongoing needs, so whether you’re an individual or a business, we’ve got you covered. 

What Is On-Demand Interpreting and How Does It Work?

We’ve designed our service to be as straightforward as possible. When you need an interpreter, simply dial your assigned phone number, enter your unique access code, and select your preferred language. In moments, you’ll be connected with a certified interpreter who will help facilitate a smooth, accurate conversation.

Our service is tailored for flexibility, whether you’re an individual with occasional needs or a business requiring regular support. You can choose a one-time-use code, ideal for sporadic situations where language support is essential, or opt for a subscription plan. The subscription plan offers a cost-effective solution for organizations with ongoing needs, complete with a minimum monthly fee for easy budgeting.

Why Use On-Demand Interpreting?

With INGCO’s On-Demand Interpreting Service, you get immediate, professional language support when you need it. Here’s what sets our service apart:

• Communicate Confidently – Connect with certified interpreters who ensure every conversation is clear, culturally accurate, and seamless.
• Instant, Automated Access – Get real-time interpreting 24/7 with no need for a sales rep—support is just a call away.
• Flexible Options – Pick the pricing plan that fits your needs, whether it’s occasional use or ongoing support.
• Effortless Setup – Designed for ease, our service works for individuals and businesses alike, making language access simple and hassle-free.

Ready to Get Started?

Get an interpreter now and experience the ease and convenience of INGCO’s On-Demand Interpreting Service. For individuals and businesses alike, our service offers real-time professional language support, helping you confidently handle critical conversations. Click “GET AN INTERPRETER NOW” to start communicating seamlessly in any language–anytime, anywhere.

INGCO International: Your trusted partner for instant, on-demand language interpreting—because clear communication shouldn’t have to wait.

As we approach the end of the year, companies everywhere are gearing up for annual meetings. These gatherings are pivotal—they’re the time to align on company goals, share critical financial data, and ensure every team member feels connected to the company’s mission. But there’s a common misconception that can undermine all this hard work: the belief that if your workforce primarily speaks English, there’s no need to translate your meeting content.

Relying solely on English is a mistake in today’s diverse workforce, leading to miscommunication, disengagement, and missed opportunities. Translation is crucial, even when English proficiency is present across your team.

The Myth of the English-Only Workplace

English might be the most common language in your workplace, but relying solely on English during critical meetings is a gamble. Even if your employees are proficient in English, it may not be their preferred or most comfortable language. Nuances, jokes, or slang comments and phrases can be lost when discussing complex topics like financial data, strategic goals, or new company initiatives. Employees might understand the gist but miss the finer details that are crucial for full comprehension and engagement.

Language preference matters in a diverse workforce. Research shows that people are more likely to fully grasp and retain information when delivered in their native language. This is especially true for complex and sensitive topics, where misunderstandings can have serious consequences.

Meeting Goals and the Importance of Translation

Annual meetings are about much more than just presenting information. They’re about ensuring that every team member leaves the room with a clear understanding of the company’s direction, their role within it, and the importance of their contributions. To achieve this, you must meet your employees where they are—linguistically and culturally.

When you translate your meeting materials into your employees’ preferred languages, you’re not just making the content more accessible but showing respect for their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This, in turn, boosts engagement, fosters a sense of belonging, and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Consider the key goals of your annual meeting:

• Company Alignment: Ensuring everyone understands and buys into the company’s strategic goals.
• Financial Transparency: Sharing important financial data in a clear and understandable way.
• Employee Engagement: Making sure every team member feels valued, heard, and motivated.

These goals can be compromised if your employees don’t fully grasp the content due to language barriers. Translation is a tool that ensures these goals are met by ensuring that every employee can fully participate, understand, and engage with the meeting content.

Overcoming the English-Only Mindset

Many companies believe that translation is an unnecessary expense because their workforce operates in English. However, this mindset overlooks the benefits of full engagement. Employees are more likely to contribute ideas, ask questions, and commit to company goals when they receive information in their native language. It’s not only about understanding but also about feeling understood and valued.

Translation as a Strategic Investment

The English-only mindset is outdated and ineffective. To truly capture and engage your audience during critical meetings—like those at the end of the year—you must translate into your attendees’ preferred languages. This investment ensures clear communication and reinforces your company’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity, otherwise known as DEIB.

Ready to Enhance Your Annual Meetings?

At INGCO International, we specialize in language translation and interpreting services that help companies overcome communication barriers and connect with their diverse workforces in over 200 languages. We are highly skilled at what we do, and our extensive list of certifications backs this up. Don’t let language prevent you from achieving your meeting goals.

Take the next step:

• Schedule a complimentary consultation: Contact our team today to discuss your specific needs and how we can tailor our services to ensure the success of your annual meetings.
• Request an estimate or quote: Get a customized quote for translation and interpreting services that align with your meeting goals.
• Plan ahead: Ensure your meeting content is translated and culturally adapted well in advance to maximize impact.

Reach out today to make your next end-of-year meeting your most effective and inclusive one yet.

With so many students and parents speaking different languages, it’s crucial–and required–for schools to ensure everyone feels included and understood. However, we’ve seen many schools struggle when they try to manage language services on their own or go with unreliable resources. We wanted to share some insights on why this happens and why it’s so important to follow state mandates for language services. 

So, what are the common issues with DIY language solutions? Where does it say that these services are required? And how can professionals like INGCO help?

The Pain Points of DIY Language Solutions

• Inefficiency and high unfilled rates: Imagine trying to juggle schedules, handle last-minute cancellations, and ensure you have interpreters available for various languages – all while doing your regular job. It’s a lot, right? Schools that try to manage their own language services often end up with high unfilled rates. This means they can’t always get an interpreter when they need one, which leaves families without the support they need during important meetings and events. It’s a logistical nightmare and ends up disrupting the school’s operations.
• Lack of quality and consistency: Without a reputable agency, the quality of interpreting services can be inconsistent. Schools may struggle to find interpreters who are not only fluent but also familiar with educational terminology and sensitive to cultural nuances. This inconsistency can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and, ultimately, a breakdown in trust between the school and the families it serves.
• Increased administrative burden: Booking interpreters independently adds a significant administrative burden on school staff. Teachers and administrators, already stretched thin with their primary responsibilities, must now spend additional time vetting interpreters, handling contracts, and managing schedules. This distraction from their core duties can impact the overall quality of education and school operations.
• Legal and compliance risks: Schools must comply with various state mandates and federal laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Department of Justice guidelines, which require the provision of language services to non-English-speaking families. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal repercussions, financial penalties, and damage to the school’s reputation. There have also been recent meetings around Federal funding for language services.
• Last-minute booking challenges: Another major issue is the tendency to book interpreters at the last minute. When schools wait until the last minute to request interpreting services, they often find themselves scrambling to find available interpreters. This not only creates stress but can also result in missed appointments or inadequate support. Allow a professional language service provider to take on this burden and find a qualified interpreter with a larger resource pool. 

The Advantages of Partnering with a Reputable Language Services Company

• Professionalism and expertise: A reputable language services agency brings professionalism and expertise to the table. Their interpreters are not only linguistically proficient but also trained in educational settings. This ensures that communications are clear, culturally appropriate, and effective, fostering better relationships between schools and families.
• Reliability and availability: Established agencies have a wide network of qualified interpreters, reducing the risk of unfilled requests. They offer reliable services and can cover various languages and dialects, ensuring that all families receive the support they need when they need it.
• Streamlined processes: Schools can streamline their processes and reduce administrative burdens by outsourcing interpreting services to a professional agency. Agencies handle the scheduling, vetting, and coordination of interpreters, allowing school staff to focus on their primary educational responsibilities.
• Compliance and peace of mind: Partnering with a reputable language service provider helps schools stay compliant with state mandates and federal laws. These companies are well-versed in legal requirements and ensure that their services meet the necessary standards, providing schools with peace of mind and protecting them from potential legal issues.

Understanding State Mandates

State mandates vary, but they consistently emphasize the need for schools to provide language services to ensure equal access to education for all students and families. For example:

• Civil Rights Act: prohibits discrimination based on national origin and requires schools to take steps to ensure meaningful access to their programs and services for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): requires that parents of children with disabilities have access to interpreters during IEP meetings to fully participate in their child’s education. Additionally, it is required that interpreters are available to support children with low-incidence disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, in their educational and school-related activities.
• US Department of Justice: clearly states that schools must provide information to LEP families regarding content related to school activities, programs, or services. This list includes but is not limited to report cards, parent-teacher conferences, enrollment documents, special education, etc. 
• State-specific laws: Many states have laws and regulations mandating the provision of language services in educational settings. These laws often outline specific requirements for interpreter qualifications and the scope of services provided.

What’s the Solution?

Using a reputable language services provider, such as INGCO, can make a world of difference. We bring professionalism and expertise, ensuring that interpreters are not only fluent but also trained in educational settings. They reduce the risk of unfilled requests, handle the administrative burden, and help schools stay compliant with legal requirements. This way, schools can focus on what they do best – educating students and supporting families. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help in your school. 

In a world rapidly embracing technological advancements in just about every industry, language services are no different. With new, enticing options like machine translation and AI-generated interpretations, many people see a promising future for technology in the language service industry. In turn, the landscape of large event and conference language support is also evolving. At INGCO International, we are at the forefront of this service trend, leading with a human-led, tech-enabled approach to our language services. We understand the importance of combining the precision of human expertise with the efficiency and innovation of artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive and expertly tailored solutions for conferences and large events.

Why AI Support is Gaining Popularity

You might wonder why so many people are turning to AI for their language needs at conferences. Here are a few reasons:

Saving money: AI can sometimes be less costly than having multiple people translating and interpreting. This means even smaller events can afford proper language support.

Efficiency for presentations: When someone is giving a presentation, AI can quickly handle lots of data and text, making everything run smoother and faster.

Always available: AI doesn’t need breaks and can work around the clock, 24/7. Plus, it can handle multiple languages simultaneously, which is excellent for big, international events.

Our Comprehensive AI Solutions

At INGCO, we offer a range of AI-powered solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of conferences and events:

MTPE (Machine Translation with Post-Editing): High-quality machine translation output refined by human editors to ensure accuracy and fluency.

Synthetic Voiceovers: AI-generated voiceovers in multiple languages for prerecorded presentations or videos.

Subtitling: Automated subtitling services that are accurate and efficient, supporting various video formats.

Live Multilingual Captioning: Real-time captioning in multiple languages during live presentations, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI): AI-enhanced RSI services that enable seamless communication across languages in real-time.

Human Expertise: Essential for Quality

It’s essential to recognize that AI may not be suitable for every aspect of a conference. While it excels in straightforward presentation-style scenarios and can efficiently handle large volumes of data, it may struggle in interactive settings that require dynamic engagement and nuanced communication. Additionally, its effectiveness may vary depending on the complexity of technical terminology, the rarity of the language, and the cultural context of the conference participants.

Basically, there is a time and place for AI technology. 

Human expertise often remains essential, especially in nuanced and complex contexts where cultural understanding, emotional understanding, and linguistic accuracy are required. 

Human expertise means having real interpreters and translators by your side–which can make a huge difference. For example, say a multinational company is hosting a high-stakes negotiation with a client from another country. The discussion involves sensitive topics such as contract terms, cultural nuances, and potential future collaborations. During the meeting, a slight misunderstanding arises when the AI software misinterprets a subtle but critical cultural nuance, causing confusion and tension. These kinds of mistakes could make or break the event’s success. Human interpreters are proficient in their languages, industries, and business etiquette–preventing misunderstandings.

Trust INGCO With Your Upcoming Conferences

Despite the challenges AI currently faces, AI language services can still enhance the conference experience, particularly when used in conjunction with human interpreters and translators or as a supplementary tool for specific language requirements. 

By leveraging AI interpretation’s strengths while mitigating limitations, conference organizers can create more inclusive and accessible events through a human-led, tech-enabled approach.

Whether you incorporate AI services into your conferences or opt for a balanced combination of human and AI options, trust INGCO—a language service provider committed to your success. We offer versatile solutions catering to your unique needs, ensuring that your conferences are inclusive and engaging for all participants and making your event a true success.

INGCO’s Lead Corporate Interpreting Project Manager, Martin, recently had the opportunity to participate in an in-person conference in Barcelona. The event was a significant undertaking, requiring simultaneous interpreting from English to Spanish for approximately 100 participants. This experience highlighted the role of an Onsite Project Manager in ensuring the seamless execution of language services and event logistics. 

In this Q&A-styled blog, Martin shares his firsthand insights into the responsibilities of an Onsite Project Manager, the challenges they help mitigate, and the invaluable benefits they bring to the overall success of such events.

What does a project manager do on-site?

The Onsite Project Manager serves as a vital link connecting the client, interpreters, venue staff, and A/V technicians. The role encompasses comprehensive logistical support throughout the event. Onsite duties entail distributing updated presentation materials and managing logistical adjustments, facilitating interpreting equipment distribution to attendees while providing instructions on usage, supervising equipment load-in, setup, and testing, and collaborating closely with venue contacts to ensure a seamless process from start to finish.

What common things could go wrong that would not be fixed if a project manager was not onsite?

Without an Onsite Project Manager, some of the common issues that might arise during an event that could potentially go unresolved are:

• Equipment malfunctions: The project manager constantly checks for any technical glitches with the interpreting equipment. Without a project manager onsite to coordinate with A/V technicians, these issues could persist, disrupting the event. A/V technicians are likely hired by the venue and may or may not have experience working with interpreting equipment specifically, making it extremely important to have a project manager onsite to coordinate with the interpreting equipment technicians. 
• Logistical Hiccups: Last-minute changes in scheduling, room assignments, or attendee requirements might only be effectively communicated or addressed with the immediate presence of a project manager who manages logistics and communications with necessary parties on site.
• Participant Assistance: Attendees may need assistance navigating the venue, using interpreting equipment, or addressing individual concerns regarding the interpreting services. Without a project manager onsite to provide support and guidance, these needs may go unmet, leading to event participant frustration or dissatisfaction.
• Interpreter Assistance: Interpreters may have some communication needs, like informing the speakers to manage the time and pace of their speeches and presentations better. The Project Manager can offer support, such as refreshments or brief breaks, to help maintain the interpreter’s focus and energy levels.

What are the costs involved with having an onsite project manager? 

The costs involved with having an Onsite Project Manager typically include:

• An hourly rate
• Travel and accommodation
• A per diem or daily allowance to cover food costs.

Of course, these will depend on the nature of the project. Most conferences and large events offer a buffet where the Project Manager can eat with the interpreters and the rest of the participants. Travel costs will vary depending on the location of the venue. Travel costs can be incurred for flight tickets or ground transportation.

What are the other benefits of having an on-site project manager?

One of the primary benefits of having an onsite Project Manager is that the client is never left to navigate the project alone. They feel supported and cared for, fostering a sense of growing confidence. Throughout the event, the client is accompanied by the language service provider, allowing them to focus on other tasks such as engaging with attendees and networking, knowing that the language interpreting aspects are being expertly managed.

What do you do during your downtime at the event?

I regularly visit the conference room to ensure that the interpreting equipment functions correctly and that the interpreters have everything they require. Additionally, I touch base with the client to confirm that everything is proceeding smoothly from their perspective. If there is any remaining time, I like to engage with volunteers.

How do you communicate with the project manager during an event? 

If the venue is large, the most efficient method is typically via phone call or a headset if available. Alternatively, for smaller conferences, the Project Manager is usually stationed at a predetermined location where the client can directly approach them.

Martin, what is your favorite part about being onsite?

One of the aspects I enjoy most about working as an Onsite Project Manager is the opportunity to interact directly with both the client and the participants. These interactions often involve explaining the workings of interpreting services, ensuring clarity and understanding. I also like interacting with the interpreters, as their diverse experiences offer continuous learning opportunities.

Additionally, I find great satisfaction in building trust and creating meaningful connections through networking. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the client feels confident in the seamless management of their language needs, allowing them to concentrate on other aspects of the event with peace of mind.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INGCO International Achieves DBE Certification in Texas, Expanding Opportunities in Transportation  and Local Organization Projects

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. May 29, 2024 – INGCO International, a leading language service provider, proudly announces its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification in Texas. This certification, administered by the US Department of Transportation, opens doors to enhanced opportunities in transportation and local organizations, including those overseen by major agencies like Caltrans.

DBE certification ensures that small businesses owned by women or minorities, like INGCO International, have access to federally-funded transportation project dollars. This certification validates the company’s expertise and enhances its eligibility for prime and subcontracting opportunities within the transportation sector.

“As a DBE-certified company, we’re committed to diversity and excellence,” said Ingrid Christensen, Founder and President at INGCO International. “We look forward to contributing our language services to transportation and local organization projects across Texas and beyond.”

About INGCO International

INGCO International is an award-winning language service provider, formed in 2006 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their mission is to provide people with equal access to information, no matter where in the world they live or what language(s) they speak. INGCO helps companies connect with consumers across the globe with expertise in translation, interpreting, website localization, desktop publishing, voiceover services, live captioning, and more. INGCO is in compliance with all data privacy and client confidentiality under the Governmental Data Practices Act and HIPAA. INGCO focuses on quality and commitment and has a strong devotion to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

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Media Contact:

Callie Murray

callie@ingcointernational.com

(612) 605-8006 Ext. 901

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INGCO International Achieves DBE Certification in Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado, Expanding Opportunities in Transportation and Local Organization Projects

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. April 4, 2024 – INGCO International, a leading language service provider, proudly announces its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification in Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado. This certification, administered by the US Department of Transportation, opens doors to enhanced opportunities in transportation and local organizations, including those overseen by major agencies like Caltrans.

DBE certification ensures that small businesses owned by women or minorities, like INGCO International, have access to federally-funded transportation project dollars. This certification validates the company’s expertise and enhances its eligibility for prime and subcontracting opportunities within the transportation sector.

“As a DBE-certified company, we’re committed to diversity and excellence,” said Ingrid Christensen, Founder and President at INGCO International. “We look forward to contributing our language services to transportation and local organization projects across Minnesota, Missouri, Colorado, and beyond.”

About INGCO International

INGCO International is an award-winning language service provider, formed in 2006 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their mission is to provide people with equal access to information, no matter where in the world they live or what language(s) they speak. INGCO helps companies connect with consumers across the globe with expertise in translation, interpreting, website localization, desktop publishing, voiceover services, live captioning, and more. INGCO is in compliance with all data privacy and client confidentiality under the Governmental Data Practices Act and HIPAA. INGCO focuses on quality and commitment and has a strong devotion to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).

Media Contact:

Callie Murray

callie@ingcointernational.com

(612) 605-8006 Ext. 901

As fall conference season approaches, schools are preparing for one of the most important times of the year: parent-teacher meetings. But for families who speak languages other than English at home, these conversations often come with barriers that schools can’t afford to overlook.

Language access isn’t just a courtesy. It’s also a legal requirement and a cornerstone of equitable education. So how can schools ensure that all families are supported, informed, and empowered to engage in their child’s education?

Let’s break it down.

Did You Know?

• 1 in 5 school-aged children in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.
• 25+ million people in the U.S. are considered Limited English Proficient (LEP).
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires schools that receive federal funding to provide meaningful language access.

For multilingual families, that means schools must communicate essential information in a language they understand—not just during conferences, but throughout the school year.

The Parent-Teacher Conference Gap

Imagine a parent arrives at their child’s conference, eager to participate—but the entire meeting is conducted in English. Or worse, the child is asked to interpret for their own parent. These situations create confusion, frustration, and inequity.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, schools are legally required to provide language assistance services for LEP families during key interactions like parent-teacher conferences. These services help ensure that all families—regardless of their primary language—can meaningfully engage with their child’s education.

What Else Must be Translated?

Schools must provide translation and interpretation services for a wide range of communications, not just conferences and events. According to federal guidelines, schools are responsible for ensuring LEP families can access:

• Registration and enrollment in school, including procedures
• Grievance procedures and notices of school programs nondiscrimination
• Language assistance programs provided by the school
• Access to parent handbooks
• Distribution of report cards
• Information about gifted and talented programs
• Student discipline policies and procedures
• Details about magnet and charter schools
• Special education services and related procedures
• Requests for parental permission for meetings regarding special education student participation in school activities
• Parent-teacher conferences and communication involved in these interactions

In short, if a message is important enough to share with English-speaking parents, it must also be shared with LEP parents in their language.

Can Students Translate for Their Families?

As a fundamental principle, children should not be burdened with the responsibility of translating for their parents.

Even if a student is fluent in both languages, interpreting for their own family creates an unfair and inappropriate dynamic. Children may struggle to accurately relay sensitive or technical information, and the pressure can be emotionally taxing.

Schools are responsible for providing qualified interpreters, not placing the burden on students or untrained staff.

The Myth of Bilingualism

It’s a common misconception that any bilingual teacher or administrator can serve as an interpreter. But interpretation and translation in educational settings require:

• Knowledge of education-specific terminology
• Familiarity with confidentiality and ethical standards
• Cultural sensitivity and accuracy
• Professional training and (ideally) certification

To protect families and ensure clear, accurate communication, schools should work with certified professionals through a trusted language service provider.

Trust INGCO This School Conference Season

At INGCO International, we specialize in helping schools meet their language access goals through reliable, professional support. Our education-specific language services include:

• On-demand and scheduled interpretation (in-person, over-the-phone, and virtual)
• Certified document translation (including report cards, IEPs, and parent letters)
• Culturally sensitive communications tailored for multilingual families
• Tools to simplify interpreter scheduling and service tracking

We support everything from parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings to school board presentations, graduation ceremonies, and day-to-day communications like report cards or disciplinary notices. Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school night or sending out an urgent update, we’re here to help you ensure every family feels informed and included.

Let’s Build an Inclusive School Community Together

Language access is more than a compliance checkbox. It’s a commitment to equity and inclusion. When families understand what’s happening in their child’s education, they’re better equipped to support their success.

Ready to bridge the gap?

Contact INGCO International today to learn how we can support your school this conference season—and every season after that.