Language Access for Families

What is the difference between Interpretation and Translation?

Language access services may include interpretation, translation, or both, depending on your needs:

• Interpretation is the verbal communication of spoken or signed language.
  Interpreters help families and school staff communicate during meetings, conferences, phone calls, and school events by conveying messages from one language to another in real time.

• Translation is the written conversion of text from one language to another.
  Translators help families understand written materials such as school forms, letters, reports, and other important documents.

Example: If you need language support during a parent-teacher conference, APS can provide an interpreter. If you need help understanding a report card, school letter, or other written document, APS can provide a translation.

Both interpretation and translation services are available to families at no cost.

Please contact your student’s school for interpretation or translation services.