# WorldWide Languages — Full Documentation > Professional interpretation, translation, and language training company based in San Antonio, Texas. Woman-owned, serving clients nationwide since 1985. 250+ languages. 24/7/365 availability. --- ## Company Overview WorldWide Languages (WWL) was founded in 1985 by Javier Roman in San Antonio, Texas. For over 41 years, we have provided professional language solutions to healthcare systems, law firms, courts, school districts, government agencies, and Fortune 500 corporations across the United States. We are a woman-owned, minority-owned small business with national certifications including SBE, WBE, MBE, HUB, SAM, NAJIT, CCHI, and NCTRCA. Our interpreters hold certifications from nationally recognized bodies and undergo rigorous vetting. --- ## Services in Detail ### Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) On-demand telephone interpretation available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Clients are connected to a qualified interpreter in under 20 seconds. Available in 250+ languages including rare and indigenous languages. HIPAA compliant for healthcare settings. No software or equipment required — works with any phone. Ideal for hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, call centers, government agencies, and customer service departments. Pricing: Per-minute billing with no minimums and no monthly fees. ### Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) Video-based interpretation accessible from any device with a camera and internet connection. No software installation required. HIPAA compliant. Supports ASL (American Sign Language) and spoken languages. Ideal for medical appointments, legal proceedings, parent-teacher conferences, and telehealth sessions. ### On-Site Interpretation In-person certified interpreters dispatched to client locations anywhere in the United States. Available for legal proceedings (depositions, hearings, trials), medical appointments, conferences, business meetings, government hearings, and community events. Interpreters are background-checked, certified, and experienced in specialized terminology for each industry. Languages most frequently requested for on-site: Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, French, Portuguese, Korean, Haitian Creole, ASL, and many more. ### ASL Interpretation (American Sign Language) Dedicated American Sign Language interpreters available for on-site and video remote sessions. Serving Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in healthcare, legal, education, and corporate settings. ADA compliant. ### Certified Translation Professional and certified translations in 250+ language pairs. Document types include: - Legal: Contracts, court documents, patents, immigration papers, birth/death/marriage certificates - Medical: Clinical trial documents, patient records, informed consent forms, medical device manuals - Technical: Engineering specifications, software localization, user manuals - Financial: Annual reports, audit documents, banking correspondence - General: Marketing materials, websites, educational content All certified translations include a signed Certificate of Accuracy. Notarization available for an additional fee ($25). Delivery options: Electronic delivery (PDF), regular mail ($10), local courier in San Antonio ($20). ### Language Training Customizable language courses for individuals, groups, and organizations: - English as a Second Language (ESL) - Spanish, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, and more - Industry-specific vocabulary (medical, legal, hospitality) - Citizenship and naturalization preparation - Conversation clubs and cultural competency workshops Available in-person in San Antonio and remotely via video conferencing. ### Interpreter Training & Certification Professional development programs for aspiring and practicing interpreters: - Healthcare Interpreter Certification (40-hour and 60-hour programs) - Legal Interpreter Training - Educational Interpreter Training - ACTFL OPIc Language Assessments - Continuing education credits (CEUs) --- ## Industries Served - **Healthcare**: Hospitals, clinics, health insurance companies, mental health providers, telehealth platforms - **Legal**: Law firms, courts, immigration attorneys, government agencies, law enforcement - **Education**: K-12 school districts, universities, parent-teacher organizations - **Government**: Federal, state, and local agencies; military installations - **Corporate**: Fortune 500 companies, HR departments, customer service centers - **Nonprofit**: Community organizations, refugee resettlement agencies, social services --- ## Geographic Coverage - **Headquarters**: 243 W. Sunset Road, San Antonio, TX 78209 - **On-site interpreters**: Available nationwide across all 50 states - **OPI & VRI**: Available worldwide with no geographic restrictions - **Primary service areas**: San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and all of Texas; nationwide remote services --- ## Why Choose WorldWide Languages 1. **41+ years of experience** — One of the longest-operating language companies in the U.S. 2. **250+ languages** — Including rare, indigenous, and sign languages 3. **24/7/365 availability** — Never closed, including holidays 4. **Under 20-second connection** — Industry-leading OPI response time 5. **HIPAA compliant** — Full compliance for healthcare settings 6. **No minimums, no monthly fees** — Pay only for what you use 7. **Certified interpreters** — All interpreters are vetted, tested, and certified 8. **Woman-owned & minority-owned** — SBE, WBE, MBE, HUB certified 9. **One-stop language partner** — Interpretation, translation, training, and certification under one roof 10. **Nationwide coverage** — On-site interpreters in all 50 states --- ## Contact Information - **Phone**: +1-210-805-8844 - **Email**: info@worldwidelanguages.net - **Website**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net - **Request Interpreter**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/request-interpreter - **Request Translation**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/request-translation - **Contact Form**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/contact --- ## Legal & Compliance - **Privacy Policy**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/privacy - **Terms of Service**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/terms - **Accessibility Statement**: https://www.worldwidelanguages.net/accessibility - HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA compliant - All interpreter interactions are confidential - Background checks on all interpreters --- ## Certifications & Memberships - SBE (Small Business Enterprise) Certified - WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) Certified - MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certified - HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Certified - SAM (System for Award Management) Registered - NAJIT (National Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators) Member - CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) Certified - NCTRCA (North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency) Certified ## Frequently Asked Questions ### ASL Interpreter Services **Q: What is an ASL interpreter and what do they do?** A: An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is a trained professional who facilitates communication between Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and hearing people. They convert spoken English into ASL and ASL back into spoken English in real time, ensuring full, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication in medical, legal, educational, business, and community settings. **Q: Is my business legally required to provide an ASL interpreter?** A: In most cases, yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies, and many service providers to ensure effective communication with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals — which often means providing a qualified ASL interpreter at no cost to the consumer. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act add similar obligations for federally funded entities and healthcare providers. **Q: Can I use a family member or bilingual employee as an ASL interpreter?** A: It is strongly discouraged and, in many regulated settings (medical, legal, educational), not legally permissible. Family members and untrained staff lack the certification, neutrality, and specialized vocabulary required for accurate interpretation, and using them creates serious risks around confidentiality, consent, and liability. A qualified, certified ASL interpreter is the compliant and safe choice. **Q: What certifications should a professional ASL interpreter have?** A: Look for credentials from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) — including the NIC (National Interpreter Certification), CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter), or specialty certifications like SC:L (Legal). Many states also require state-level Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification, and educational settings require EIPA. WorldWide Languages only deploys credentialed, vetted interpreters. **Q: What is the difference between an ASL interpreter and a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI)?** A: An ASL interpreter is typically a hearing professional who interprets between spoken English and ASL. A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf professional who works alongside a hearing interpreter to ensure messages reach Deaf consumers who use non-standard signing, have minimal language fluency, are Deaf-Blind, or come from different signed-language backgrounds. CDIs are essential in legal, medical, and high-stakes settings. **Q: How much does an ASL interpreter cost?** A: Pricing depends on the type of assignment (on-site, VRI, or VRS), the setting (medical, legal, educational, conference), location, duration, and whether a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is needed. For pricing, request a free quote at /request-interpreter or call (210) 805-8844. **Q: How far in advance do I need to book an ASL interpreter?** A: We recommend booking at least 5–10 business days in advance for on-site assignments, and 2–3 weeks ahead for legal proceedings, conferences, or specialty content. We also accept urgent and same-day requests through our 24/7/365 dispatch and offer Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for last-minute coverage. **Q: What is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and when should I use it instead of an in-person interpreter?** A: VRI connects a Deaf consumer and a hearing party with a remote ASL interpreter through a video link. It is ideal for short, routine, or unexpected appointments where high-quality video, audio, and lighting are available. For long, emotionally complex, or visually demanding situations (mental health, surgery, courtroom proceedings, education), an on-site interpreter is generally recommended for effective communication. **Q: Do ASL interpreters sign a confidentiality agreement?** A: Yes. All WorldWide Languages interpreters are bound by the RID Code of Professional Conduct, which mandates strict confidentiality, and they sign company-level NDAs. In healthcare assignments, interpreters also operate under HIPAA business associate obligations, and in legal settings, they are bound by attorney-client privilege rules where applicable. **Q: Why do ASL assignments have a two-hour minimum charge?** A: Two-hour minimums are an industry standard because qualified interpreters block off travel time, preparation, and the assignment itself, and most cannot fill that block with another job. The minimum ensures we can guarantee a credentialed interpreter who has reviewed the materials and arrives prepared. To discuss your specific assignment and get a quote, visit /request-interpreter. ### Legal Interpreter Services **Q: What is a legal interpreter and how is it different from a general interpreter?** A: A legal interpreter is specially trained in courtroom procedure, legal terminology, and the ethical canons that govern legal interpretation — including strict accuracy, completeness, and impartiality. Unlike general community interpreters, legal interpreters must render testimony verbatim, preserve register and tone, and follow the protocols required in depositions, hearings, trials, and attorney-client meetings. **Q: What certifications are required for a court interpreter?** A: In federal court, Spanish interpreters must hold the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE); other languages require qualified or professionally qualified status. State courts typically require state-administered certification (often via NCSC consortium exams), and NAJIT membership signals adherence to professional standards. WorldWide Languages assigns court-certified or court-qualified interpreters based on jurisdiction. **Q: Who pays for an interpreter in federal or state court?** A: In federal criminal proceedings, the court pays for interpreters under the Court Interpreters Act. In state criminal court and many civil matters, the court typically covers interpreter costs for parties, witnesses, and victims. For private legal work — depositions, attorney-client meetings, arbitrations — the retaining party pays. To request a quote for private legal interpretation, visit /request-interpreter. **Q: Can a bilingual attorney serve as the interpreter during a court proceeding?** A: No. An attorney representing a client cannot also serve as that client's interpreter — the dual role creates an inherent conflict of interest, undermines the attorney's advocacy duties, and violates court rules in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction. A neutral, court-certified interpreter is required. **Q: What is consecutive vs. simultaneous interpretation and which is used in court?** A: In consecutive interpretation, the speaker pauses while the interpreter renders the message — used for witness testimony, attorney-client meetings, and depositions. In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter speaks (often via headset) almost in real time — used for non-English-speaking defendants following proceedings, jury instructions, and conferences. Most U.S. courts use both modes during a single proceeding. **Q: What is 'sight translation' and when is it used in legal settings?** A: Sight translation is the oral rendering of a written document from one language into another in real time. In legal settings it is used for plea agreements, advisement-of-rights forms, contracts, exhibits, and probation paperwork. It is a recognized skill on most certification exams and requires both translation and interpretation competence. **Q: Can I bring my own interpreter to a deposition or legal proceeding?** A: For most depositions and many private legal proceedings, yes — but the interpreter must be qualified, neutral, and acceptable to opposing counsel and the court. Some courts and agencies require their own approved roster. Working with an agency like WorldWide Languages ensures the interpreter meets certification requirements and is free of conflicts of interest. **Q: What happens if an interpreter makes an error during a trial?** A: Material interpretation errors can be raised on the record and corrected in real time, and may form the basis for objections, mistrials, or appeals. This is precisely why courts require certified interpreters bound by NAJIT's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities. WorldWide Languages mitigates this risk by deploying experienced, court-credentialed interpreters and offering team interpreting for long proceedings. **Q: Are legal interpreters bound by confidentiality?** A: Yes. Legal interpreters are bound by NAJIT's professional code, agency-level NDAs, and — when interpreting between attorney and client — attorney-client privilege. Disclosing privileged communications can expose the interpreter and the retaining party to serious legal consequences, which is why neutral, professional interpreters are essential. **Q: Do I need a legal interpreter for attorney-client meetings, not just courtroom hearings?** A: Yes. Effective representation requires complete, accurate communication between attorney and client. A qualified legal interpreter ensures the client understands their rights, evidence, plea options, and case strategy, and protects attorney-client privilege. Request an attorney-client interpreter at /request-interpreter. ### Immigration Interpreter Services **Q: Do I need to bring my own interpreter to a USCIS interview?** A: It depends on the interview type. For most affirmative asylum interviews, USCIS provides the interpreter (policy effective September 2023). For naturalization interviews requiring an exemption, marriage-based green card interviews, and many other USCIS appointments, applicants are required to bring their own qualified interpreter. Always confirm requirements on your interview notice. **Q: Who qualifies to serve as an interpreter at an asylum interview?** A: USCIS requires interpreters to be at least 18 years old, fluent in English and the applicant's language, and not the applicant's attorney or witness. They cannot be another asylum applicant or a representative of the applicant's government. A professional, neutral interpreter is strongly recommended to avoid disqualification. **Q: Can my attorney serve as my interpreter at a USCIS interview?** A: No. USCIS rules prohibit your attorney from also serving as your interpreter. The roles must remain separate to protect the integrity of the interview and your legal representation. **Q: What happens if I don't bring an interpreter to my asylum interview?** A: If you are required to bring an interpreter and arrive without one — or with an unqualified one — USCIS may consider it a failure to appear, which can have serious consequences for your case, including referral to immigration court. Booking a professional interpreter in advance protects your case. **Q: What form does my interpreter need to sign at a USCIS interview?** A: Your interpreter must complete and sign Form G-1256, Declaration for Interpreted USCIS Interview, attesting to their qualifications and the confidentiality of the interview. They will also typically present government-issued ID. WorldWide Languages interpreters arrive prepared with the proper documentation. **Q: Are immigration interviews confidential — will my information be shared with my home country?** A: Asylum interviews and most USCIS proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality rules under 8 C.F.R. § 208.6, which prohibit disclosure of asylum-related information to third parties, including foreign governments, except in narrow circumstances. Professional interpreters add another layer of confidentiality through their codes of ethics and signed agreements. **Q: Do I need an interpreter for immigration court (removal proceedings)?** A: Yes — and the immigration court (EOIR) is required to provide one at no cost when a respondent does not speak English well enough to participate. For attorney-client preparation outside court, the respondent's attorney typically arranges a private interpreter. Request a private immigration interpreter at /request-interpreter. **Q: What languages are most commonly needed for immigration interpretation?** A: Spanish is the most common, followed by Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Punjabi, French, Pashto, Dari, Ukrainian, and many indigenous languages such as Mam, Quiché, and K'iche'. WorldWide Languages supports 250+ languages, including rare and indigenous ones. **Q: Can a professional immigration interpreter help with naturalization or green card interviews?** A: Yes — for any USCIS interview where you are permitted or required to bring an interpreter, a professional brings the language fluency, neutrality, and procedural familiarity needed for a smooth interview. To book one, visit /request-interpreter. **Q: What is the difference between an immigration interpreter and an immigration attorney?** A: An immigration attorney provides legal advice, files petitions, and represents you before USCIS or the immigration court. An immigration interpreter facilitates spoken communication between you and English-speaking parties — they do not give legal advice. The two roles are separate and complementary, and most cases benefit from both. ### Education Interpreter Services **Q: What is an educational interpreter and how do they differ from a community interpreter?** A: An educational interpreter facilitates communication between Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-English-speaking students and the school environment — including classroom instruction, assessments, IEP meetings, and extracurriculars. Unlike a general community interpreter, they are trained in age-appropriate language, classroom dynamics, and federal education law (IDEA, Section 504, Title VI). **Q: Is a school legally required to provide an ASL interpreter for a Deaf student?** A: Yes, when an interpreter is necessary for the student to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and the ADA require public schools to provide qualified interpreters at no cost to the family when needed for effective communication and educational access. **Q: What is an IEP and how does it relate to interpreter services in school?** A: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that specifies the services, accommodations, and supports a student with a disability will receive. For Deaf or hard-of-hearing students, the IEP often specifies the type, qualifications, and hours of interpreter services. For families with limited English proficiency, schools must also provide interpreters to participate meaningfully in IEP meetings under Title VI. **Q: Do educational interpreters stay with the student the entire school day?** A: It depends on the IEP. Some students require full-day interpreter coverage; others need interpreters only for specific classes, assessments, or activities. Long days typically require team interpreting (two interpreters rotating) to maintain accuracy and prevent repetitive strain. **Q: What qualifications or certifications do educational interpreters need?** A: Most U.S. states require K–12 educational interpreters to pass the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) at a minimum score (often 3.5 or 4.0), and many also require RID certification. Additional requirements vary by state. WorldWide Languages assigns interpreters who meet or exceed your state and district requirements. **Q: How should a teacher communicate when an interpreter is present in the classroom?** A: Teachers should speak directly to the student in first person ('Do you have a question?') rather than to the interpreter, maintain a normal pace, allow brief processing lag, and ensure the student can see both the interpreter and visual materials. The interpreter facilitates — they are not a teaching aide or co-teacher. **Q: Can an educational interpreter also tutor or assist the student academically?** A: No. The interpreter's role is limited to facilitating communication. Tutoring, behavior management, and instructional aide duties fall outside the interpreter's professional scope and would compromise neutrality and accuracy. Schools should staff those needs separately. **Q: Are interpreter services available for parent-teacher conferences and school events?** A: Yes. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and federal Department of Education guidance require schools to provide qualified interpreters for parents with limited English proficiency at parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, disciplinary hearings, and other meaningful school communications. Request one at /request-interpreter. **Q: What is the EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment)?** A: The EIPA is a nationally recognized assessment that evaluates the performance of K–12 sign language interpreters across elementary, secondary, and ASL/PSE/MCE specializations. Most U.S. states use EIPA scores as the minimum credential for educational interpreters, with required scores typically ranging from 3.5 to 4.5. **Q: Can interpreter services be requested for college or university settings?** A: Yes. Under the ADA and Section 504, colleges and universities must provide qualified interpreters as a reasonable accommodation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including for lectures, labs, office hours, and student events. Postsecondary interpreters often hold RID NIC or higher credentials given the advanced subject matter. ### Medical Interpreter Services **Q: Are healthcare providers legally required to provide a medical interpreter?** A: Yes, in nearly all cases. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the ADA, and the Joint Commission's standards require healthcare providers receiving federal funds to offer qualified language assistance — including interpreters — at no cost to patients with limited English proficiency or who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. **Q: What is the difference between a qualified and a certified medical interpreter?** A: A 'qualified' medical interpreter has demonstrated proficiency, training, and ethics for healthcare interpreting (often through a 40+ hour training program and language assessment). A 'certified' medical interpreter has additionally passed a national certification exam, such as those administered by CCHI or NBCMI. Section 1557 generally requires qualified interpreters; many providers prefer certified ones for high-stakes encounters. **Q: Can a patient's family member interpret during a medical appointment?** A: Federal law and HHS guidance prohibit healthcare providers from relying on family members or friends as interpreters except in emergencies or when the patient specifically requests it after being offered a free, qualified interpreter. Even then, providers must document the choice. Family members lack training, neutrality, and confidentiality protections, and their use can lead to misdiagnosis and liability. **Q: What federal laws govern medical interpretation in the U.S.?** A: The main laws are Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, and HIPAA. Together they require qualified language assistance, prohibit discrimination based on national origin or disability, and protect patient health information. **Q: What types of medical appointments require an interpreter?** A: Any clinical encounter where the patient cannot communicate effectively in English — including primary care visits, specialist consults, emergency department care, surgery consents, mental health sessions, physical therapy, discharge instructions, and pharmacy counseling. Effective communication is required for informed consent and patient safety. **Q: What is Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and how does it affect interpreter services?** A: Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any health program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It specifically requires covered entities to provide qualified interpreters and translated materials to patients with limited English proficiency and to take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities. **Q: Can machine translation apps be used instead of a professional medical interpreter?** A: Generally no. HHS and Section 1557 guidance caution that machine translation is not appropriate for medical communication unless a qualified human reviews and edits the output, especially for critical content like consents, medication instructions, and diagnoses. Errors in clinical contexts can cause serious patient harm and regulatory liability. **Q: How does a medical interpreter handle cultural differences that affect a diagnosis?** A: Trained medical interpreters follow the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) standards. When a cultural belief, idiom, or practice may affect understanding or treatment, the interpreter transparently flags the cultural element to both provider and patient — without editorializing — so the clinician can explore it directly. This is sometimes called the 'cultural broker' role. **Q: Are medical interpreters bound by HIPAA and patient confidentiality?** A: Yes. Medical interpreters function as members of the care team and are bound by HIPAA confidentiality rules, professional codes of ethics (CCHI, NBCMI, NCIHC), and agency-level Business Associate Agreements. WorldWide Languages signs BAAs with covered entities and trains every interpreter on PHI handling. **Q: What is the difference between on-site, VRI (Video Remote Interpreting), and phone interpretation in a medical setting — and when should each be used?** A: On-site is best for complex, sensitive, lengthy, or visually demanding encounters (surgery consents, mental health, ASL, pediatrics). VRI provides immediate visual access for shorter routine encounters or when an on-site interpreter is unavailable, and is required for ASL when no on-site interpreter is present. Phone (OPI) is fastest and ideal for triage, brief calls, and rare-language encounters where neither on-site nor VRI is feasible. Many providers use a hybrid approach across all three.