2019 CLAC Conference

Approximately 100 participants from 36 states and territories from across the country attended the 2019 Council of Language Access Coordinators (CLAC) Conference, held September 23-25, 2019 at the Milton Marks Conference Center in the Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building in San Francisco, California.

Attendees included language access program managers and court professionals dedicated to the subject of language access.  Members of the Language Access Advisory Committee delivered opening remarks.  Christine Johnson was honored and presented with an appreciation award to recognize her services in advancing language access.  Hon. Victor Rodriguez, Judge for the Superior Court of Alameda County, delivered a keynote speech on progress nationwide in providing quality language access in the courts.

This year’s conference assisted attendees with conducting a SWOT analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats) for their language access programs.  Some of the numerous topics presented at the conference included:

  • Starting, Developing, and Running a Language Access Program
  • Data Collection
  • Interpreter Training and Development
  • Partnering and Collaborating with Outside Organizations
  • Use of Technology Outside the Courtroom
  • Translation Strategies
  • Language Access Wayfinding and Signage
  • Training and Communication Strategies for Judicial Officers and Court Staff
  • American Sign Language (ASL) Credentialing
  • Court Interpreter Workforce Challenges
  • Materials for Self-Represented Litigants with Limited English Proficiency
  • Online Interpreter Skills Training and Continuing Education

In addition to the subjects listed above, this year’s conference offered a new Solution Room break-out session in which participants were able to conduct small group problem-solving discussions and offer fresh insights to their peers on common challenges.  Express Lessons on the final day of the event featured a condensed presentation format with an extended segment for participant question and answer.

The Conference was hosted by the National Center for State Courts and the Judicial Council of California.