An increasing number of refugee claimants are applying for asylum in Canada on the basis of discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their arrival in Canada often comes with an expectation that they can be open about who they are, and be met with dignity and respect. Interpreters can be one of the first points of encounter for LGBTQIA* refugee claimants, and the responsibilities and challenges that come with this task are significant. Acknowledging these challenges faced by both service providers, interpreters and the LGBTQIA* Newcomer, a training has been developed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, in partnership with the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).

• Format: Online NEW
• Cost: See application form
• Duration (online): 2 instructional hours + final assessment
• Approved for 2 Professional Development Units (PDUs) with the Ontario Council on Community Interpreting (OCCI)

Cardiovascular disease or CVD is one of the main causes of disability and premature death in North America, and all over the world. In addition, it is one of the diseases responsible for the increasing cost of healthcare. Given the pervasiveness of the disease, language professionals working in healthcare settings are bound to come across this topic. This online training aims to assist translators and interpreters in honing their skills, expanding their knowledge base, and consolidating their vocabulary base within the context of cardiovascular diseases.

• Cost: See application form
• Format: 100% Online
• Duration: 8 instruction hours + 20 recommended self-study hours
• Approved for 4 Professional Development Credits (PDUs) with the Ontario Council on Community Interpreting (OCCI)

In this training module learners review the most important issues interpreters have to be aware of when taking an assignment that involves a survivor of human trafficking. This module ensures that interpreters are well equipped to manage the most common situations they are confronted with, to act in a professional manner in the various contexts where they are called upon to interpret, and to successfully deal with challenges and dilemmas that interpreters come across in their work.

• Cost: See application form
• Format: 100% Online
• Duration: 2 instruction hours + 2 recommended self-study hours

This training module covers important issues interpreters need to take into account of when working in settings that involve survivors of sexual violence. This module prepares interpreters to complete interpretation assignments, in a context that is often surrounded in myth and poses unique challenges. It ensures interpreters are well versed in managing common situations they are confronted with, to act professionally in the various contexts they are called upon to interpret, and to successfully deal with challenges and dilemmas they come across in their work.

• Cost: See application form
• Format: 100% Online
• Duration: 2 instruction hours + 2 recommended self-study hours

This course focuses in interpreting for Mental Health patients and patients with Autism. Learners are guided to a series of tutorials created by CAMH – the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. In addition, learners get to review and translate a glossary of mental health and autism terms, practice terminology in context and learn about protocols and procedures in mental health settings.

• Cost: See application form
• Format: 100% Online
• Duration: 2 instruction hours + 10 recommended self-study hours

This course seeks to raise awareness among language professionals about oppression and anti-oppression practices in an effort to reinforce key principals of impartiality and professionalism among resources who are likely to work with disenfranchised clients.

• Cost: See application form
• Format: 100% Online
• Duration: 2 instruction hours + 4 recommended self-study hours