Multilingual families and District staff do not have to wait for an in-person interpreter to be present, to communicate with each other. The School District of Philadelphia has a contract with Language Line that allows its staff to communicate with limited-English proficient families via telephonic interpretation (oral) in more than 200 languages and dialects, and all District schools and offices have been assigned an access code.
Language Line
"Imagine a world in which language and cultural barriers no longer exist - where understanding is universal and everyone is empowered."
Although in-person interpretation is always advisable and better, we have a great resource in telephonic interpretation. Language Line is recommended to address simple matters, have a parent/teacher conference, register a student, or for a quick message for or conversation with the family.
- Language Line should never be used to conduct an IEP meeting, a psychological evaluation, or any re-evaluation.
- We can use Language Line to call a family or answer a call if the family calls us.
Quick Reference Guide
In order to use Language Line:
1. Use your phone’s conference feature to place the Limited English Proficient (LEP) speaker on hold.
2. Dial 1-866-874-3972
3. Provide your Client ID # 5 0 7 4 5 4
4. Select the language you need
** Press 0 for agent assistance if you do not know the language
5. Provide your Access Code, Name, and Dept or Office
6. Brief the interpreter. Summarize what you wish to accomplish and provide any special instructions.
7. Add the LEP onto the call.
8. Say “End of Call” to the interpreter when your call is completed.
