Americans Against Language Barriers

Lurie Children’s Hospital and AALB
2024 Language Access in Healthcare Conference

Click Here to Register

Conference Theme

Advancing Linguistic Equity in Healthcare

Conference Location & Venue: 

Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
(Both In-Person and Virtual)

Conference Dates:
October 5th and 6th, 2024
Saturday & Sunday
Now Accepting Calls for Presentations

Are you a subject-matter expert or leader in language access laws, regulations, civil rights, or any other relevant topic to the conference? We invite you to submit a presentation proposal to us.

Presenters will be allocated 1 hour for their topic and will be required to be in-person in Chicago. All accepted presenters will be given a small stipend to help pay for expenses, along with complimentary tickets to the conference. Click here to see the topics presented in last year's conference.

‍

Submit a Presentation Proposal
Purpose of the Conference

The AALB Society of Professional Interpreters, in collaboration with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, is excited to present the 2024 Language Access in Healthcare Joint Conference. This event is dedicated to bringing together a variety of stakeholders to enhance the capabilities and influence of our members and other language professionals. The conference offers a unique platform for networking, professional development, and in-depth discussions on the future of medical interpretation. In a field that is constantly evolving, it is crucial for medical interpreters to stay ahead of the curve, focusing on the needs of limited-English proficient patients and adapting to the changing healthcare landscape.

‍

We are committed to advancing civil rights and ensuring fair access to healthcare for individuals facing language barriers. This conference goes beyond mere discussions, offering concrete calls to action and strategies to implement real change. Highlights include an interactive Oxford-style debate to advance discussion and challenge perspectives, ensuring robust and dynamic engagement among participants. Join us as we work together to advance language access in healthcare, with a focus on actionable outcomes that will make a lasting impact.

AALB Society of Professional Interpreters Conference 2023, Loyola University Lakeshore Campus

What to Expect

Gain Continuing Education Units & Renew Certification

The conference offers the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs), which can help maintain certification in medical interpretation. CEUs will be available for interpreters certified by CCHI, NBCMI, and RID. By attending the conference, interpreters and translators can stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and maintain their certification status.

Network With Professionals From Around the World

The conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with other professionals in the international field of medical interpretation. By networking with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, attendees can gain new insights and perspectives that can help them advance in their careers and improve the quality of care they provide to patients.

Enhance & Expand Your Knowledge

The conference offers a range of educational opportunities designed to help attendees enhance and expand their knowledge of medical interpretation. From keynotes to panel discussions and debates, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, research, and best practices in the field.

Engage in Conversation & Shape the Future of the Profession

The conference offers a range of interactive activities, including panel discussions, debates, surveys, and breakout sessions, which provide a platform for attendees to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. By participating in these activities, attendees can help shape the future of the medical interpretation profession through 2024 and beyond.

Activities & Itinerary‍

Day One: Saturday, October 5th, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
‍
Day Two: Sunday, October 6th, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM‍

The detailed itinerary will be published as we get closer to the event.

Times are listed in Central Time Please convert to your time zone if attending virtually.

Continuing Education Workshops & Lectures

The conference offers a range of continuing education workshops and lectures from world-renowned experts, providing attendees with the opportunity to enhance and expand their knowledge in the field of medical interpretation. These workshops and lectures cover a diverse range of topics related to future of medical interpretation, including best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies, among others. By attending these sessions, interpreters and translators can gain new skills, knowledge, and insights that can help them stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. Additionally, attendees can connect with experts in the field, learn from their experiences, and build relationships that can help them advance their careers.

CEU Units will be offered for:
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)
National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI)
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

If you don't see your organization in the list above, contact us to let us know.

Detailed Information

Conference Location & Venue
The conference will be held at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in the beautiful city of Chicago, Illinois. As the top pediatric hospital in Illinois, Lurie Children's is proud to co-host this event with AALB. The conference will take place in their main hospital located in the vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, right in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Lodging & Hotel
There are a plethora of hotel and Airbnb options to choose from in Chicago. We recommend staying as close to the venue as possible, unless you plan on renting a car. Here are a list of hotels close to the venue:

Hampton Inn (3 minute walk)
Warwick Allerton (3 minute walk)
Omni Chicago (4 minute walk)
The Westin (6 minute walk)
‍
‍
Conference CEUs
There will be at least 6 hours of continuing education units provide attendees. Thus far, we are planning to provide CEUs for interpreters and translators certified by the Certification Commission for Interpreters in Healthcare, the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters, and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.  
Dress Code
This will be a formal gathering of professionals, therefore we recommend dressing in business casual clothing. On the second day of the conference, we ask that everyone wear their traditional cultural clothing, whatever that may mean to you.
Conference Fees
Attend In-Person (Both Days): $195
Attend Virtually (Both Days): $85

All ticket include attendance for both days, continuing education units, and food/beverages. Tickets are not offered for single day attendance.
‍
Refund policy: If you have a change of plans, we offer refunds 10 days before the start of the event. Email our support staff at contact@aalb.org.
Food & Dining
At the conference, we will offer free vegan and vegetarian meals and snacks, with the aim of keeping you energized and nourished throughout the event. We recommend bringing extra snacks in case you need an additional boost of energy during the day. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform us, as well catering team during the conference, so that we can accommodate your needs.

Y0ur Hosts

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, located in the heart of the city, is a top-ranked, nationally recognized pediatric hospital dedicated to providing superior patient care, education, and research. The hospital's interpreting department plays a crucial role in ensuring clear and effective communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak various languages, fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment. Lurie Children's is committed to advancing medical excellence and innovation, making it an ideal partner for this conference focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of medical interpreters in the Chicago area.
Americans Against Language Barriers
Americans Against Language Barriers (AALB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to essential services for individuals with language barriers, particularly in healthcare. Each year, AALB trains hundreds of medical interpreters and partners with free clinics and charitable organizations nationwide to connect them with professional interpreters who volunteer their time. Recognized for its excellence, AALB’s award-winning training programs serve as prerequisites for national certification in medical interpreting. In addition to its educational efforts, AALB advocates for policies and regulations that enhance service accessibility for Deaf and limited-English individuals, reinforcing its mission to eliminate language barriers.