The Language Access Lab Partners with Northeast Indiana Innovation Community (NIIC)to Launch Professional Interpreter Series
FORT WAYNE, IN (January 28 2026) – The Language Access Lab (The Lab) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community (NIIC) to host a series of professional development programs and community events aimed at strengthening the region's language access infrastructure. This collaboration highlights the strong alignment between The Lab’s goal to build professional capacity and the NIIC’s role as a hub for entrepreneurship and business growth. As many professional interpreters operate as entrepreneurs and small business owners, this partnership provides them with the same specialized support and networking opportunities afforded to other emerging businesses in Northeast Indiana.
Upcoming Program Schedule
1. Accredited Community Interpreter Training
● Dates: March 7 – April 18, 2026
● Details: A nationally accredited, 40-hour course designed to equip bilingual individuals with the ethical and practical skills required for professional interpretation in healthcare, education, and social services.
● Tuition: $750 (limited scholarships available).
● Registration: www.thelanguageaccesslab.org/interpreter-training
2. Interpreter Roster Launch & Professional Networking
● Date/Time: March 14, 2026 | 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
● Purpose: The official launch of the Interpreter Roster platform.
● Cost: Free
● RSVP: www.thelanguageaccesslab.org/the-community-hub
● Activities: * Networking: A community-of-practice event where experienced interpreters, new bilingual professionals, and advocates can connect.
○ Expert Panel: Experienced interpreters will share insights on professional practices.
○ Professional Station: On-site support for building business profiles, including professional photoshoots and directory registration.
3. Employer Meet & Greet: Building a Bilingual Workforce
● Date: April 18, 2026
● Purpose: Facilitating direct connections between qualified interpreters and corporations or agencies looking to hire a bilingual workforce.
● Cost: Free
● RSVP: www.thelanguageaccesslab.org/the-community-hub
● Activities:
○ Employer Education: Organizations will learn how to distinguish between different proficiency levels and certifications.
○ Job Fair: Employers can advertise open positions while interpreters introduce their services.
○ Professional Panel: Business leaders will discuss their experiences and needs regarding professional language services.
The Value of Professional Alignment
"The Language Access Lab is dedicated to shifting the community away from a reliance on untrained staff or children as interpreters and toward a professional, sustainable model," says Irene Paxia, Executive Director. "By partnering with the NIIC, we are recognizing that interpreters are vital economic contributors and entrepreneurs who deserve a seat at the table of innovation".
About The Language Access Lab, Inc. The Language Access Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds capacity for language access through advocacy, awareness, and accredited interpreter training. They foster communities of practice to ensure equitable communication for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals in Allen County.
About The Northeast Indiana Innovation Community The NIIC’s mission is: We are committed to building an inclusive, innovation-driven economy that empowers people, strengthens communities, and fuels long-term regional prosperity by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling corporate innovation, expanding research capacity, and activating collaborative infrastructure.
Media Contact: Irene Paxia, Executive Director info@thelanguageaccesslab.org |
260-445-7412
Media Kit: Access here.
