LANA (Language Access for New Americans)

Did You Know?

• People from more than 80 countries live in Greater Portland?
• That there are over 50 languages spoken in Portland Public Schools?
• That according to the American Community Survey, people in over 23,000 households in Maine speak English less than very well?
  

LANA improves access to services for refugees and immigrants with limited English proficiency by improving the quality and increasing the number of interpreters and translators in Maine.

LANA projects include:

• Interpreter Directory
  LANA maintains a statewide directory of qualified freelance interpreters and organizations that provide interpreting services in Maine.
• Medical & Legal Interpreter Trainings
  LANA offers workshops on basic interpreting skills as well as specialized medical and legal interpreter trainings.
• Training for Service Providers
  Workshops are provided to help service providers and businesses effectively work with interpreters and understand federal guidelines around language access.
• Matching Funds for Nonprofit Organizations
  To increase the use of interpreters and help support New Americans in their careers as interpreters, LANA provides local non-profit organizations with matching funds for projects that enhance language access efforts.

For more information, visit the LANA website.