AATIA will host an information session on the American Translators Association (ATA) translator certification program on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. The session will include general information about ATA certification and specific tips on preparing for and taking the certification exam. No practice tests will be given during the information session, but sample test passages in a variety of languages will be available for participants to take and use for practice on their own. (more…)

As an AATIA member, I occasionally wonder what’s in it for me. I ask myself what benefit I derive from paying my dues to the Association, especially at this time of year when I am deciding whether or not to renew my membership.

 (more…)

According to the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2008-2009, "Interpreters…can expect much faster than average employment growth over the next decade." But, "specialized training in how to do the work is generally required." 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn Basic Interpreting Skills. This four-session workshop will start on January 16th and conclude on January 31st. Participants will learn about interpreting in social service, medical, psychosocial, law enforcement and legal settings.

Registration will end on Tuesday, January 13th. Register today!

Register online. Or contact Laura Vlasman to register by mail and pay by check.

The following are the results of the 2009 AATIA Board of Directors election. Sixty-three (63) ballots were received, all of which were valid and counted.

This year for the first time the election was conducted online via ElectionsOnline.us.

*Elected.

Italics indicate write-ins.

AATIA’s November 8 meeting will introduce the newly elected 2009 Board of Directors. Come meet the leadership and  suggest program ideas, and workshop topics, and other activities for the coming year.

The networking break will feature special refreshments from one of Austin’s best bakeries, Sweetish Hill. After the break outgoing Professional Development director Maurine McLean will discuss American Sign Language.

Join us at the Austin History Center, 9th and Guadalupe, at 1 pm this Saturday, November 8, and bring along a language-loving friend.

Join your colleagues for Licensed Court Interpreter Updates on October 11 from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Austin History Center. Find out the latest on examination and continuing education regulations from Sofia Leon, a member of the Licensed Court Interpreters Advisory Board.

This year marks AATIA’s first online election for the 2009 Board of Directors, candidates for which were profiled earlier.

Members eligible to vote (Active members) should receive an email on Wednesday, September 10, from Elections Online with an assigned one-time  username and password allowing access to the online ballot, along with the link to the ballot. The ballot will accommodate write-in votes.

To be counted, ballots must be received by September 30, 2008.

Results of the election will be announced at the general membership meeting on November 8, 2008 and here on the AATIA blog. The term of office runs from January through December 2009.

Nominating Committee Chair Carlota Grimes has announced candidates for the 2009 Board of Directors elections. Candidates will make brief presentations at the meeting on September 13, 2008. The election will be conducted by online voting in September, and results will be announced at the November member meeting.

Grimes expressed thanks to all the candidates for their willingness to run for office. She also thanked fellow Nominating Committee members Marco Hansen and Carolina Modesto for their participation.

The candidates’ statements and photos are presented below.

 (more…)