Is there a difference between translation and interpretation?
Yes, there is quite a difference. Translation refers to taking a document in one language (the source language) and "translating" it into another language (the target language). Interpretation is the facilitation of dialog between parties who use different languages.

Are interpreters trained?
Yes. All interpreters are trained in a 40+ hour training course that emphasizes proper interpreting techniques as well as the national code of ethics for interpreters. Advanced continuing education is also available for mental health interpreting.

How do I schedule an interpreter?
Scheduling an interpreter is convenient and easy. Call our office at 773-751-4094 to schedule an interpreter by phone, submit the interpreting assignment details into our online scheduling system, send a fax to 773-506-9872 or an email to ccis@heartlandalliance.org.   

• The Scheduling Coordinator is available to take your call Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• For urgent after-hours needs (including nights, weekends and holidays), call the main CCIS number at 773-751-4094 and indicate the time sensitive nature to the operator. You will be connected to an on-call staff person right away.
• An online scheduling system is also available at no additional cost. Call today to learn how your organization can sign up for this convenient tool.

When scheduling an appointment, remember to have the client’s name, the provider's name, the date and time of the appointment, the specific location, the language needed, and your contact information.

Do you charge extra for a last minute request or for languages that are uncommon?
There is no extra charge for last minute requests. Our goal is simply to provide the highest quality interpreting services when you need it.

Do you provide 24 hours access to interpreters?
Yes. CCIS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Our offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A CCIS staff person is available to schedule your request for an interpreter--for next month or within the hour.

What are your fees for translation services?
Document translation fees are based on language, technical complexity, and the number of words in the document.

What other services do you offer?
In addition to our interpreting and document translation services...

• We administer and grade language proficiency exams.
• We conduct cultural competency training.
• We customize training opportunities to meet specific needs (such as working effectively with interpreters). 
• Assessment and consultation for CLAS standard compliance are also available to health care providers.

Why should I choose CCIS?
CCIS is part of a human rights organization that has been championing the rights of individuals in the Chicago area and around the world for more than 120 years. Since Heartland Alliance is a medical, mental health and social service provider, CCIS has first-hand experience in a variety of care settings. 

Our staff is especially experienced in meeting the needs of refugee and immigrant populations. As a non-profit program, CCIS is committed to providing affordable services. Any proceeds benefit the human rights work of Heartland Alliance.

CCIS's training standards are high, and our interpreters are consistently regarded as professional, dependable and competent by providers throughout the greater metropolitan Chicago area.