Your Language Partner for Washington State

Welcome to Prisma! We offer Washington State buyers a convenient place to learn, request, and receive language services under Prisma’s DES and DSHS language contracts.

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INSIGHT

Interpretation vs. Translation: What’s the difference?

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Interpretation

Spoken language services. Interpreters help people communicate in different languages in spoken communication, whether in-person, over the phone, or on a video call.

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Translation

Written language services. Translators help make written materials understandable to speakers of different languages.

Comparison:

Similarities: Both involve language conversion, require cultural understanding


Differences: Interpretation is spoken, translation is written; interpretation is often immediate, translation can be reviewed and edited

WA DSHS and DES have various contracts for interpretation and translation services. Prisma offers both, and can help you whether you need interpretation, translation, or both.
WA CONTRACT 18222

Prisma’s Washington Interpretation Contract at a Glance

  • We cover all counties and areas of Washington State
  • We cover over 95 languages and dialects used in communities across Washington State
  • We offer easy, flexible ways to request interpreters and make changes when needed
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INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Prisma offers three types of interpretation

  • In-Person Interpretation

  • Over-the-Phone Interpretation

  • Video Remote Interpretation

What is In-Person Interpretation (IPI)?

The interpreter travels to a scheduled in-person meeting, where all participants are in the same physical space.

Benefits

    • All parties are in the same physical location
    • Ideal for contexts like clinics, hospitals, courtrooms, conferences, or group meetings
Challenges
    • Interpreters must travel, considering factors like weather, traffic, and distance
    • More difficult to make last-minute changes without incurring fees
    • Must be pre-scheduled at least 72 hours in advance
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What is Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)?

All parties are connected over the phone or other audio-only device such as a phone app.

Two types

    • On-demand: No appointment needed; call in when an interpreter is required
    • Pre-Scheduled: The appointment is scheduled at least 72-hours in advance

Benefits

    • Speed (no appointment necessary for on-demand)
    • Flexibility (can be rescheduled on short notice)
    • Convenient (may be available 24/7, depending on language and other factors)
    • No travel required

Challenges

    • Limited context (over-the-phone communication offers less context than in-person)
    • Less common languages may require scheduling in advance for availability
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What is Video remote Interpretation (VRI)?

Participants seamlessly connect through both audio and video with the help of Prisma's free InterpretManager web portal and app. Or, feel free to utilize your preferred meeting software such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Two types

    • On-demand: No appointment needed; call in when an interpreter is required
    • Pre-Scheduled: The appointment is scheduled at least 72-hours in advance

Benefits

    • Speed (no appointment necessary for on-demand)
    • Flexibility (can be rescheduled on short notice)
    • Provides video/visual context for a session

Challenges

    • Less common languages may require scheduling in advance for availability
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INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Quick Ordering Guide

(How to Schedule an Interpreter)

Prisma offers three easy ways to request Interpreters under Washington Contract No. 18222.

VIA SECURE PORTAL

InterpretManager web portal or mobile app

InterpretManager is Prisma’s secure, easy-to-use 24/7 portal that you can use to request interpreters via your own secure login. We also have a moble app for your phone or tablet.

To order interpreters via InterpretManager, request your own InterpretManager login credentials by contacting us.

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BY PHONE

Call us

You can call Prisma and speak with a Prisma Interpretation Manager. You can ask questions, discuss your needs, and make a request. Call Us: 1-360-252-9299.

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BY EMAIL

Request via email

You can schedule an Interpreter via email to our dedicated Washington State email address: wa.interpretation@prisma.com

 

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INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Why Prisma?

Committed to WA Communities

In business since 1982, Prisma is known for its commitment to the customers and communities we serve. We ensure that interpreters are proficient and highly qualified and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism as we support your communities.

Pricing

Prisma’s contract rates offer competitive pricing, allowing Washington agencies and organizations to access high-quality interpretation services cost-effectively. This value approach helps agencies manage their budgets more effectively while still meeting their interpretation needs.

Regulatory Compliance

Prisma ensures compliance with regulations and contracts, maintaining confidentiality and data security during interpretation services. Agencies can trust Prisma for secure and compliant interpretation.

Responsiveness

Prisma's interpretation services are designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of our Washington clients. Our efficient scheduling app, InterpretManager, allows you to schedule interpreters 24/7/365 quickly and easily.

INTERPRETATION SERVICES

Interpretation FAQs

Below are some commonly-asked questions regarding interpretation services. If your question is not found below, or if you’d like to discuss your questions, please contact Prisma’s dedicated WA Interpretation Team.

LET'S TALK

What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?

With Consecutive interpreting there is a pause between each speaker for the interpreter to speak. For Simultaneous interpreting the interpreter is listening, interpreting, and speaking at the same time. Simultaneous can be much faster, but requires two specialized interpreters.

Can my interpretation appointment use Microsoft Teams or Zoom?

Yes! When scheduling the appointment, be sure to include the “Communication Type” a third party and include the specified link for the interpreter to utilize to connect to the third-party scheduled appointment.  

How do I find my PIN to connect with an interpreter?

Log into your InterpreterManger portal and select 'profile' to find your designated PIN. 

How can I help my team learn how to use interpretation services?

Your Prisma International point of contact can provide you with a one-page User Card which will outline your dedicated toll-free number and simple instructions on how to easily connect with an interpreter.

What if I need to reschedule?

No problem! You can reschedule at any time. If you reschedule at least 24 hours before the session, no fee is applied.

Can an IPI Interpreter be canceled?

Yes; however, a fee will be applied if the cancellation is less than 24 hours before the session.

How do I make a change to to a scheduled IPI session?

Log into your InterpreterManger portal and update the specific scheduled appointment or notify your dedicated Prisma International point of contact.

What happens if the meeting goes longer than scheduled?

Interpreters are scheduled for set periods of time (usually in 1-hr increments).  It is recommended to reserve enough time both at the beginning and the end of the scheduled appointment to allow for connections and possible extended meeting times.  

How can I see my on-demand and scheduled appointments?

Log into your InterpreterManger portal to view all on-demand and upcoming or already occurred appointments for the duration specified.

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