Call For Proposals

2026 Language Access Congress

This year's theme: 

The Symphony of Synergy: Speak Clearly, Lead Boldly, Define the Action

The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) invites you to submit proposals for its 2026 Language Access Congress, taking place in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 24-26, 2026.

Join us as we explore the transformative forces shaping the future of language access and healthcare interpreting. This dynamic congress will feature a hospital clinic tour, keynote speaker, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and our famous Interpretini reception.

Congress Goals

The Congress centers on a moment of collective clarity, an invitation for leaders, interpreters, administrators, and advocates to step into a new era of language access with intention and courage. The Symphony of Synergy: Speak Clearly, Lead Boldly, Define the Action frames the gathering as both a call to alignment and a call to movement. It emphasizes that the future of language access will not be shaped by isolated efforts, but by coordinated voices, shared purpose, and decisive leadership.

We are seeking proposals that address the following key themes:
  1. The Score of Success: Turning Vision into Results
    A focused session on execution, strategy, and moving from ideas to measurable impact.
  2. The Leadership Lab: Growing the Next Generation
    Mentoring emerging leaders who communicate clearly, act decisively, and carry the mission forward.
  3. Conducting Change: Strategies for Expanding Language Access
    Leadership approaches for driving system-wide improvements in language access.
  4. Training the Orchestra: Building a Skilled Language Access Workforce
    Developing interpreters and translators through training, credentialing, and career sustainability.

Proposal Types

We welcome proposals for the following formats, including:
- Presentations (60 or 75 minutes)
- Panel discussions (60 or 75 minutes)
Submission Instructions:
Proposals should be submitted electronically ONLINE by using the button below before April 27, 2026, midnight US-Eastern time.

 

Congress 2026 Proposal Submission

 

Proposal abstract length should be no more than 200 words and include the following information:

  • Title of the presentation/panel
  • Name, affiliation, contact information, and brief bio, for all presenters or panelists. Bios should not be more than 200 words.
  • Longer bios will be edited. Panels are limited to four.
  • Minimum of three Learning Objectives for your session (obligatory)
  • Description of your content, including key themes and methodologies
  • A/V requirement needs (due to time constraints, we can only guarantee A/V equipment requested during the acceptance phase)
  • ASL requirements (if needed)

Selection Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by a committee based on the following criteria: 

  • Relevance to the congress theme and key themes
  • Originality and quality of content
  • Potential for engaging and informing the audience
  • Clarity and completeness of the proposal

Benefits of Presenting 

  • Opportunity to share your expertise with a national audience of healthcare interpreters, language access specialists and industry leaders
  • Complimentary registration for presenters
  • Recognition in the Congress program

Note
At our discretion, we may invite experts in the field to assist in facilitating our sessions.


CEU credits will be offered for certified interpreters.

 

Technical Support for Submissions 

If you have any technical questions, i.e., or you need help in submitting an abstract, please send an email to [email protected].
Deadline for submission is midnight Eastern Time, April 27, 2026. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered. Due to high volume and time limits, we will not be able to accept all proposals.


Contact

For questions about the Call for Proposals, please contact [email protected].

Stay Connected

Visit our Language Access Congress 2026 web page by clicking here for updates on registration, keynote speaker announcements, and hotel information. We look forward to receiving your proposals and to a stimulating Language Access Congress!