Free interpretation services available for L&I providers
Providers are required to ensure spoken and sign language access according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). L&I offers several free interpretation service options for healthcare, vocational, and IME providers. Whether your client has an L&I, self-insured, or crime victim claim, we can help you get the interpretation services you need to communicate.
Sign Language Interpretation Services
L&I providers are responsible for arranging sign language interpreter services directly with an interpreter. You can find the list of sign language interpreters and agencies registered in our system on our website.
You can also have a sign language interpreter video chat during the appointment. Any sign interpreter registered in our system is allowed to provide video interpretation services —just check with the interpreter first to work out the details.
Spoken Language Interpretation Services
All spoken interpretation services for L&I, self-insured, and crime victim claims must be requested through WordBridge.
Here are your options:
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Scheduled in-person (IPI), telephonic (OPI), and video remote (VRI) services
- Book the interpreter services in WordBridge when scheduling the appointment with the patient/worker.
- If an in-person interpreter has not accepted within 48 hours of the appointment, update the request in WordBridge to video or telephonic services.
- In-person interpreter services are available throughout the state of Washington and border zip codes in Oregon and Idaho. VRI and OPI services are also available for injured workers located out-of-state and out-of-country.
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On-demand telephonic services
- If you have an unplanned visit or receive a call from an injured worker/crime victim, you can obtain a telephonic interpreter quickly and easily.
L&I recognizes that having an in-person interpreter is ideal for most situations. However, due to limited in-person interpreters for rare languages and hard-to-reach areas, we ask that you consider using a telephonic or video interpreter to prevent service delays for the worker.
Contact us at Interpretation@Lni.wa.gov if you need assistance securing an interpreter. We can also walk you through the WordBridge registration process if you are not already registered.
Visit L&I’s Interpreter Services website for additional information.
For policy details see:
Chapter 2: Information for All Providers
Chapter 14: Language Access Services for Spoken Languages
Chapter 18: Other Services
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