The Illinois Early Intervention community now has access to a digital interpretation service offering on-demand video and audio interpretation in many languages. This ongoing service will assist Child & Family Connections (CFC) staff and early intervention providers when an Illinois early intervention enrolled interpreter is not available. This resource is especially important for families who speak less commonly requested languages, such as Pashto and Rohingya, for which finding an available interpreter can be especially challenging.
The EI Clearinghouse is pleased to partner with GLOBO Language Solutions, LLC to provide access to these digital on-demand interpretation services. GLOBO provides Illinois Early Intervention professionals working with families to access to more than 430 languages. The digital interpretation service is available through the GLOBO Connect app or website and can be scheduled in advance. The use of digital interpretation is specifically for EI appointments when an EI-enrolled interpreter is not available. This service can be utilized for in-person visits as well as live video visits.
In 2025, Illinois EI used the service for more than 40 different languages, with the two most frequently requested languages being Pashto (14%) and Rohingya (13%), followed by Swahili, Russian, and American Sign Language. For some families, access to interpretation can make the difference between fully participating in Early Intervention services and experiencing language barriers that may limit their access to support. Digital interpretation provides another way to connect with families when an EI-enrolled interpreter is not immediately available, helping ensure that a family’s home language does not delay access to timely services. This new resource also gives families additional opportunities to ask questions, share priorities, and actively participate in decision-making throughout the EI process.
By expanding access to interpretation, Illinois Early Intervention can better reach families across our increasingly diverse communities and help ensure that every family has a voice and an opportunity to participate fully in their family’s early intervention experience.
Families needing interpretation will automatically have access to this service through their local Child & Family Connections and early intervention team. All appointments will be scheduled by early intervention professionals. For early intervention professionals or CFC staff currently not utilizing this service, please complete our Access to EI Digital Interpretation Request Form.
Visit the Interpretation Services Toolbox for helpful resources, including:
- The 2025 Year-in-Review
- How-to documents for using the service
- Additional information and resources about digital interpretation
Remember: Child & Family Connections staff and early intervention providers will only utilize this service when an Illinois early intervention enrolled interpreter is not available.