SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2025 — The world of professional sports was recently rocked by the sentencing of Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara was convicted of embezzling approximately $17 million from Ohtani to cover his gambling debts, and with crimes including bank and tax fraud, he was sentenced to nearly five years in prison, along with three years of supervised release.

After pleading guilty, Mizuhara was due to begin his prison sentence on Monday, March 24^th, however his surrender date was postponed to an unspecified date in the future. According to Justice Department spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy, the new surrender date and reason for the change will remain under seal until further notice.

In the aftermath of the scandal, some may be left questioning the safeguards in place to ensure accountability and trust in professions that operate behind the scenes, in this case, the world of language services. Mizuhara’s role was more than that of a translator, he was Ohtani’s cultural liaison and confidant who shaped almost every interaction that Shonei had. It is precisely this level of access and responsibility that makes such a breach of trust and misconduct so damaging.

For companies like Interpreters Unlimited (IU), this scandal is not just a cautionary tale, but it’s a moment to emphasize the importance of integrity in the language services industry. Language professionals are often entrusted with sensitive information, high-stakes communication, and privileged access to the lives of their clients. At IU, ensuring that this trust is never misplaced is the foundation of their mission.

Providing complete language solutions in over 200 languages since 1970, IU has the utmost experience and expertise when it comes to linguists and language services. Built on trust and quality for 55 years, IU makes customer experience one of their top priorities. They take rigorous steps to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of the linguists that they contract with. With complete confidence in their contracted linguists, and their meticulous process of vetting them, IU offers clients a performance guarantee so they can expect the best of the best.

The IU vetting process for qualification in becoming an independently contracted linguist is extensive and stringent, with thorough background checks including relevant memberships and affiliations, prior experience, employment history, criminal background checks and all relevant interpreting certifications. Each candidate’s professional industry ethics and adherence to industry standards is evaluated to find linguists who uphold the highest standards of professionalism, collaboration, and cultural competence.

Technical qualifications, testing, interviews, references and sample work are all a part of the process before a linguist is engaged in any capacity. Linguists also undergo training on the company’s Code of Ethics, emphasizing professionalism, neutrality, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. IU maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unlawful behavior or misconduct.

Whether working in legal settings, hospitals, schools, government agencies, or sports and entertainment, IU translators are prepared to navigate complex situations with integrity and precision. In addition, IU invests heavily in technology and protocols to protect its clients from potential breaches of security, including encrypted communication platforms and strict adherence to HIPAA compliance standards.

What sets Interpreters Unlimited apart is its unwavering belief that linguists are not just service providers, they are stewards of trust. Unlike the Mizuhara scandal, where a lack of oversight allowed unethical behavior to spiral out of control, IU’s commitment to diligence ensures that clients can depend on their translators, even in the most high-pressure or sensitive situations.

The fallout from Mizuhara’s actions has highlighted the responsibility that linguists bear, particularly when working with high-profile clients. While cases like this are rare, they serve as a reminder of what can go wrong when corners are cut or oversight is lacking. For organizations like Interpreters Unlimited, it reinforces why every translator placed with a client must meet the highest standards, not only in skill but in character. For IU, it is an opportunity to affirm their commitment to ethical excellence and to stand as an example, a trusted leader in the language services industry, setting the standard for integrity and professionalism.

For more information about Interpreters Unlimited use the contact form below or call (800) 726-9891.

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About Interpreters Unlimited, Inc.

The IU Group of companies include: Interpreters Unlimited, Accessible Communication for the Deaf, Albors & Alnet, Arkansas Spanish Interpreters and Translators, and IU GlobeLink, LLC, and are headquartered in San Diego, California as a minority-owned company.  IU Group is committed to providing equal opportunity in the work environment with its diverse team to aid in supplying linguistic and cultural interpretation services to clients. A combined 70 years in the industry has demonstrated a surplus of leadership and best practices, which has helped establish its respected role in the language services community. Its services include spoken translation, document translation and non-emergency medical transportation.

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SAN DIEGO, March 21, 2025 — A recent policy shift has changed the landscape of language access services at the federal level, shifting responsibility to individual agencies and organizations. The new executive order designating English as the official language of the U.S. revokes crucial federal language access guidelines that have protected millions for over two decades and threatening access to vital services across the country. While federal oversight has played a role in the past, the need for effective, reliable language access remains unchanged. Organizations that proactively address these changes will continue to provide essential services efficiently, ensuring seamless communication for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Inadequate language access has an incredible cost across all industries. Looking at healthcare for example, the total estimated annual cost for the healthcare industry due to language barriers affecting LEP populations could exceed $3 billion to $4 billion annually, along with a higher risk of adverse medical events*. When we look at education, the estimated overall cost of remedial education due to lack of language services across K-12 and higher education could easily exceed $7 billion annually, along with a drop out rate of up to 43%*. This significant impact is consistent across all industries who deal with Limited English Speaking, Non-English Speaking and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

More than 25 million people in the U.S. require language services daily in healthcare, education, legal settings, and government assistance. Clear, accurate communication is not a luxury, it is a critical component of service delivery. Healthcare providers must ensure accurate diagnoses and patient safety. Schools must continue to engage families effectively. Legal and government agencies must maintain accessibility to uphold fairness and compliance. Without structured language services, the risk of miscommunication increases, impacting operations, compliance, and, most importantly, the communities served.

Without federal oversight, hospitals may struggle to provide adequate care, leading to misdiagnoses, medication errors, and preventable deaths when patients are unable to communicate their symptoms. Schools may fail to properly support children whose parents cannot understand critical documents, ultimately widening achievement gaps and leaving vulnerable students behind. Survivors of domestic violence and other crime victims may find themselves unable to explain their circumstances in court, denying them the justice they deserve. In times of emergency, Limited to Non-English speakers may not receive life-saving alerts, not because help isn’t available, but because they don’t understand how to access it.

Despite changes in oversight, legal and regulatory requirements remain in effect. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, providing language services is not only best practice, it is a legal obligation. Organizations that take proactive steps to strengthen language access programs will not only ensure compliance but also enhance service quality, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for the individuals they serve.

As a leading Language Service Provider and advocate for equal opportunity and language access, Interpreters Unlimited, is committed to supporting organizations in adapting to these changes seamlessly. Their expertise in comprehensive language solutions ensures that hospitals, schools, government agencies, and businesses can continue to provide efficient, compliant, and high-quality services to multilingual communities. For over 50 years our language services have been a lifeline for so many, and they plan to continue breaking down communication barriers for all who require them to access essential services daily.

This new executive order may have erased oversight, but it has not erased the need. As a nation built upon the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and languages, the United States thrives on its inclusivity, with over 350 languages spoken across the country, this diversity is a testament to our collective strength. While some may see this as a routine policy shift, the real-world consequences are devastating. This isn’t just a matter of policy, it’s a question of equity, safety, and fundamental rights. Language access is not just a service, it is a human right.

Now is the time to reinforce and expand language access programs. By integrating strong partnerships and proactive strategies with us, organizations can maintain uninterrupted communication and ensure equitable access for all. IU encourages organizations to move forward together to ensure no one is left behind. Now is the time to discuss solutions that keep your organization accessible, compliant, and prepared for the future.

For more information about Interpreters Unlimited use the contact form below or call (800) 726-9891.

*Healthcare impact estimates based on industry data, studies, and general cost trends from healthcare systems that work with LEP populations as provided by organizations including the American Hospital Association and the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

*Education impact estimates based on reported statistics about remedial education costs across K-12 and higher education as seen from studies by organizations including NBER, NCSL, NCES and Complete College America.

Image by David Everett Strickler

Click Here To Book An Interpreter Now 

Contact us today with any questions or to get a free quote.

About Interpreters Unlimited, Inc.

The IU Group of companies include: Interpreters Unlimited, Accessible Communication for the Deaf, Albors & Alnet, Arkansas Spanish Interpreters and Translators, and IU GlobeLink, LLC, and are headquartered in San Diego, California as a minority-owned company.  IU Group is committed to providing equal opportunity in the work environment with its diverse team to aid in supplying linguistic and cultural interpretation services to clients. A combined 70 years in the industry has demonstrated a surplus of leadership and best practices, which has helped establish its respected role in the language services community. Its services include spoken translation, document translation and non-emergency medical transportation.

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Hurricane Irma Warnings Issued in 4 Languages in South Florida

September 8, 2017

As Hurricane Irma continues to wreak havoc in the Caribbean, Florida officials are urging residents to evacuate and seek shelter. As the storm is expected to reach the Florida Keys as early as Friday evening, it is critical to reach the everyone in the area. To communicate with Miami’s diverse population, warnings have been issued in English, Spanish, Creole and American Sign Language (ASL). With the assistance of ASL interpreters, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community has received these important warnings. Breaking down language barriers is crucial in emergency situations, as these populations need to understand where to go and how best to protect themselves.

Watch yesterday’s press conference here

“it is life threatening, this is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”Florida Governor, Rick Scott

Hurricane Irma is the largest Atlantic hurricane recorded to date. With winds clocking in at 185 mph, Florida officials are not taking chances. While shelters have been set-up, Florida Governor Rick Scott emphasized that “it is life threatening, [and] this is not a storm you can sit and wait through.”

According to the New York Times, Irma has taken the lives of 19 people collectively in the French Caribbean islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Barbuda and Anguilla.

At IU, our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy. If you’re in the south Florida area, here are some resources to stay safe:

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Hurricane Irma Safety Information

Miami Evacuation Q&A Storm Planning Zones Shelter Information	Tampa Shelter Locations Special Needs Shelters and Sandbag Information	Naples & Collier County Evacuation Zones Pet-Friendly Shelters Fire and Rescue
Cape Coral/Lee County Shelter and Travel Information		Gainesville Special Needs, Pet-Friendly and General Population Shelters

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Making Connections Nationwide. For more information about Interpreters Unlimited and our interpretation and translation services, please call 800-726-9891.

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Accessible Communication for the Deaf is working with Miami officials to issue Hurricane warnings to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community

October 6, 2016

This week, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and city council members issued several press conferences in light of Hurricane Matthew’s approach to south Florida. If you’ve seen the latest coverage, you probably noticed a sign language interpreter next to the podium. This morning, Lisa Campbell, senior director of Accessible Communication for the Deaf (ACD) interpreted the storm warnings during a press conference.

“There is a sense of neighborly duty when working with local emergency services in times like this.”Lisa Campbell, Senior Director, ACD

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are crucial in emergency situations. Imagine knowing there is an emergency but not being able to understand pertinent and life-saving information? “There is a sense of neighborly duty when working with local emergency services in times like this,” says Campbell. “Knowing the information I’m interpreting can save someone’s life is truly a humbling feeling.”

Watch Lisa in this morning’s news conference

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About Lisa

Lisa Campbell started to study sign language at the age of 13 from a friend. Since then, she’s immersed herself in the Deaf community where she found her passion for helping people. It’s her devotion to the field that opened the door to a world full of opportunities. With encouragement from friends and family, she and her husband Brian started Accessible Communication for the Deaf in Fort Lauderdale in 2013 and Tampa in 2016. In her free time, Lisa loves going to the beach, wine tasting and spending time with family. Her commitment to ASL and the Florida community drive her to succeed and knock down language barriers each and every day.

Mastering ASL requires tremendous dedication, focus, practice and fluency in not one but two languages: English and American Sign Language. All sign language interpreters contracted by ACD are professionally trained and hold credentials from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Hurricane Matthew Safety Information

Here is some information for you to stay safe if you’re in Miami:

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Miami-Dade County. Miami officials urge residents to stay indoors and stay safe as the storm nears the coastline. The Emergency Operations Center is fully staffed and in operation; police, fire and rescue will be available until winds reach 55 mph. In the event of a power outage, please call 311 or 800-4-outage.

Four Shelters Open in Miami (8,000 capacity)

Dr. Michael Krop Senior High School 1414 NE 215th Street Miami, FL 33179	Booker T. Washington Senior High 1200 Northwest 6th Avenue Miami, FL 33125
Robert Morgan Educational Center 18180 SW 122nd Ave. Miami, FL 33177	Darwin Fuchs Pavilion (Pet Friendly) 10901 SW 24th St. Miami, FL 33165

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About ACD

>Accessible Communication for the Deaf is a sign language interpreting company with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida. In 2014, ACD was acquired by Interpreters Unlimited and operates under the IU Group of companies: Interpreters Unlimited, Accessible Communication for the Deaf, Albors & Alnet and Arkansas Spanish Interpreters and Translators. Today, ACD proudly serves school districts, government departments, hospitals and medical facilities, law firms and other businesses with professional in-person and video remote American Sign Language services. For more information please visit www.acdasl.com

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Making Connections Nationwide. For more information about Interpreters Unlimited, please call 800-726-9891.