Why language access matters as Global Wordsmiths expands in Central PA
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Asia Tabb
AIRED; March 11, 2026
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For many people in the United States, navigating everyday systems like healthcare, education or government services already comes with stress. For those who do not speak English, those challenges can become overwhelming — or even impossible without help.
That’s where language access services come in.
“I think language access is always critical and always has been,” said Mary Jayne McCullough, CEO of Global Wordsmiths. “But it’s been much more of an afterthought because most people don’t have to think about it on a regular basis.”
Global Wordsmiths, a Pittsburgh-based language services company, is expanding into York, Lancaster and Harrisburg to help meet growing demand for interpreters and translation services.
McCullough said the need is increasing as the region’s population changes.
“There are so many migrant, immigrant and refugee communities in these areas, but the services and supports that exist aren’t always linguistically accessible,” she said. “There are so many people who don’t communicate in English, there’s such a need, and there just aren’t a lot of language assistance supports.”
Professional interpreters do more than translate words. They help people fully understand critical information and communicate effectively in situations that can affect their health, education or legal rights.
“Fundamentally, an interpreter is there to facilitate communication,” McCullough said. “We’re not there to speak on someone’s behalf — we’re there to enable them to use their voice.”
For families who rely on interpretation services, the difference can be life-changing.
“It makes a huge difference because we strive to be understood and we strive to be heard,” said Adriana Sánchez Solís, who has experienced the impact of professional interpretation firsthand. “When you’re able to communicate in a way that is done professionally and flawlessly, it means the world.”
Beyond translating language, interpreters also help navigate cultural differences that can sometimes create confusion during conversations with doctors, schools or other institutions.
“It’s not just the words,” Sánchez Solís said. “It’s interpreting the cultural context of how we communicate.”
Global Wordsmiths carefully matches interpreters to specific situations, considering language, subject expertise and the needs of both the client and the individual receiving interpretation.
“We take a lot of pride in very carefully tailoring that experience,” Sánchez Solís said. “We’re sending professionally trained, competent interpreters to make sure everyone involved has a positive experience.”
Sometimes, the impact goes far beyond communication.
Sánchez Solís recalled one recent moment when an interpreter supported a patient near the end of their life, ensuring they understood everything happening during their care.
“This person was able to provide that interpretation and also offer comfort,” she said. “It made a big difference for that person and their family.”
McCullough says moments like that highlight why language access matters.
“These are intelligent, capable human beings,” she said. “They just need access.”
