Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Brown
Hi Anna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During my 10 years as a Director of Special Education, I realized that trust with parents is built through clear, transparent communication. In 2016, I launched Translate Solutions to help school districts foster that trust while meeting strict compliance standards. Our focus is on providing fast, accurate, professional, and affordable translation services to support these goals.
I have a degree in Special Education from Texas A&M University and moved to Austin in 1996. My family and I love living in Georgetown, close enough to enjoy all that Austin offers. With over 20 years of experience in central Texas public schools, I’ve held various roles, including teacher, interventionist, Coordinator of Special Programs, Director of Special Education and Director of Special Programs Compliance. Currently, I serve as an ARD facilitator, giving me more time to focus on Translate Solutions’ mission.
Running a compliant, budget-friendly special education program is no easy task, and I understand the dedication it requires. I’m proud to support our clients in bridging communication gaps between schools and families and look forward to expanding our partnerships across Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not entirely. One of the biggest challenges was educating school districts about the mandates for translating a student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Federal and Texas regulations require that ALL text in the IEP be accurately translated—whether in written form or an audio recording of the entire document. This is time-consuming and resource-intensive, and many districts weren’t initially aware that simply interpreting the meeting wasn’t compliant.
Another challenge has been balancing affordability with quality. We’ve worked hard to keep costs manageable for districts without sacrificing service quality. Building a team of educators who share the mission of Translate Solutions has been key to achieving this.
We also face the ongoing task of educating parents about their rights. Many don’t realize they can request their child’s IEP in their native language, and unfortunately not all districts offer it upfront.
More recently, state and federal funding cuts have pushed districts to consider automated translation, but they recognize the risks of errors and mistranslations. We’ve adapted by offering verification services for automated translations to ensure accuracy, especially in special education terminology, providing peace of mind and the service parents deserve while staying within their budgets.
We’ve been impressed with Translate Solutions LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should we know?
Translate Solutions is dedicated to making sure that families have full access to their child’s Special Education information, no matter what language they speak. We specialize in translating IEPs and Section 504 documents, ensuring that every parent can fully understand and engage in their child’s educational journey. According to Federal Regulations and Texas State Law §89.1050, schools must provide a complete and accurate translation of a student’s IEP into the parents’ native language. This isn’t just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about ensuring that every family can fully participate in their child’s education. We partner with school districts to deliver high-quality, legally compliant translations that empower families to be active participants in their child’s learning process.
What do you do, what do you specialize in?
We specialize in translating state and federally mandated Special Education documents, such as IEPs and Section 504 plans. Our team is made up entirely of professional educators who bring their expertise and understanding of Special Education policies to every translation. This unique combination allows us to deliver translations that are not only linguistically accurate but also contextually and legally precise. We’re known for our meticulous attention to detail, excellent customer service and our commitment to ensuring that parents receive translations they can trust to be accurate and complete.
What sets you apart from others?
Our approach is distinct because we rely solely on human translators who are also experienced educators. This means we understand both the language and the educational context behind each document. Automated translation tools or non-specialized services often miss critical nuances, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. Our process is thorough and thoughtful: each document is carefully translated to reflect the exact meaning and intent of the original English text, maintaining compliance with all legal standards. We also use a secure, user-friendly client portal that makes it easy for school districts to submit documents and receive translations quickly, including rush jobs when needed. We deliver on time and on budget, ensuring that every translation is handled with the highest level of care and precision!
What are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the trust we’ve built with school districts and families over the years. Our clients know that they can count on us to provide translations that meet stringent legal requirements. We also empower parents to advocate effectively for their children. Seeing parents who were once overwhelmed by language barriers now feeling confident and informed is the best reward. We’re not just translating documents; we’re making a real impact by ensuring that every family has the tools they need to support their child’s education.
I’m also extremely proud of the Translate Solutions team. Many of them have been with me since the very beginning. Together, we’ve grown and developed internal processes that ensure we consistently provide top-quality services. It’s been a collaborative journey, and their dedication is key to our success.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
I want readers to know that accurate and comprehensive translations are essential in Special Education. Under the law, schools must provide complete translations of IEPs in the parents’ native language, and failing to do so can lead to serious legal and educational consequences.
At Translate Solutions, we go beyond just meeting these requirements. We’re committed to delivering translations that are clear, accurate, and fully compliant, helping school districts avoid legal pitfalls and ensuring that parents have the knowledge and confidence to be active participants in their child’s education.
Our services include a secure client portal for efficient document handling, competitive pricing, personalized customer service, and quick turnaround times. We are here to support districts in meeting these critical needs and to ensure that every family has a voice in their child’s educational journey. Whether you need support with a single document or ongoing translation services, we’re ready to help
How do you think about luck?
When I founded Translate Solutions in 2016, I was fortunate to be working as a Director of Special Education, and had built a strong network of colleagues. We all shared a deep understanding of the need for compliance while supporting students and families. Their insights into district needs and budgets were invaluable. They appreciated that Translate Solutions focuses specifically on Special Education documents—a niche that’s hard to find. Thanks to their support, they became my first clients once the business was up and running.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.YourTranslateSolutions.com
- Instagram: @TranslateSolutions (www.Instagram.com/TranslateSolutions)
- Facebook: @TranslateSolutions (https://www.Facebook.com/TranslateSolutions)
