Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)

What is CART?

CART – is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text performed by a captionist on-site or remotely, using a stenotype machine, notebook computer and realtime software. The text is then displayed on a computer monitor or other display device for the student who is deaf or hard of hearing to read.

When working with a CART provider remember:

• The CART reporter’s role is to facilitate communication and convey all auditory information so that both hearing and deaf individuals may fully interact.
• The CART reporter will need the following materials before the first class: a course syllabus, textbook for the class, access to handouts, outlines/PowerPoint slides, readings, overheads, and vocabulary lists that will be useful for the CART reporter to use to prepare for class.
• Permit the on-site CART provider to sit in a location that makes hearing you and the students in the class as easy as possible.  If remote services are being utilized there will be a microphone utilized in order to transmit as clear an audio signal as possible to the off-site captionist.
• Make sure that the student being assisted is able to watch the screen and the speaker at the same time. Since the translation and text display are usually one to four seconds behind the speaker, it may take the student who is deaf or hard of hearing a few seconds longer to respond. Try to limit the class discussion to one person speaking at a time, so that all students have the opportunity to participate.
• Restate or summarize students’ comments if they are hard to hear, or somewhat disorganized. The CART reporter knows he or she must follow the intent of the speaker at all times. The reporter will render as near a verbatim translation as possible, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker.
• The text on the screen will reflect everything going on in the environment, including environmental sounds and speaker identifiers. Examples include:
  
            INSTRUCTOR:
  
            MALE STUDENT:
  
            FEMALE STUDENT:
  
            (LAUGHTER)
  
            (APPLAUSE)
  
            (BELL RINGING)

For more information or clarification, please contact the Student Access Center at 785-864-4064.