What is CART?

Communication Access Realtime Translation

CART is similar to live television captioning. CART is watched on a computer screen or projection screen.

While someone is speaking, a “court reporter” or CART writer keys the words on a steno machine.

The words translate from the steno to English and appear on the screen.

Other methods claim to be realtime captioning. CART is the only speech-to-text captioning conveying immediate information to the consumer.

Is there a difference between CART and other methods of computerized translation?

Unlike other methods, there is no lag time while the CART writer synthesizes information to a condensed form.

The viewer receives an immediate 96% word-for-word translation.

Other methods claim to be speech to text. Actually it is a synopsis of the spoken words.

The consumer is dependent on the typist to know and understand the content and importance of the content.

If it is preferred to have notetaking, a CART writer can provide the text in synopsis form.

CART or Computer Notetaking

CART

Full text

No software to buy

No training for client

Word for word transcript

180 – 225 wpm

Computer Notetaking

Synopsis

Software needed

Training to read short-form vocabulary

Synthesized text

Types well

Provider Advantage

Independent contractor

No taxes to match

No benefits to pay

No liability to assume

Not on payroll if not needed

No equipment to provide and insure

No scheduling of employees

ASL or CART?

If ASL is the client’s first language or preferred means of communication, an ASL interpreter is the best choice.

A person who is late deafened or learning ASL benefits from CART.

In certain settings where there is a mixed audience both forms of communication are a reasonable accommodation.

How does CART work?

TPH-O would be the word “no.”

Unlike a regular keyboard, the keys are pressed at the same time.

Brief forms can also be utilized.

P-PD is “preponderance of the evidence,” a series of words often used in court.

A CART writer uses a steno machine to key in the spoken words. It is the same machine that is used in court to make a verbatim record.

A combination of letters make other letters

CART writer – information translated onto a screen –

printed text for review

You read actual English words and do not need to learn that kfe means coffee. The speaker says “coffee,” you see the word “coffee.”

You do not see the brief form the CART writer uses.

Who uses CART?

CART is used by the deaf and hard of hearing – primarily those not fluent in sign language.

CART is also used for those with cognitive disabilities, as the words are on the screen for a period of time so that they can be comprehended more fully and the text is provided.

CART can be used for those unable to take notes, as a draft of the transcript can be provided that has the full text of what was said.

CART is also helpful for those learning English as a second language.

CART can be used by anyone who can read.

Appropriate venues for CART

Lectures

Classrooms

Seminars

Meetings

Conferences/Conventions

Churches

Appointments

Board meetings

Webcasts

Is CART verbatim?

CART is usually not a verbatim transcript like the record in a court proceeding. In the court record, every word must be transcribed exactly as it is said. CART is usually 96% verbatim. The CART writer can substitute a synonym if the word is not in the digital dictionary and would translate incorrectly. “Myriad”may not be in the dictionary and will translate as “mere yad.”The CART writer may choose to write the word “mixture,”which will fit the meaning and be understood by the reader.

If a speaker is talking so quickly that the words would “fly by” on the screen, the CART writer may leave out extraneous verbiage so that the output is easily readable.

Adjuncts to CART

Using one-on-one CART, you can watch on the same computer as the CART writer or request a wireless hookup and the CART writer can sit anywhere in the room while you watch on your own computer or a laptop provided by the CART writer.

You can use your own computer and type notes during the presentation by loading a free small software application on your computer.

A draft can be emailed directly after an event.

The CART writer will scan the text, edit words that did not translate into an English word.

The draft is sent in .txt format which can be used in any word processing program.

The line numbers can be included or omitted.

CART advantages

Draft printed text of presentation

95% verbatim translation

Backup CART writers

One person to work with during the day

Cost effective, quality service

Equipment

The CART writer can provide all necessary equipment.

If a large screen is needed, it is often the easy solution to use one housed at the facility.

The CART provider can provide: multiple laptops, LCD projector, viewing screen, computer tables, multiple power strips, e-mailed or printed text

CostNo upfront cost for software or training

No computer costs

Billing - per hour or per day rate

(MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover Card)

Volume discounts available

Benefits

Printed text for follow-up study

No need to constantly read the screen (transcript provided)

No extra equipment needed

Actual technical terminology translated

Ambience provided (laughter) (!!!) (applause) (sarcastically said)

Copies archived

Scheduling a CART provider

Provide agenda, names of speakers, proper name spellings of persons being recognized, types of terminology, handouts, PowerPoints

Provide armless chair close to power source; large screens should not be directly in lighted area; schedule time for CART writer to set up equipment, tape down cords, input last-minute terminology/proper noun additions

Schedule for one-on-one CART

OR

Do you prefer separate wireless computer(s)

OR

Large screen for multiple viewers

Who will provide screen/LCD projector?

Working with a CART provider

Instruct speakers to speak loudly, clearly, one at a time, avoid gesturing and pointing

CART writers need a five- to 15-minute break over 1.5 to 2 hours

If there will be a speaker during the luncheon or dinner, advise when scheduling or allow 15 to 30 minutes for CART writer to eat

If text is to be provided, obtain releases from speakers, be sure that everyone is clear that it is a draft that is provided

If a draft is not to be provided to other students or attendees, clarify that to the person receiving the text

Remote CART

CART can be provided off-site

Wireless high-speed Internet connection required

Setup and testing provided in advance

Video Conferencing

Captioned video conferencing

Local Accommodations

free parking

High Definition

Worldwide Scheduling

Integrated video and captioning

Captioning available for on-site venues with video projection

The skills of a CART writer

CART writers attend court reporting college

The CART writer tests at speeds of 180 words per minute and higher with 96% accuracy

Education also focuses on vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

ProfessionalismThe National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)and the Ohio Court Reporters Association (OCRA)

support CART writers and provide current information and ethical requirements

RPR, Registered Professional Reporter

• 225 wpm, written knowledge exam

RMR, Registered Merit Reporter

• 260 wpm, written knowledge exam

CRR, Certified Realtime Reporter

• varying speeds of 180 to 225, 95% realtime accuracy without edits

CCP, Certified CART Provider

• CRR, written knowledge test regarding CART services to the deaf/hard of hearing and other related ADA information

CBC, Certified Broadcast Captioner

• CRR, written knowledge test regarding broadcast captioning;

RDR, Registered Diplomate Reporter

• RMR, comprehensive written knowledge test, 6-year member of NCRA

Professional Reporters, Inc.

Professional Reporters, Inc. has been located in Central Ohio since 1980. PRI was the first to provide captioning and CART in Ohio and has been doing so since 1990.

PRI has received numerous awards and recognition for their services to the deaf and hard of hearing.

The CART staff of PRI has been trained under Linda Sturm, RPR, RMR, RDR, CRR, CCP, CBC. Linda has been a court reporter since 1978 and has provided reporting for many courts, arbitrations, has reported depositions worldwide, and has provided CART and captioning across the United States.

Linda Sturm has received her certifications from the NCRA and has been recognized by her peers for her distinguished service and legislative efforts to court reporting in Ohio.

The PRI CART staff consists of:

Andrea Crago, RPR, CRR

Angie Starbuck, RPR, CRR

Carmen Maley, RPR

Heath Baker

Jennie Mauch

Julia Lamb, RPR

Rhonda Lawrence, RPR, CRR

Sara Clark, RPR, CRR, CCP, CBC

Christine Woodruff

Contact information

For more information contact: Linda Sturm, Professional Reporters, Inc.

linda@priohio.com, subject: CART

Schedule at 614.460.5000 or 8000.229.0675 or www.priohio.com