Communication Access Real Time (CART)

What is Realtime Captioning?

Realtime captioning is the immediate word-for-word translation of the spoken word into text. A stenographer uses a stenograph machine to translate what he or she hears into spoken text. The stenomachine is connected to a computer that is loaded with software that converts the steno code into English text. The text is viewed either on a computer monitor or on a projection screen. Individual users tend to use only a computer monitor or a smartphone, while use of a projection screen is primarily seen in conference and meeting venues where multiple users are served.

When realtime captioning is projected onto a screen, using as many lines as the screen or monitor allows for, the process is called CART: Communication Access Realtime Translation. For example, at conferences, it is common to have a separate projection screen set up onto which the CART text is projected. The CART text covers the full space of the projection screen and scrolls upward as more text is added.

In contrast, when the text is limited to four lines or less, and is positioned below a primary image on a monitor or projection screen, it is referred to as captioning. For example, realtime captions can be projected on a screen below the video image of a speaker at a conference. The captions would be limited to four lines at most, placed directly below the image of the speaker.

Captionist Credentials

Just like signed language interpreters, realtime captionists have certifications. Captionists should be able to translate 100% of what is said with a minimum of 96% accuracy. The National Court Reporters Association and the National Verbatim Reporters Association issue certifications when captionists successfully pass examinations. The certifications that you should look for are:

  • CRR – Certified Realtime Reporter
  • CBC – Certified Broadcast Captioner
  • CCP – Certified CART Provider
  • CVR – Certified Verbatim Reporter

Onsite or Remote Services

Onsite CART can be provided for meetings, classes, training sessions and special events. Remote CART can also be provided. Remote CART is the same as onsite CART except the provider is in a remote location and listens to an event through the use of a telephone or internet connection.

Agencies

There are many CART agencies around the country providing a broad range of services. A few are included below:

Alternative Communication Services, LLC
P.O. Box 278
Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: 800-335-0911, 630-456-5124
Fax: 813-926-7875
E-mail: info@acscaptions.com

Caption First
P.O. Box 3066
Monument, CO 80132
Phone: 800-825-5234
Fax: 719-487-8432
E-mail: info@captionfirst.com

New Mexico Captioning
110 2nd St SW # 505
Albuquerque, NM 87102-3357
Phone: 505-247-4048
Email: nmcaptioning@aol.com

Provider of Open, Closed, Internet Captioning & Subtitles for TV, Video/Film, DVD, & Web and Educational Technology Consultation Services
DeBee Communications
James DeBee
7820 Enchanted Hills Blvd. Suite A-160
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
505.404.9177
sales@debee.com
www.debee.com
www.facebook.com/debeecomm
www.vimeo.com/debee