CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services, also known as real-time captioning, provide a way to convert speech into text in real-time. These services are essential for making spoken language accessible to individuals who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, as well as others who benefit from written representation of audio content. This process is typically performed by trained professionals using specialized equipment such as stenotype machines.
The text can be projected onto a screen, displayed on a computer monitor or laptop, or transmitted via the internet. People who need CART, and event and venue managers, should be aware that CART can be combined with PowerPoint or other presentation content—enabling people to view all content on one screen.
CART can be provided both in person and remotely. Remote CART services are delivered via the internet, where the transcriber listens to the audio through a phone or video call and streams the text to a computer or display screen in real-time.
The quality of CART services depends greatly on the skill and training of the transcriber. Professional CART providers are often required to have specific training, certifications, and a high level of typing speed and accuracy. The Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) credential, offered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) should be the minimum requirement.