Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) or otherwise known as real time captioning is the instant translation of the spoken word into English text using either a stenotype machine or notebook computer and real-time software. The translation includes tone such as the speaker being angry, frustrated or happy and also associated environmental sounds, such as a dog barking.
The specially trained CART provider or translator listens to the dialogue then types shorthand which is translated immediately by the software and associated dictionaries into the appropriate text and displayed on the screen. Depending on the setting, the text appears either on a computer monitor, projector screen or television screen.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
CART technology is primarily used by people who are hearing-impaired and is beneficial to allow participation in learning settings such as workshops, conferences, lectures or meetings. It has many benefits in a work learning setting including:
- instant access to spoken information within conferences, workshops or meetings
- ability to be used one-on-one with the display of translation directly onto one screen or in group settings with information projected to a whole group
- as a direct word-for-word translation of all proceedings is given, individuals can interpret and learn without relying on what others write down or interpret for them
- individuals can elect to keep a full record of translated proceedings or elect which parts they wish to retain
- CART can be done remotely for example, the CART provider listening to a speaker over the phone and transmitting the translated information instantaneously through to the individual with the hearing impairment
- wireless CART is also possible with the CART provider able to transmit information to multiple individual screens without cable links
- can be used for instant translation of training videos
(About.com 2007; Communication Access Information Centre 2002; Communication Access Information Centre 2001)
References
About.com 2007, Accessibility for the Deaf – Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), About Inc. as part of The New York Times Company, New York, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://deafness.about.com/cs/cart/a/cart.htm>.
Communication Access Information Centre 2002, Benefits of CART, National Court Reporters Association, Virginia, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://www.cartinfo.org/benefits.html>.
Communication Access Information Centre 2001, The CART Provider’s Manual, National Court Reporters Association, Virginia, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://www.cartinfo.org/manual.html>.