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Updated May 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background And Acknowledgements
Introduction
- Professionalism
- Skills
- Location Setup
- The Legal Setting
- Broadcast Captioning
- Remote Cart
- Equipment
- Compensation
- Getting Started
BACKGROUND AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is an evolving and maturing profession, and the available technology associated with CART is rapidly advancing. Consequently, the information and guidelines set forth in the following pages will need modification from time to time. The reader is welcome to comment upon or suggest changes or updates to this publication at any time.
The NCRA CART Task Force would like to thank the authors of and contributors to the publication Realtime in the Educational Setting, the members of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing CART Work Group, and other "friends of CART" for imparting their thoughts, ideas, and language which have helped to develop this text.
Our Task: Using the publication Realtime in the Education Setting as a basis, develop skill set, knowledge, and equipment necessary for Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART).
The Task Force
2000-2001
Patricia K. Graves, RDR/CRR, Chair, Franklin Park, Illinois
Nancy Catuogno Varallo, RDR, CRR, Boston, Massachusetts
Gayl Hardeman, RDR/CRR, Sarasota, Florida
Susan Deer Hall, RMR, CRR, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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1999-2000
Nancy L. Catuogno, RDR/CRR, Chair, Boston, Massachusetts
April Artegian, RPR, Williamsburg, Virginia
Patricia K. Graves, RDR/CRR, Franklin Park, Illinois
Gayl Hardeman, RDR/CRR, Sarasota, Florida
Glory L. Johnson, RPR, Newport Beach, California
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1998-1999
Nancy L. Catuogno, RDR/CRR, Chair, Boston, Massachusetts
Donna L. Collins, RPR, Dallas, Texas
Patricia K. Graves, RDR/CRR, Franklin Park, Illinois
Gayl Hardeman, RDR/CRR, Sarasota, Florida
Glory L. Johnson, RPR, Newport Beach, California
Cecilee G. Wilson, RMR/CRR, Kaysville, Utah
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1997-1998
Nancy L. Catuogno, RDR/CRR, Chair, Boston, Massachusetts
Jack A. Boenau, RMR/CRR, Sarasota, Florida
Roger Proctor, CART consumer, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Heywood Waga, RMR/CRR, Roseland, New Jersey
Cecilee G. Wilson, RMR/CRR, Kaysville, Utah
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1996-1997
Jack A. Boenau, RMR/CRR, Chair, Sarasota, Florida
Nancy L. Catuogno, RDR/CRR, Boston, Massachusetts
Alan Peacock, RPR, Mobile, Alabama
Heywood Waga, RMR/CRR, Roseland, New Jersey
Judith A. Wolf, Technology Liaison Mount Prospect, Illinois
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INTRODUCTION
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is a word-for-word speech-to-text interpreting service for people who need communication access. Unlike computerized notetaking or abbreviation systems, which summarize information for consumers, CART provides a complete translation of all spoken words and environmental sounds, empowering consumers to decide for themselves what information is important to them. The CART Provider's Manual sets out guidelines as to the skills and knowledge that can be expected of a qualified CART provider. CART consumers include people with hearing loss; individuals with cognitive or motor challenges; anyone desiring to improve reading/language skills; and those with other communication barriers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically recognizes CART as an assistive technology that affords effective communication access.
A CART provider uses a steno machine, notebook computer, and realtime software to render instant speech-to-text translation on a computer monitor or other display for the benefit of an individual consumer or larger group in a number of settings: classrooms; business, government, and educational functions; courtrooms; religious, civic, cultural, recreation, or entertainment events. A CART provider is sensitive to the varying needs of consumers and has had training in conveying a speaker's message, complete with environmental cues. This expertise distinguishes a CART provider from a court reporter in a traditional litigation setting.
NCRA's Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation is nationally recognized and at this time is considered a requisite for CART providers. Attainment of the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) designation is recommended.
I. PROFESSIONALISM
A. Sensitivity
The CART provider has general knowledge about "capital D" Deaf culture, and understands that the preferred communication mode of a person with a hearing loss differs depending on whether that individual identifies himself as Deaf, deaf, late-deafened, or hard-of-hearing. Generally, CART consumers are individuals who have developed a hearing loss postlingually (i.e., after the acquisition of language).
There is a certain etiquette required when communicating with CART consumers. A CART provider should acquire training in communication techniques through court reporting association seminars, disability agencies, sign language courses, etc. Membership in organizations such as the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People, and the National Association of the Deaf is recommended.
CART trainees may be present at an assignment with a CART provider to gain on-the-job experience only after the CART provider secures the consent of the consumer or client.
CART is often provided in personal settings such as medical appointments, church meetings, funerals, programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and even such things as police interrogations. Personal settings can be highly charged. Self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to manage stress and control emotions are important traits of a CART provider.
Additionally, projecting CART to an audience helps to educate others about CART technology and its uses. The CART provider should maintain a positive attitude when responding to questions.
At all times the CART provider should dress appropriately for the setting of the assignment. For example, business attire on a college campus may not be necessary and may make the consumer feel conspicuous.
The CART provider should be aware of the role of the sign language interpreter. Very often an interpreter will be present to serve deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals who prefer using sign language, or to voice for a non-oral individual. It should be stressed that the CART provider and interpreter work as a team, never in competition.
B. Staying In Role
A CART provider's role is to facilitate communication. The CART provider will at all times stay in role and perform in a manner appropriate to the situation. A CART provider should decline any invitation or suggestion to comment, interject, advise, respond to inquiries, or in any way become involved in the assignment outside the role of CART provider. If necessary, the CART provider should politely explain the necessity to stay "in role."
A CART provider may be asked to step out of role to answer questions about the service, to demonstrate equipment during a break, or to schedule future dates. Deviations from role should be the exception and should be discouraged, but may occur with the approval of the CART consumer.
The CART provider must exercise discretion in situations which may warrant interrupting the proceedings to ensure the integrity of the CART translation. Care should be taken not to call undue attention to the consumer or oneself.
C. Impartiality
The CART provider must be fair and impartial to each participant in all aspects of CART and be alert to conflicts of interest. Such circumstances may include, for example, an assignment involving a participant who is a close friend, family member, or business associate.
Any potential conflict of interest or inability to be impartial shall be disclosed by the CART provider. Failure to do so may make it difficult to prove oneself unbiased if challenged.
D. Confidentiality
Courtesy and discretion are required of the CART provider at all times. A casual word or action may betray a consumer's confidences or violate a client's privacy. Confidentiality of the consumer's information and privacy of the person must be maintained.
E. Professional Development
The CART provider should keep abreast of current trends, laws, literature, and technological advances relating to the provision of CART service.
II. SKILLS
The following categories outline the minimum foundational skills necessary for rendering proficient and professional CART service. Sensitivity training as described above is required.
A. Preparation
The CART provider works closely with the consumer, meeting coordinator, classroom teacher, or other appropriate individual to obtain all terminology inherent to the assignment and must research literature (curricula, syllabi, synopses, scripts, texts, meeting agendas, conference programs, and organization or company Web sites) to create a job dictionary and enhance the master dictionary.
Speaker identifiers are entered into the job dictionary prior to the commencement of any assignment. Generic usage (i.e., >> SPEAKER:) is recommended for an unidentified speaker. CART training addresses speaker identification in various settings.
Before providing CART service, one needs to establish a clear understanding of who is hiring the CART provider and whether an electronic file of the roughly edited text with disclaimer is to be preserved. The contents of the computer file may be deemed proprietary and should not be distributed without proper authorization. If providing the file, one should also establish a clear understanding of whether all participants have been informed that an electronic file of the roughly edited text with disclaimer will be preserved and who is entitled to receive a copy of said file.
It is recommended that the following language be inserted at the beginning and end of each file:
"This text is being provided in a rough draft format. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings."
To aid communication with CART consumers and meeting planners, it is desirable for a CART provider to have a TTY, fax machine, and/or e-mail. A CART provider should also know how to use the telephone relay system to contact a CART consumer.
B. Realtime Writing
The CART provider writes conflict free, includes punctuation, and sustains accuracy for long periods of time. Discrete outlines for prefixes, suffixes, and root words are the foundation of precise writing and word building. Consistency in writing steno outlines leads to accuracy, increasing readability. Word-boundary problems (i.e., contractor/contract or) must be resolved.
Although RPR speeds are considered a requisite, a reserve of shorthand speed allows the CART provider time to add job defines and fingerspell. It is essential that the CART provider can create and retain realtime job defines "on the fly."
A foolproof number system is necessary. There are many systems and styles of writing that permit accuracy in numbers. The CART provider should be able to write numbers to translate as words (nine), Roman numerals (IX), cardinal numbers (9), and ordinal numbers (9th).
Fingerspelling (writing words letter by letter) is essential. In order to differentiate between initials, words that are spelled out by a speaker, and acronyms, the CART provider should utilize discrete spelling alphabets. Fingerspelled words should always translate with the appropriate spacing.
C. Dictionary Maintenance
Knowledge of the contents of one's dictionary is crucial. Due to high frequency of occurrence, names, terms, and places related to current events and culture must be entered into the dictionary regularly. Dictionary maintenance and development is an ongoing process. A qualified realtime writer continually adds and modifies steno outlines, and the dictionary must be updated constantly.
D. Software/Computer Knowledge
The CART provider must operate a Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) program and understand its realtime translation and display functions. It is important to learn to troubleshoot and solve hardware, software, and other technical problems.
In order to meet consumer preferences, the CART provider must know how to activate upper/lowercase, colored backgrounds, enlarged text, and other display options.
During realtime, the phonetics table may be used so that untranslates do not appear in steno. The phonetics table should be customized to the steno theory used by the CART provider.
When appropriate, the CART provider is able to furnish the computer file of the session text as requested. Ideally, a rough-edit process should remove any untranslates and glaring mistranslates before the text is delivered.
Simultaneous display is a function of the computer. Not all computers support simultaneous display. A CART provider must know how to switch between the notebook's LCD screen and the external device (i.e., television monitor, projector). Turning off or blocking the external device display while making job defines is recommended.
E. Language Comprehension
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, vocabulary, high-frequency colloquialisms, and slang is crucial. The CART provider must listen for continuity, sense, and detail of the proceedings, anticipating and preventing errors in translation.
III. LOCATION SETUP
A. Positioning
Room setup considerations include lighting and positioning for line of sight to overheads, slides, blackboards, and other media displays. Coordination with sign language interpreters, speakers, audiovisual technicians and other ancillary workers is important.
B. Display Options
The options for display should be discussed and arranged with the CART consumer before the assignment. A single consumer may prefer a large-screen projection display to allow for more participation with the group as a whole. A CART provider should demonstrate various display options such as different font sizes and colors for the consumer's selection.
C. Films And Videotapes
Films and videotapes are shown frequently in classrooms and other settings. Uncaptioned films need to be realtime translated. Some suggested tokens are:
>> MAN:
>> WOMAN:
>> VOICE:
>> NARRATOR:
>> CHILD:
Televisions made after June 1993 have built-in decoder chips for display of captions. Some videos and television programs are already captioned, so it is helpful to know how to turn on the caption feature.
D. Seating
For comfort and stress reduction, it is sometimes necessary to locate a suitable chair. One without an attached desk is preferable. The CART provider may need to take a portable stand for the computer.
E. Access To Electricity
It is important to carry an extension cord, a surge protector, and a 3-to-2 ground cord adapter. For everyone's safety, securing electrical cords with duct tape or gaffer's tape is recommended.
IV. THE LEGAL SETTING
CART may be provided in a court or deposition proceeding for a litigant, juror, judge, attorney, witness, or other participant. The court reporter for a trial or deposition and the CART provider perform different functions. For example, a CART provider may accompany a consumer into the jury room or into confidential discussions with attorneys.
Additionally, when providing communication access, the CART provider must include parentheticals to describe environmental sounds (i.e., alarm ringing), laughter, or anything that detracts attention from the proceeding. Necessary synonyms may be used to assure effective communication. The synonyms and environmental sounds would not ordinarily appear in an official certified verbatim transcript.
The CART provider should discuss with the judge and attorneys his or her role as an interpreter before the proceedings begin and agree on a method of interrupting if the CART provider cannot hear or understand a speaker.
A clear understanding should be established regarding who is hiring the CART provider; the role played by the CART provider in assisting with communication as opposed to the role of the Official Reporter of Proceedings in providing a verbatim record; the fact that no roughly edited electronic file is to be produced; and the need to preserve the unedited text file with disclaimer (as suggested previously) in accordance with statute or court order, or for a period of no fewer than five years.
In a confidential setting (i.e., legal discussions, jury deliberations, attorney/client discussions), the CART provider should delete all files immediately after the assignment unless requested not to do so, or ordered by the Court.
A CART provider should refrain from working in the dual capacity of Official Reporter of Proceedings and CART provider. However, when no other option exists, the role performed is that of the Official Reporter of Proceedings.
V. BROADCAST CAPTIONING
While broadcast captioning falls under the CART umbrella in its broadest sense -- communication access -- it is considered a separate specialty. The software, hardware, and technical knowledge base will not be addressed in this document. See www.ncraonline.org for additional references.
VI. REMOTE CART
When providing remote CART, the provider is in one location and the consumer is in another. The CART provider is usually listening to a voice via the phone line, writing on the steno machine, and transmitting the text to the other location. This is particularly helpful in areas where there is a lack of CART providers. Special technical training and support is necessary when providing this service. For equipment requirements, see Remote CART below.
VII. EQUIPMENT
It is important to keep current with rapidly advancing technologies in order to meet consumer preferences. The following is a listing of the displays known at this time for CART.
The CART provider should furnish and know how to operate all equipment necessary for BASIC DISPLAY. Asterisked items are recommended but not required. A backup steno machine, computer, and software key should be readily available.
- Basic Display
- Stenotype machine with realtime cable
- Notebook computer
- CAT/realtime software
- Text-enlarging software
- Diskettes*
- Extension cord
- Surge protector with indicator light
- 3-prong to 2-prong ground cord adapter
- Duct tape or gaffer's tape for taping down cables
- Additional realtime cable
- 25-foot realtime cable*
- Notebook computer tray/tripod*
- Equipment case with wheels*
- Chair (make arrangements)*
- Infrared/FM listening device*
- Advanced Display
The additional equipment necessary for the following displays can be furnished either by the CART provider or the hiring party. In all cases, before accepting an assignment to display with external monitors or equipment, the CART provider must establish and test hardware and software compatibility.
Computer Monitor Display
- Splitter box for additional monitors
- 25-foot monitor cables
- Multi-line block or digital sharing device*
(for interactive realtime)
Television Display
- Digital signal converter (computer to television)
- Coaxial cable to "daisy chain" multiple TV monitors
Projection Screen Display
- LCD plate and projector or combination unit
- Projection screen
- Extra projector light bulbs
(must know how to replace)
L.E.D. Display
- L.E.D. message boards in various sizes and colors for indoor use
- L.E.D. message board for outdoor use
Encoded Display
(closed-circuit sites such as conventions or classrooms)
- Captioning software (requires training)
- Encoder or character generator
- Camera
- BNC cables
- Null modem cable and/or modem
Remote CART
- Telephone line(s)
- Voice/data modem (for use with single phone line)
- Special microphone (for speaker)
- CAT software which supports Remote CART
- Communication software (computer to computer)
VIII. COMPENSATION
The CART provider will request compensation for services and ascertain particulars of billing/payment in a professional and judicious manner. Details regarding payment for CART service, rates, and rough-edited diskettes should be arranged in advance.
IX. GETTING STARTED
Court reporters interested in getting started as CART providers should review the content available in the CART Special Interest Area on NCRA's Web site and participate in the CART Reporting section of NCRA's Online Forum. If you have additional questions, contact NCRA's Member Services and Information Center at 800-272-6272 or msic@ncrahq.org.
© 2002 National Court Reporters Association, All Rights Reserved
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