What is CART?
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) Service is a verbatim, word-for-word, instant translation of the spoken word into written text. The text appears instantly on a computer screen so that deaf or hard-of-hearing consumers may read what is being said.
CART often contains environmental sounds, and other audible and visual content that the consumer may miss otherwise.
CART services are performed by specially trained stenographers, many of them are former court reporters. Whenever possible, a Certified CART Provider, or CCP, should perform CART services.
CART is similar to Realtime Captioning in that the same equipment is used. The difference is that CART is a full screen of text, whereas Realtime Captioning contains few lines of text in addition to a video picture.
CART Display Options
Individual CART - This is CART service provided for one deaf or hard-of-hearing consumer. The CART provider sits near the consumer, and the consumer views the CART on a notebook-sized portable computer.
Group CART - For small groups, up to three consumers, an external computer monitor may be connected to the CART provider's computer.
Projected CART - For larger groups, the CART text may be projected onto a screen or wall using a data projector. In some cases, the CART may be viewed on a large-screen television. Keep in mind that projectors vary greatly, and the size of the group and the size of the room should dictate the strength of the projector and the size of the screen.
Remote CART - CART services are sometimes used when the CART provider is in a separate location from the deaf or hard-of-hearing consumer. The CART provider listens to the audio via a special speakerphone or microphone system, and the CART is sent to the consumer's computer through a separate phone line, or to the internet. The consumer or consumers are then provided access and a password to view the CART through their internet connection.
CART Information
To find a Certified CART Provider in Florida, click here.
The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) is the certifying body for CART providers. The NCRA has CART consumer information available at the following links:
Communication Access Realtime Translation
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