Frequently Asked Questions

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What is speech- to- text? What is the difference between CART, C-Print, and TypeWell?

Speech-to-text service provides text in real time for spoken language. Speech-to-text services are often used in place of sign language interpreters for students who do not use sign language or when the course content may have specific vocabulary that is more easily presented in print(e.g. foreign languages, medical courses). This accommodation is appropriate for students who demonstrate strong reading skills.

CART(Communication Access Realtime Translation), C-Print and TypeWell are different systems for delivering speech-to-text services.

CART provides a verbatim output, like you see on TV or court reporting. It requires specialized stenography equipment and at least two years of training.

C-Print and Typewell provide a content based meaning- for- meaning transcription(similar to an interpreter) rather than verbatim. Laptops are used with specialized software. Training for TypeWell and C-Print can be obtained online and generally requires one to two months of training.

All three systems can function either remotely or with the service provider in the classroom. The transcription can be projected for a large audience or an individual can view the service provider's laptop or a separate monitor.

Speech-to-text is considered a real time accommodation. Some colleges and universities provide a copy of the transcript to students.

Additional resources:
Speech-to-Text Services Network
C-Print
TypeWell
National Court Reporters Association
http://www.pepnetnortheast.rit.edu/downloads/TPSHT_CART.pdf
http://www.pepnetnortheast.rit.edu/downloads/TPSHT_CPrint.pdf
A Guide to Speech-to-Text Services in the Postsecondary Environment (1226)
2006 Survey of Postsecondary Speech-to-Text Services: Salary and Program Demographics(1222)