Some Speech-To-Text FAQs

What is speech-to-text

Speech-to-text services deliver spoken information such as lectures, presentations, and classes as text on a computer screen in real time or as printed documents. Speech-to-text service is an appropriate accommodation for individuals who are comfortable receiving information via text.

Speech-to-text services often are used for students or others who do not use sign language interpreters or when course content has vocabulary more easily presented in print(e.g. foreign languages, medical courses).

What is the difference between CART, C-Print®, and TypeWell®?

CART (Communication Access Real-time 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: www.stsn.org/
• C-Print®: www.ntid.rit.edu/cprint/
• TypeWell®: typewell.com
• National Court Reporters Association: www.ncraonline.org/

Is it ever appropriate to have both speech-to-text services and Interpreting in one class for one student?

The dual accommodations of interpreting services and speech-to-text services for the same course are rare, but there may be specific circumstances for which an individual determination for dual accommodations might be appropriate. In some circumstances, the complexity of the content and the need for a thorough text recording of the discourse may make it appropriate and/or cost effective.

Accommodations should always be determined case by case. Speech-to-text services may not be appropriate for all students, and interpreting services will not be appropriate for all students. It is important to involve students in discussions about their communication preferences.

Recommended Reading:

"Americans with Disabilities Act: Responsibilities for Postsecondary Institutions Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Second Edition Questions and Answers" is available from the PEPNet Dissemination Center (PDC) download page, pdcorder.pepnet.org/order/download_result.aspx

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