Accessibility is essential for effective communication in work, educational and healthcare settings. Without interpreters or assistive technology, people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing face challenges with understanding and participating in verbal conversations. CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) is an accessible solution for communication barriers.
What is CART and what does it stand for?
CART, an acronym for “Communication Access Real-Time Translation” is a process that turns spoken words into written text in real time. With the help of technology and a machine called a stenotype, a CART service captures what is being said and displays it as text on a screen. This allows people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing to read and understand conversations as they happen.
How Does CART Work?
CART professionals, known as CART reporters or stenographers, attend meetings, conferences, or other events where communication is important. They use a special machine to listen to what is being said and type it out as text using a stenotype. The text is then shown on a screen, making it easy for people with a hearing disability to follow along and be a part of the conversation.
What is a Stenotype?
A stenotype is a machine that CART reporters use to write down spoken words. It looks like a typewriter, but has fewer keys. Instead of typing one letter at a time, a stenographer presses multiple keys together to represent whole words or sounds. This shorthand method helps transcribe speechquickly and accurately. The machine translates the key combinations into written text that appears on a screen. CART reporters need training to use a stenotype effectively.
Where is CART used?
CART can be used in various settings, such as classrooms, meetings, conferences, and online events. It can be set up on-site or used remotely, depending on the needs of the participants. Wherever there is a need for live captions, CART should be available.
Benefits of CART
Better Communication: CART helps bridge the communication gap for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It allows them to actively participate in conversations, meetings, and classrooms, making communication more inclusive.
Accurate Transcription: CART captioners are trained to transcribe spoken words accurately and quickly. This ensures that the text displayed on the screen is a reliable translation of what is being said.
Real-time Interaction: CART provides text translations in real time. This means that people with hearing disabilities can read the conversation as it happens, allowing them to participate actively and respond in a timely manner.
CART and Accessibility Laws
CART plays an important role in ensuring equal communication access for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including Titles II and III, requires that state and local governments, public accommodations, and employers deliver effective communication individuals with disabilities. In order to make spoken content truly accessible, they must provide auxiliary aids and services like qualified interpreters, note-takers, and real-time captioning (CART or Ava Scribe). CART, as well as the more modern and affordable Scribe, stand out because they deliver accurate, live text so Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can fully engage in meetings, conferences, classrooms, workplaces, and public events.
The law is clear: these accommodations must be provided free of charge to the person requesting them, and entities have to give primary consideration to the individual's preferred method. In practice, this has opened doors for countless DHH professionals and students, turning passive listening into active participation. And it's why these solutions are essential for meaningful inclusion.
Similarly in Canada, the Accessible Canada Act or ACA's agenda is to reach a barrier-free Canada by 2040. It requires federally regulated entities (government departments, banks, telecoms, broadcasters, airlines, and more) to find, remove, and prevent barriers across key areas, including employment, communications, and information technologies.
The ACA goes further by officially recognizing American Sign Language (ASL), Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), and Indigenous sign languages as the primary languages of Deaf people in Canada. And it affirms the country's commitment to linguistic and cultural respect. When it comes to communication, the Act demands that barriers to information and services be eliminated so real-time captioning like Ava Scribe or CART becomes the norm to ensure live events, classes, meetings, consultations, broadcasts, and digital content are accessible to everyone. See our article "The Accessible Canada Act Is Improving Campus Communications" for more information.
CART Summary
CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) is a valuable technology that improves communication for individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Providing real-time text translations allows the DHH community to actively participate in workplace and academic conversations. The benefits of CART, such as better communication, accurate transcription, real-time interaction, versatility, and privacy, make it an essential tool for creating accessible and inclusive environments.
As we strive for a more inclusive society, CART continues to break down barriers and enable effective communication for all. At Ava, we use AI along with human scribes or captioners to generate highly accurate captions without delay. With Ava Scribe, we can deliver the quality of remote CART services without the costs associated with it.
