Real-time Captioning Services

Communication Access at WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is committed to removing communication barriers and ensuring every student has equal access to the educational environment. Through Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART), we provide professional, live captioning services for students with disabilities. These services translate spoken language into text in real time, allowing students to engage fully with lectures, discussions, and course materials.

Whether in a physical classroom or a virtual learning environment, CART services at WSU Vancouver facilitate an inclusive experience. Professional captioners use specialized equipment to stream text directly to a student’s device. Beyond immediate access, these services provide students with accurate transcripts, supporting both comprehension and long-term academic success.

Understanding CART Services

CART stands for Communication Access Real-Time Transcription. Professional captioners use stenography devices to transcribe spoken content during live classes. These captions stream to a student’s computer, mobile device, or a projection screen.

Transcripts are typically delivered to the student within 24 hours and can serve as a valuable notetaking accommodation.

Captioneer Location and Logistics

• On-site Services: Captioners sit near the student and require access to a power outlet. Specific furniture may be reserved for the CART provider; please ensure this seating remains available for their use.
• Remote Services: For virtual or hybrid classes, instructors must provide a synchronous Zoom link to Student Accommodations & Disability Resources.
  • Use the same link for the duration of the term.
  • Disable the Authenticated Users Only setting, as captioners may not have WSU email credentials.
  • Use a passcode for security instead.
  • Keep the Zoom chat enabled for urgent technical communication.

Strategies for Effective Collaboration

To ensure the highest accuracy in real-time transcription, please follow these best practices:

• Audio Quality: Ensure you are near a podium or ceiling microphone. In some cases, staff may provide a wearable microphone.
• Visual Context: Turn on your Zoom camera and use the screen share feature for all electronic materials, such as slide decks and videos.
• Course Access: Add CART providers to your online course spaces (Canvas) in a guest or tutor role. This allows them to prep vocabulary and technical terms specific to your subject.
• Demonstration: Watch this video on CART services created by the Washington State DO-IT program to see the service in action.

The Role of the CART Provider

CART providers are professional contractors or affiliates, not WSU employees. They adhere to a strict Code of Professional Ethics and non-disclosure agreements.

• Neutrality: They transcribe all spoken content and cannot add, delete, or ignore parts of the lecture.
• Non-Participation: Providers do not participate in class discussions, tutor students, or explain course content.
• Attendance: Services are only provided when the student is present. If a student is 20 minutes late, the provider will leave and notify the Access Center.
• Scope: CART captioners do not provide closed captioning for pre-recorded video content. For video accessibility, please submit a Closed Captioning Request.

Managing Technical Issues or Absences

If a captioner is missing or experiencing technical difficulties, students should immediately email the Access Center at van.access.center@wsu.edu. While a replacement is sought, instructors can help by:

1. Enabling Zoom Automated Captions: Use these as an emergency backup only. AI captions are not an equivalent substitute for professional CART services due to lower accuracy with technical terminology.
2. Sharing Materials: Provide the student with lecture slides or detailed outlines.
3. Recording: Record the session to the Zoom Cloud with automated captions enabled. Student Accommodations & Disability Resources will assist in editing the raw transcript for the student.

Support and Contact Information

Providing your class schedule and Zoom links early helps ensure coverage if a substitute is needed. Captioners will typically introduce themselves via email but will otherwise remain silent observers in the classroom.

For questions regarding CART or other accommodations, please contact Student Accommodations & Disability Resources at van.accommodations@wsu.edu.