Chapter 12 - Speech-to-Text (Transcribing Services)

Speech-to-Text services, such as real-time transcribing and CART, may be requested for OSU classes, class related activities, and events/activities open to students and/or the public.


What are Real-Time Transcribing Services?

An in-class transcriber will type the lecture material in a “meaning-for-meaning” (not word-for-word) format. Class discussions, environmental noise, social interaction among other students, and non-lecture related comments (jokes, etc.) will also be transcribed. 

Students view what is being typed by using any device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, or tablet) with an internet connection and a web browser. Students can type questions and comments for the transcriber to voice during the class. Students who do not have their own device will be issued a “reader device” by the transcriber for that class, activity, etc. 


Remote Transcribing

When on-site transcribers are not available, remote transcriber(s) will be used to provide services. This requires the instructor to wear a microphone. The student and the remote transcriber(s) are connected via an internet conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams).  This will allow the remote transcriber(s) to hear everything that is being said during class. 


What are Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) Services?

Communication Access Real-time services (CART) also called Real-Time Captioning, provides a written, verbatim account of what is being said in the classroom.  CART services are most often used in courses with specialized, technical language where verbatim transcripts are essential for course access. Remote CART providers are used when on-site CART providers are not available.  

When on-site CART providers are not available, remote CART providers will be used to provide services. This requires the instructor to wear a microphone. The student and the remote CART providers are connected via an internet conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams).  This will allow the remote CART providers to hear everything that is being said during class.  

If the student is in a discussion-based course for which remote services are not appropriate, the student should contact the Program Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) Access Services at DHOH.services@oregonstate.edu


Student Responsibilities

  • Request accommodations in DAS Student Online Services Login according to the timeline in Chapter 4 of the DAS Student Handbook. 

  • For transcribing services, enter both of the following requests: 

    • Real-time transcribing 

    • Course Transcripts (Only if Real-Time Transcribing is also selected) 

  • Cancel or modify requests for accommodations in DAS Student Online Services Login if withdrawing from a course or if transcribing/CART services are not needed. 

  • A student should email their transcriber(s)/CART providers and DHOH.Services@oregonstate.edu when absent from class(es) or if the instructor cancels class on a particular day. 

    • Students who repeatedly are "no shows" in classes without requesting a cancellation of the service may have the service temporarily suspended and will have to meet with the Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Services to resolve the issue.  

  • A student should email both their transcriber(s)/CART provider(s)and DHOH.services@oregonstate.edu with class relocations. If DAS and the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) are not informed, they will go to the original location, and the student will not have communication access for that class.  

  • A student should ask a classmate for a copy of the notes if the student is unable to attend class.  

  • DAS-provided transcripts are for personal use only. DAS-provided transcripts should not be shared with other students in the course who are not eligible for the service. This includes posting online.


Additional Academic Program Requests

Please check the class syllabus for information concerning field trips, extra credit opportunities and other activities that will require transcribing/CART accommodations outside the classroom or regular class hours.  Requests for these accommodations should be made through the student’s DAS Student Online Services Login.  Students who receive transcribing/CART accommodations through DAS can create custom requests through their accounts on DAS Student Online Services Login. 


Non Class-Related Communication Access Requests

Advertisements for an event should list a contact person to whom requests for accommodations can be made. If no such information is provided, the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) can be requested through DAS by completing the online custom request form. Students receiving real-time transcribing/CART through DAS may submit a custom request through their DAS Student Online Services Login. 


Timeline for Communication Access requests

A minimum of 72 hours advance notice is requested; one-week advance notice is preferred. Please do not make requests directly to service providers, as they must have prior approval from the DAS office before accepting assignments. 


Working with the Transcriber/CART Provider

  • The transcriber/CART provider(s) will contact the student prior to the start of the term to arrange for ways to identify each other on the first day of class. Names and email addresses of the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) can be found by clicking the “Communication Access” link under “My Accommodations” in DAS Student Online Services Login. 

  • The transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) will stay in the class up to 20 minutes in case the student is late.  After 20 minutes, the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) will leave and inform the DHOH manager of a “no-show.”.  If the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) remains in class and the student shows up, they will send a transcript for the portion of the class for which the student was present.  

  • The student should inform the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) how they prefer to communicate with faculty and other students in the course. 

  • The student is responsible for copying diagrams from the board/PowerPoint slides/overheads, etc. The transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) will only type what is said in reference to the PowerPoints, etc. 

  • Do not type personal comments to the transcriber(s). The transcriber(s) must be attentive in order to capture all essential points of the lecture and classroom discussion.  

  • The standout should request clarification from the instructor, not the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s). 

  • The student should check the spelling of all new vocabulary words. Knowing the correct spelling is the student’s responsibility. If transcriber(s) are unsure of the spelling of a word, [sp?] will be inserted after typing the word. 

  • The transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) must quickly break down equipment in order to arrive to the next class on time. Therefore, it is recommended that meetings with instructors should be scheduled during office hours. The student may request transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) for the meeting depending on the availability following the 72-hours advance notice policy for requesting transcriber/CART services. 

  • The student should discuss concerns related to the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s)/transcription process directly with the service provider(s). If the issue remains unresolved, the student should contact the Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Services by emailing DHOH.Services@oregonstate.edu or calling (541)737-3670. 

 

Page Updated 08/2022