Real-time 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.
Real-Time Transcribing Services
An in-class transcriber will type lecture material and class discussion in a “meaning-for-meaning” (not word-for-word) format. Class discussions, environmental noise, social interaction among other students, and non-lecture related comments (such as jokes) will also be transcribed. This service is also available for virtual activities. The instructor is required to provide a Zoom or Teams link for the student and remote transcribers.
Students view what is being typed using any device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, or tablet) with an internet connection and a web browser. Students can type questions and comments if they need the transcriber to voice for them during the class.
Communication Access Real-Time Transcription (CART) Services
Communication Access Real-Time Translation services (CART) 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.
Remote Transcribing/CART
When on-site transcribing/CART are not available, remote transcriber(s)/CART will be used to provide services. This requires the instructor to wear a microphone. The student and the remote transcriber(s)/CART are connected via an internet conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams). This will allow the remote transcriber(s)/CART to hear content that is being spoken during class and generate services in real-time.
If the student is in a discussion-based course for which remote services are not appropriate, the student should contact the Communication Access team by emailing [email protected].
Student Responsibilities
- Request transcription/CART services through the DAS Student Portal.
- Cancel or modify requests for accommodations in DAS Student Portal if withdrawing from a course or if transcribing/CART services are not needed.
- Email the transcriber(s)/CART providers and [email protected]:
- when absent from class(es)
- if the instructor cancels class on a particular day
- if there is a class relocation. The transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) will go to the original location.
- A student should ask a classmate for a copy of the notes if the student cannot attend class.
- The transcriber(s)/CART provider will wait up to 15minutes outside the classroom or online if a student is late to class. After 15 minutes, the transcriber(s)/CART provider will leave.
- DAS-provided transcripts are for personal use only. DAS-provided transcripts should not be shared with other students in the course nor be posted online.
Timeline for Communication Access Requests
For custom request, a minimum of 72 hours advance notice is requested; one week’s 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.
Academic/Class-Related Program Requests
Please check the class syllabus for information concerning field trips, extra credit opportunities, study abroad programs, and other activities that will require accommodations outside the classroom or regular class hours. Requests for accommodations should be made through the custom request form in the Communication Access section which can be accessed through the DAS Student Portal.
Class-related special events may also include the following:
- Instructor assigned out of class activities
- attending a theatrical production
- attending a guest lecture
- SI Tables
- Student resource fairs
- Instructor scheduled review sessions before an exam
- Meeting outside of class to complete a group project
Non-Class-Related Transcriber/CART Requests
Transcriber(s)/CART can be requested for non-class-related events by completing the custom request form in the Communication Access section which can be accessed through the DAS Student Portal.
Non-class related transcriber/CART requests include the following:
- Meeting with instructors during office hours
- Meeting with academic advisors
- Meeting with a CAPS therapist/counselor
- Participating in student clubs/organizations (e.g., ASL Club)
- Residence hall floor meetings
OSU-Sponsored Events
If you would like to attend an OSU-sponsored event, and it is not a course-related assignment, look on the flyer or marketing materials for the name and contact information of the sponsor to whom requests for accommodations can be made. If you do not see this information, please contact [email protected]. Examples of these events are as follows:
- A guest lecture
- A webinar or workshop
- An artistic, theatrical, or musical event at the PRAX Center
Working with Transcriber/CART Provider
- The transcriber/CART provider(s) will contact the student prior to the start of the term to provide them with their unique real-time transcript URL. Names and email addresses of the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s) can be found by clicking the “Communication Access” link under “My Accommodations” in the DAS Student Portal.
- 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)/CART. The transcriber(s)/CART must be attentive in order to capture all essential points of the lecture and classroom discussion.
- The student 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)/CART are unsure of the spelling of a word, [sp?] will be inserted after typing the word.
- Please note that the transcriber(s)/CART provider may not be available for additional questions or comments after the class ends.
- The student should discuss concerns related to the transcriber(s)/CART provider(s)/transcription process with Communication Access Services by emailing [email protected] or calling (541)737-4098.
Concerns/Complaints about Service Providers
Clear communication between students who receive services through DAS, their service providers (transcribers), and appropriate DAS staff is vital to utilizing the DAS program effectively. For concerns related to a service provider:
- If the student is comfortable/able to meet with the service provider, the student is encouraged to meet with the service provider to discuss concerns directly.
- If the student is not comfortable meeting with the service provider directly or the issue remains unresolved please contact your DAS adviser. For Interpreters or Transcribers, please contact the Communication Access Manager at [email protected], or by calling 541-737-4098.
Page updated: 1/2026