Captioners and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Reporters are trained individuals who dictate as words are spoken and the text appears on a computer monitor, television, or projection screen. This enables people who do not hear well to read everything that is being said. CART providers specialize in realtime technology working for the deaf community in schools, businesses and other environments. Captioners use specialized computer software to provide instant translation of the audio portion of television programs, whether live or off-line; as well as financial call and voice relay call translations. CART and captioning provide a complete translation of all spoken words and environmental sounds, empowering consumers to decide for themselves what information is important to them.
What Will Students Learn?
Students learn state-of-the-art technology with speedbuilding to 250 words per minute. However, the profession of CART or captioning requires much more than just speed. During the speedbuilding process, students receive training in English grammar, spelling; realtime and captioning technology; deaf awareness and culture; and dictation techniques to improve voice recognition.
Why a Career in Captioning or CART?
- CART and captioning are evolving and growing professions in North America.
- Over 28 million Americans have some form of hearing loss. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates equal access to communication for people with disabilities.
- Potential to earn $30 to $100 an hour working from home.
- The FCC mandates that by 2006 television programming must be closed captioned. The opportunities are growing every year.
- Flexible working environment and flexible work schedule.
- Stay on top of current events. Learn about new things while you’re working and broadening your knowledge base.
- Ability to start on the ground floor in a new industry.
CART Environments
- Business, government and educational functions
- Classrooms
- Courtrooms
- Religious services
- Senior citizen meetings
- Conventions and conferences
- Doctor appointments
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- Banking and investment transactions
- Weddings, funerals and other personal events
- Civic events, such as town council meetings
- Cultural presentations, such as Broadway shows
- Recreation or entertainment events
- Television Studios
- Anywhere communication access is needed
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What Qualifications Do I Need to Enroll?
- A high school diploma or GED is a must. Of course, if you have an associate's or a bachelor's or a master's degree, that would be an added plus!
- A strong desire to learn and a commitment to the course of study
- Excellent listening skills
- Good grammar and punctuation skills
- Typing skills (35-40 wpm)
What Does the School Offer Its Students?
- Expertise in the field of Reporting
- Training on up-to-the-minute technological equipment
- Knowledgeable faculty
- State-of-the-art curriculum
- Great support staff
- Opportunity to become employed in an active, stimulating, multi-faceted profession
CERTIFICATE OF CART AND CAPTION REPORTING
Course Descriptions
Students enter the curriculum with the goal of being employed as a Captioner or CART Reporter. Program content is not taught in individualized courses. All curriculum content is integrated within the 28 week program. Course numbers and descriptions are for licensing and student grading purposes.
CA 100: Captioning and CART Hardware
This course provides an overview of the captioning and CART field and focuses on a study of the computer hardware and software used by captioners and CART providers. Students will learn to operate, manage and troubleshoot hardware and software. Students will also become familiar with systems drive installation and management, memory configurations, connecting peripherals, viruses, analysis of problems and input/output techniques.
CA 101: Captioning and CART Realtime Software
This course provides training in the voice recognition software used by captioning and CART providers. Students will learn to operate, manage and troubleshoot the captioning and voice recognition software. A major portion of this course focuses on the skill, ability and accuracy development of the voice recognition software. Classroom activities and drills focus on developing student proficiency and accuracy.
CA 102: Grammar and Terminology for the Captioning and CART Provider
This course focuses on examination of English grammar usage, conciseness, clarity, punctuation and word study. Classroom activities and drills focus on developing student proficiency and accuracy.
CA 103: The Captioning and CART Environment
This course deals with the exploration of what captioning and CART are, how they originated, the types, modes and styles of CART and captioning including off-line captioning. This course introduces the student to the various needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and the legal and regulatory environment of closed captioning.
CA 104: Preparing to be a CART Provider and Captioner
This course begins with a detailed exploration of the characteristics of successful CART providers and captioners, including the study of verbatim and non-verbatim captions and editing. This course explores the different types of knowledge base a CART provider and captioner need to build and maintain their skill and how to do so. It introduces the student to the cultural literacy, background knowledge and current events libraries and how to build background knowledge, cultural literary and current events awareness.
CA 105: CART Reporters and Captioner’s Tools and Technologies
This course provides the student with the understanding of CART technologies and television technologies, including receivers, signals, broadcasting, cable, satellite and how they are maintained for effective ongoing use. It helps students understand their role in the CART and captioning industry. Students gain the knowledge on how to do research for various jobs they may encounter.
CA 106: Producing Captions
This course is designed to provide a series of detailed lessons on how to create captions. Sudents learn the different types of caption symbols that are used and the styles and parameters of captions in great detail as well as a variety of special captioning formats. |
