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Computer Assisted Realtime Translation [CART] Information

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is a word-for-word speech-to-text interpreting service for people who need communication access. Unlike computerized notetaking or abbreviation systems, which summarize information for consumers, CART provides a complete translation of all spoken words and environmental sounds, empowering consumers to decide for themselves what information is important to them. CART consumers include people with hearing loss; individuals with cognitive or motor challenges; anyone desiring to improve reading/language skills; and those with other communication barriers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically recognizes CART as an assistive technology that affords effective communication access.

The National Court Reporters Association [NCRA] is currently developing a certification for CART providers that will set minimum standards for all reporters offering this critical service. NCRA believes that this service should only be offered by qualified CART providers who can impartially, effectively and accurately perform realtime translation as an aid to communication for people with hearing loss or people who would otherwise benefit from this accommodation.

As noted in the CART Provider's Manual, published by NCRA's CART Task Force, the nationally recognized Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) designation at this time is a requisite for the qualified CART provider. The RPR certifies the entry-level reporter's ability to provide a verbatim record at speeds ranging from 180 to 225 words per minute with a minimum accuracy of 95 percent. The Task Force also recommends the attainment of the Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) designation. A CRR has proven his or her ability to write realtime at variable speeds ranging from 180 to 200 words per minute with a minimum accuracy of 96 percent. NCRA also strongly urges all CART providers to familiarize themselves with the CART Provider's Manual.

NCRA's Professional Services Locator lists CART providers and includes their certifications, other credentials and areas of experience. [Attempts to access this link on 4/21/04 return a "404: File not found" error. Any viewer successfully accessing this link, please advise webmaster@pa-shhh.org.]

You can also access the CARTWheel membership directory. CARTWheel is a voluntary membership association in which the participating CART providers have stated their commitment of adhering to suggested guidelines for providing high-quality CART service and have been endorsed by current CARTWheel members and consumers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

NCRA strongly believes that CART providers should accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and the consumers involved, and accurately represent their qualifications for CART. For more information on the ethical behavior expected of CART providers, view Section III and Section IV of the Guidelines for Professional Practice as published by the National Court Reporters Association. For more information on the professional skills expected of qualified CART providers, view the CART Provider's Manual.

A search of the NCRA Professional Services Database on 01/03/2002 returned 3 listings for CART service providers located in Pennsylvania. [Subsequent attempts to update this information were unsuccessful due to linkrot at www.ncaraonline.org.]

Hearing Dog Training Certification

About Hearing Dogs and Minimum Training Standards for Hearing Dogs
Susquehanna Service Dogs
Nancy Fierer
555 Le Sentier
Harrisburg, PA 17112
717-599-5920 v
717-652-8706 v
e-mail: lesentier@aol.com

New Life Assistance Dogs
Sandy Gingrich
1901 Olde Homestead La.
P.O.Box 10485
Lancaster, PA 17605-0485
717-293-1595 v
717-397-1841 tt
800-995-9581
e-mail sandyg@udservices.org

Canine Partners for Life
P.O.Box 170
Cochranville, PA 19330-0170
610-869-4902 v
610-869-9785 fax

  • Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC)
    A search of the NIDRR database found no currently active RRTCs related to hearing loss sited in Pennsylvania.

  • Rehabilitation Research and Engineering Center (RREC)
    A search of the NIDRR database found no currently active RRECs related to hearing loss sited in Pennsylvania.

  • Assistive Technology Demonstration Centers

  • Court Reporter Training Programs

    Community College of Allegheny County
    808 Ridge Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212-2748
    412-237-2748 v

    Orleans Technical Institute, Center City Campus
    1845 Walnut Street, 7th floor
    Philadelphia, PA 19103-4707
    215-854-1853 v

    Courses in court reporting, scoping (court reporting editing).

    DuBois Business College
    One Beaver Drive
    DuBois, PA 15801
    800-692-6213 v
    814-371-6920 v
    814-371-3974 fax
    e-mail: mainc@dbcollege.com

    A rural Pennsylvania distance learning program has shown success in training court reporters. The court system in a six-county rural area in north-central Pennsylvania was facing a shortage of court reporters. The nearest training program was more than 100 miles away. Solution: Establish a distance learning program offering a two-year court reporter certification at a local business college. North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission officials coordinated a unique collaboration between the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and DuBois Business College, a local, private post-secondary school. The former institution, located in the greater Pittsburgh area, serves as the source for the transmission of its two-year court-reporting curriculum to a satellite classroom at DuBois Business College, some 100 miles away. Classes are held four days a week, with students splitting time between the satellite classroom and traditional general-education classes held elsewhere on the DuBois campus.

  • Other Key Pennsylvania On-Line Resources

    • PENNSYLVANIA DISABILITIES LAW PROJECT

      In Eastern Pennsylvania:

    • DISABILITIES LAW PROJECT
      The Philadelphia Building
      1315 Walnut Street, Suite 400
      Philadelphia, PA 19107-4798
      (215) 238-8070 [voice]
      (215) 789-2498 [tty]
      (215) 772-3126 [fax]
      e-mail: dlp.phila@dlp-pa.org

      In Western Pennsylvania

    • DISABILITIES LAW PROJECT
      1901 Law & Finance Building
      429 Fourth Avenue
      Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1505
      (412) 391-5225 [voice]
      (412) 467-8940 [tty]
      (412) 391-4496 [fax]
      e-mail: dlp.pgh@dlp-pa.org

    PA Protection & Advocacy
    1414 North Cameron Street, Suite C
    Harrisburg, PA 17103
    1-800-692-7443 [v/tty]
    (717) 236-8440 [v/tty]
    (717) 236-0192 [fax]
    e-mail: ppa@ppainc.org

    Parent Education Network
    2107 Industrial Highway
    York, PA 17402
    717-600-0100 v/tty
    800-522-5827 v/tty
    800-441-5028 Spanish
    717-600-8101 fax
    e-mail pen@parentednet.org


    DISCLAIMER: This document has been compiled for use by the SHHH Pennsylvania State Office as an information resource. Content is believed to be accurate at time of posting, however, much of the material is subject to frequent change. No warranty of accuracy or suitability for any particular use is made or implied. Information must be independently verified to assure currency and accuracy prior to use. The document should be regarded as a "work in progress". Please report any errors or omissions to Webmaster.