Picture this: You’re interested in adding captioning to your event, but you’re not sure what, exactly, you’re looking for.
You’ve noticed automated captioning options, but you’ve seen those results, and you want better. Plus, you and your audience value live, human captioning. But how can you get this?
Enter: CART. One of the most effective tools to ensure clear, accessible communication for online (or in-person) event participants is Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART). Let’s explore what CART is, how it works, and its benefits for online and hybrid events.
Understanding CART
CART is a captioning service that provides real-time transcription of spoken words into text. Live captioning is often used to make events accessible for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it can also benefit non-native speakers and anyone who prefers reading along with audio content.
The technology behind CART involves a high-quality captioner who tunes in to the event and writes the spoken words using specialized software. The resulting text appears on your screen almost instantaneously, allowing participants to read along as the event unfolds.
Where is CART Used?
In short, CART captioning can be used virtually anywhere! The term has expanded beyond its original usage in schools and universities. It is a catch-all for any online or in-person captioning.
CART captioning can be used for the following:
- In-person conferences
- Zoom webinars
- YouTube streams
- Town halls
- Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
- Q&A panels
- Press conferences
- Stage plays
- Weddings
- Church services
- Laughter yoga (yep, we’ve captioned that!)
- …and more! If you can dream up an event, TCG can help you include accessible CART captioning
How CART Works in Practice
Implementing CART in an online event doesn’t need to be complicated, and a great captioning provider can help make it smooth and efficient! Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Setup: Before the event, TCG works with you to gather prep material and necessary audio-visual information (such as Zoom and captioning links). This includes passing on information to our captioner and providing you details on how to display the captions.
- Captioning: The captioner connects a few minutes before the event to test captioning. During the event, the captioner listens to the speakers and writes in realtime. The text is then displayed on a screen for participants to read.
- Script and Follow-Up: After the event concludes, our office sends over their lightly edited realtime transcript. Our office reviews and tweaks information in our client database to further customize and streamline your setup for future events!
The Importance of CART in Online Events
As events pivot to accommodate in-person and online audiences to expand their reach, the need for accessibility has never been more crucial. Here are a few reasons why CART is essential:
- Inclusivity: CART ensures that everyone can participate in the conversation, regardless of their hearing ability. Captioning serves multiple audiences and fosters an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.
- Enhanced Comprehension: Whether viewers tune in from a noisy environment, want or need to keep the volume low, or simply learn and process information better through visual versus audio, quality captioning increases accessibility for all.
- Engagement: When participants can read what is being said, they are more likely to stay engaged in the material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is an invaluable tool for ensuring accessibility in online webinars and events. By providing real-time transcription of spoken words, CART not only fosters inclusivity but also enhances comprehension and engagement.
If you want to elevate your online events and ensure everyone feels included, consider adding CART services to your next webinar.
Make your events memorable and see the difference with inclusive CART captioning!
Add CART to your next event!
Request a quote today to learn more about our service offerings for virtual or hybrid events.
