An estimated 26 million adults in the United States have a hearing loss that interferes with their ability to understand speech.

What is Captioning?  Captioning is a technology that makes television, conferences, concerts, and video streaming accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Captions are used when there is a need for the spoken text to be seen in conjunction with a picture image.
 
What is CART? Also known as Communication Access Realtime Translation, CART is similar to captioning with the exception there is not a picture image.  Like captioning, CART provides the Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual with written text accompanying the spoken language. It’s beneficial for people who are Deaf or have a hearing loss and do not communicate utilizing ASL (American Sign Language).  CART can also be referred to as realtime captioning.
 
A CART/Captioning provider uses a stenotype machine, laptop computer, and realtime software to convey instant speech-to-text translation on a computer monitor or display for the benefit of an individual or large group.

Where would CART/Captioning be used? These services can be used in a multitude of different environments, including classrooms, conventions and conferences, civic events, entertainment and theater events, business events, religious services, senior citizen meetings, weddings and other personal events, and anywhere else that communication is needed. We offer a variety of display options based on the needs of your event and the size of your venue, from single user to stadium seating.
 
What are the benefits? Immeasurable.

• Achieve equal communication access for both the personal and professional lives of either you or a loved one
• Gain independence and the ability to make your own decision about what is being presented
• Receive freedom of choice regarding the location, display options, and seating
• Secure the confidence to participate in conversations, knowing every word and sound is being captured
• Enhance the enjoyment of audience members who have either not self-identified their hearing loss or merely wish to catch a missed word or phrase
• Aid comprehension for individuals whose first language is not English as they visually read the spoken word

Most important of all, captioning allows a person to fully participate in their life experience and not feel isolated from the hearing world.
 
CART/Captioning is basically the functional equivalency of a wheelchair ramp, providing access to those who are unable to hear in what can be an otherwise confusing or limited world.