FAQs - Commonly Asked Questions

What is a voice writer?

Voice writers are professionals who have been highly trained to capture the spoken word with the capability to convert it into text by means of computer-aided transcription software. Voice writers can be found in official courtrooms, depositions, and realtime translation services for broadcast captioning on nationally-televised channels; in colleges and arenas in which translation services are requested for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

What is CART?

Communication Access Realtime Translation, or CART, offers instantaneous transcription of the spoken word into English text through the use of speech-to-text software, a computer, and either an open or closed microphone or stenotype machine. The text is then displayed on a computer monitor, large screen, or other display device for the individual or individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to read.

What is broadcast captioning?

The main purpose of captioning is to provide equal access to television programming for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. At this time though, captioning is also used in other ways, such as providing text for television programming in noisy venues like restaurants and bars, assisting individuals for whom English is their second language in understanding the broadcast, and reinforcing reading skills for children. However, the original purpose of captioning remains to provide equal access to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Where do voice writers practice?

States shown in PURPLE are states where voice writers work as court reporters, CART providers and Captioners nationwide.  Voice writing court reporters work as court reporters, CART providers and Captioners nationwide.  Voice writing court reporters are able to practice in the state court systems of most states but are restricted to freelance reporting in some.  The rules for Federal Courts allow for machine writers, voice writers, and digital recorders.