Why CART Captioning is vital for accessibility and inclusivity

CART captioning (Communication Access Real-time Translation) is a game-changing tool, creating seamless communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

It transforms spoken language into real-time, readable text, opening doors to equal participation across educational, professional, and public settings. But what makes CART captioning so essential, and why should businesses and institutions consider implementing it?

Let’s explore how CART can bridge communication gaps, foster inclusivity and meet accessibility standards.

What is CART Captioning?

In essence, CART captioning is a form of real-time transcription that instantly translates speech into text displayed on a screen. Unlike traditional subtitles added to pre-recorded videos, CART captions are created live by skilled stenographers who can type at speeds exceeding 300 words per minute.

This impressive pace allows CART captioning to capture every word in real-time, making it perfect for lectures, conferences, meetings, and other events where live, precise transcription is crucial.

Why CART Captioning Matters

Accessibility in education

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, CART captioning is invaluable in educational environments. Live captions ensure these students can follow lectures, discussions, and presentations as they happen.

By providing real-time access to spoken content, CART allows students to engage fully with their peers, ask questions, and contribute insights without missing vital information. This equal access to education supports learning outcomes, fosters a more inclusive classroom, and gives students the confidence to participate actively.

Inclusivity in the workplace

Incorporating CART captioning in the workplace demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. As remote work has become more prevalent, issues with sound quality, overlapping speech, and background noise in virtual meetings can pose challenges for everyone—not just those with hearing impairments.

CART captions help ensure everyone is on the same page, allowing participants to focus on content rather than struggling to hear every word. This not only benefits employees with hearing impairments but also supports non-native speakers and those in noisy environments, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Accuracy and customisation

One of the standout features of CART captioning is its unparalleled accuracy, thanks to the expertise of trained stenographers. CART captions can capture complex language, technical jargon, and specialised vocabulary with high precision, making them ideal for professional and educational settings where details matter.

Additionally, CART captions are fully customisable to meet individual needs—whether through font size, colour, or display format. This adaptability ensures that users receive information in the most accessible and user-friendly way possible.

Legal compliance

Both UK and US law mandate reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and CART captioning is one way to meet these requirements. In the UK, the Equality Act upholds the right to equal access, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US enforces similar obligations.

Businesses, educational institutions, and public bodies that implement CART captioning not only avoid potential legal issues but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, setting a positive example for accessibility standards.

Enhanced visibility for digital content

From a marketing perspective, CART captions are beneficial beyond real-time events. If your business creates video content, adding captions can increase engagement and improve your search engine optimisation (SEO). When captions accompany a video, search engines can “read” the transcript, boosting the likelihood of your content appearing in relevant search results. This means that CART-captioned content not only reaches wider audiences but also improves online visibility, making it a win-win for accessibility and brand outreach.

Why choose 121 Captions for CART captioning?

At 121 Captions, we are leaders in CART captioning, dedicated to ensuring every word counts.

Our skilled team of captioners and court reporters are handpicked from around the world, providing accurate, real-time captions in multiple languages. From classrooms to corporate boardrooms, our captioning services are designed to meet diverse needs, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity and compliance across various settings.

With a history of working with prestigious clients like the BBC, Facebook and Oxford University, our reputation for quality and reliability is well established.

Whether you need CART captioning for an educational event, business meeting, or online content, we’re here to help. Our team is committed to delivering seamless communication solutions that empower individuals and create accessible environments for all.

If you’re looking to make your events, meetings, or content more accessible, CART captioning is a powerful solution.

Reach out to 121 Captions today to learn more about how we can support your accessibility goals, enhance inclusivity, and help you stay compliant with accessibility standards. We’re ready to provide the communication solutions that make a difference.