Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is the instantaneous translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, computer, and realtime software, and a means of displaying the text on a computer, TV monitor, or large screen.

The display is not only the spoken word translated into written text, but also speaker identification, and a description of environmental sounds, when possible, which allows the CART Consumer to have a complete understanding of what is transpiring.

CART Services can also be provided from a remote access point through the Internet when the CART Provider is not present at the same location as the consumer or presenter.  The CART Provider listens to the speaker via telephone or over the Internet and provides the realtime text to a Web site for viewing by the consumer.

The Illinois Court Reporters Association supports and endorses only CART Services performed by qualified CART Providers, as set forth in the criteria listed below.

The Americans with Disabilities Act specifically recognizes CART as an assistive technology which affords "effective communication access."   Thus, communication access more aptly describes a CART Providers' role and distinguishes CART from realtime reporting in a traditional litigation setting.