What is CART?

CART Criteria | CART Code of Ethics | CART Providers

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 Captioner 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 Captioners, 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 Captioners' role and distinguishes CART from realtime reporting in a traditional litigation setting.

CART Criteria

ILCRA CART Captioner Criteria

The Illinois Court Reporters Association has developed the following criteria which a CART Captioner in the state of Illinois must meet in order to be placed on our list of qualified providers.

• Illinois CSR (Certified Shorthand Reporter)

• National Court Reporters Association CCP (Certified CART Provider)

        OR

• Illinois CSR (Certified Shorthand Reporter)
• Illinois Court Reporters Association sponsored or recognized Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Sensitivity Training
• Illinois Court Reporters Association sponsored or recognized CART Technical Training
• Four hours of CART internship or four hours of related work history

CART Code of Ethics

CART Code of Professional Ethics

1. Preserve the privacy of a consumer's personal and/or privileged information gained in the course of provision of CART service.
2. At all times render an instantaneous English text translation of the spoken English as nearly word for word as possible while striving to convey the content and spirit of the speaker's message.
3. Accept only assignments for which they are qualified, using discretion and professional judgment regarding the nature of the assignment and skill level required to render competent CART service.
4. Request compensation for services and ascertain particulars of billing/payment in a professional and judicious manner.
5. At all times maintain a professional role and perform in a manner appropriate to the situation.
6. Strive to maintain high professional standards through appropriate certification systems and the maintenence of current knowledge in the field. 
7. Be fair and impartial toward each participant in all aspects of CART service and will be alert to avoid situations that are conflicts of interest.
8. Abide by the Bylaws and Code of Professional Ethics of ILCRA.

CART Providers

CART Providers

ILCRA Professional Members 

Key to Certification Abbreviations:

• RPR - Registered Professional Reporter (225 wpm Q/A; 200 wpm Legal Opinion/Jury Charge; 180 wpm Literary)
• RMR - Registered Merit Reporter(260 wpm Q/A; 220 wpm Legal Opinion/Jury Charge; 200 wpm Literary)
• RDR - Registered Diplomate Reporter (RMR plus advanced written test)
• CSR - Certified Shorthand Reporter (state designation)
• CCP - Certified CART Provider
• CBC - Certified Broadcast Captioner
• CPE - Certified Program Evaluator
• * denotes speed contest qualifier
• ** denotes speed contest champion
• Speed Contest - 280 wpm Q/A; 240 wpm Legal Opinion; 220 wpm Literary
   

For more specifics on each of these designations please visit NCRA Certifications

CART Services Provided:

• OO - one-on-one CART
• SG - small group CART
• OH - overhead projector CART
• C - conventions
• RC - remote CART
• CC - captioning