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Real-Time Captioning

Overview of C-Print

Pam FrancisC-Print CoordinatorNETAC/NTID

Jennie Bourgeois Louisiana SOTAC CoordinatorLouisiana State University

Cindy CampDisability Specialist in DeafnessJacksonville State University

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What is C-Print?

Computer-aided speech-to-print transcription system

Developed at NTID(National Technical Institute for the Deaf)

Support service option students who are deaf/hard of hearing mainstream educational environments

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What is C-Print™

Keyboard-based system Communication access tool Supports both real time and notetaking Used stand alone or as adjunct to another

accommodation Can be used with other disabilities

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C-Print Advantages

Some deaf/hard of hearing students prefer printed text of lectures

Offers option for individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing and do not utilize sign language interpreter services

Cost effective

Readily available

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How Does It Work?

C-Print captionisttypes teacher’s lecture (& students’ comments) into laptop computer

Typed information – displayed simultaneously on second laptop computer or

television monitor – students access class information / discussion

Printed text– available to students for review

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How C-Print™ Works

Captionist– Abbreviation system

based on phonetics

Rule example: Type the letter “k” for the sound /k/, no matter how it’s spelled. E.g., kfe = coffee.

– Text condensing strategies (meaning for meaning translation)

Technology– Laptop computer

– Specialized abbreviation software

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How Does It Work?

System uses laptop computer– abbreviation software

Captionist – receives training

abbreviation system (reduces keystrokes)

text-condensing strategies

– types information more complete representation of what is said

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Display Options

Option 1– 2 laptops

Captionist and Student

Option 2– 1 laptop

Captionist

Option 3– 1 VGA or TV monitor

Student(s)

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How Much Does It Cost?

Approximate software cost– C-Print Pro Software

Server/Client Package– $375 Standard Price– $225 Academic Price

– Online Training– $250 Standard Price– $400 Academic Price

Additional costs vary– laptop computers– display equipment– captionists’ training & salaries

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Cost Considerations

Hardware – laptop(s), display options, linking cable or wireless network cards

Software – C-Print Pro Captionist salaries – rates range between $15-

$35/hr. depending on location and proficiency Other – laptop carrying case, portable stand,

disks, etc

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Benefits for Students

Hard copy notes after class are manageable and can be used as a study tool

Text display remains on screen for up to one minute

Exposure to actual vocabulary

Individual student needs are likely to influence the extent of benefit.

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C-Print™ vs. Steno Captioning

Amount of information captured Transcripts/notes Cost of service Availability of captionists Equipment

Both systems are forms of CART (Communication Access Real Time Translation)

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Students Who Can Benefit

Hearing loss that is moderate Reading level of 4th grade or above Voicing preferences Little or no knowledge of sign language Other

– Visually impaired– Learning disabilities– Physically challenged– English as a second language

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Ideas for Faculty Working With C-Print

Introduce captionist & C-Print service beginning of first class shows support of the service

Allow captionist to explain C-Print show screen to interested students after class

Speak loudly & clearly during class captionist must easily hear everyone

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Ideas for Faculty Working With C-Print

Give C-Print captionist available materials before class

course syllabushandoutsoutlinesoverheadsvocabulary lists

Why?useful for captionist’s preparationcreating specialized dictionary

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Ideas for Faculty Working With C-Print

Restate/summarize class comments if they were

– difficult to hear– disorganized

Be aware captionist use “down times” in class– edit notes taken earlier

Decide whether other students have access to C-Print hardcopy notes

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Appropriate Academic Environments For C-Print

Classroom lectures Group discussions Business/community meetings

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Other Uses for C-Print

Out of class situations

Faculty meetings

Board meetings

Students with other disabilities

Students for whom English is a second language

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Captionist Requirements

Typing speed of 60 wpm+ Excellent listening skills

Phonetic aptitude Excellent English skills

Confidence working in educational settings

Ability to work in

high stress situations

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Captionist Training

Online Training– Independent study at your own speed– Additional training in voice recognition software

available

Certification (coming soon)

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Other Considerations

Logistics

Ergonomics

Roles

Recruiting

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For More Information:

NTID

http://cprint.rit.edu/

585-475-7557 (v/tty)

CPrint@rit.edu