Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART)

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) is the process of translating spoken word into written text. This process is also known as captioning. The captioner can provide services in person and remotely.

We recommend that you ask the consumer for their preferred accommodation. If CART is preferred, hire a professionally trained CART captioner.

CART captioners

This page provides a partial listing of CART providers in Wisconsin.

Find a CART captioner

Service Fund

The Service Fund pays for interpreting and captioning services when state or federal laws do not apply.

Learn more about the Service Fund

Captioning is not regulated by a specialty governing body. CART captioners generally get their start by developing court reporting skills. Certifications that are offered through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) include:

• RPR: Registered Professional Reporter
• CRR: Certified Real-time Reporter
• CRC: Certified Real-time Captioner
• RMR: Registered Merit Reporters
• RDR: Registered Diplomatic Reporter
• CRI: Certified Reporting Instructor

National Court Reporters Association—Guidelines for CART Captioners—Booking a CART captioning job (PDF)

For more information on CART:

• National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
• Wisconsin Court Reporters Association (WCRA)