| Please read the following as a further explanation of the CART captioner’s role when performing his/her job. For additional information, please click here to read a brochure produced by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) or visit the Communication Access Information Center’s Web site.
Sensitivity There is a certain etiquette required when communicating with CART consumers. A CART provider should acquire training in communication techniques through court reporting association seminars, disability agencies, sign language courses, etc. Membership in organizations such as the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Hearing Loss of America (formally Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People), and the National Association of the Deaf is recommended. CART is provided in a variety of settings such as medical appointments, church meetings, educational settings, funerals, programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and police interrogations. Personal settings can be emotionally charged. Self-discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to manage stress and control emotions are important traits of a CART provider. Additionally, projecting CART to an audience helps to educate others about CART technology and its uses. The CART provider should maintain a positive attitude when responding to questions. At all times the CART provider should dress appropriately for the setting of the assignment. For example, business attire on a college campus may not be necessary and may make the consumer feel conspicuous. The CART provider should be aware of the role of the sign language interpreter. Very often an interpreter will be present to serve deaf/hard of hearing individuals who prefer using sign language or to voice for a non-oral individual. It should be stressed that the CART provider and interpreter work as a team, never in competition.
Staying In Role A CART provider may be asked to step out of role to answer questions about the service, to demonstrate equipment during a break or to schedule future dates. Deviations from role should be the exception and should be discouraged but may occur with the approval of the CART consumer. The CART provider must exercise discretion in situations, which may warrant interrupting the proceedings to ensure the integrity of the CART translation. Care should be taken not to call undue attention to the consumer or oneself. At the request of the consumer, the CART provider may voice for the consumer in order to facilitate communication.
Impartiality The CART provider shall disclose any potential conflict of interest or inability to be impartial. Failure to do so may make it difficult to prove one unbiased if challenged.
Confidentiality
Professional
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