Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART)

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART), also known as real-time or live captioning, provides instant translation of spoken communication into written English.

CART is delivered by trained stenographers, also called real-time captioners, who use a stenotype machine, specialized software, and a computer to capture spoken words and display text within seconds. Captions may be viewed on a personal device, shared screen, projection screen, or web browser, depending on the setting.

For more details, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page. 

When CART Is Recommended

CART services are commonly used for:

• • Public meetings, hearings, and community events

  • Trainings, presentations, and panel discussions

  • Virtual or hybrid meetings

  • Situations where written access to spoken communication is needed

CART benefits not only individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, but also people with auditory processing disabilities, individuals who use English as a second language, and participants in noisy or acoustically challenging environments.

How CART Works

• • The speaker talks into a microphone or audio source

  • The captioner listens to the audio in person or remotely

  • Spoken words are entered using a stenotype machine

  • Software converts the steno input into written English

  • Captions are displayed in real time on a screen, device, or web browser

Requesting CART Services

To request CART services for a City of Los Angeles meeting, event, or program, submit a request using the Department on Disability’s online form: bit.ly/dod-slicart.

Requests should be submitted as early as possible and at least five business days before the event to allow sufficient time for coordination.

If a last-minute need arises, submit the request as soon as possible. While DOD will make every effort to accommodate urgent requests, securing captioners on short notice may not always be possible.

When requests are submitted and processed through the online form, the Department on Disability assumes responsibility for the cost of CART services.

For general CART inquiries, contact sli.cart@lacity.org. 

In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid CART

CART may be provided in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, depending on the event setup and communication needs.

In-Person CART

The captioner is physically present at the event. This option is best for large events, complex discussions, or situations where audio quality may be challenging.

Remote CART

The captioner listens to the event audio through a phone line or internet connection and streams captions remotely. This option is cost-effective and well suited for virtual meetings, hybrid events, and smaller group settings.

For virtual meetings, remote CART may be delivered through a separate captioning link that allows participants to customize font size, color, and background.

Hybrid Meetings (In-Person Event with Remote CART)

For hybrid meetings, CART may be provided remotely even when the event takes place in person.

In this setup:

• The captioner joins remotely and listens to the meeting audio through a phone line or internet connection

• The hosting department must provide a reliable audio feed, such as a room microphone, conference system, or virtual meeting platform

• Captions are delivered through a live captioning link that can be viewed on personal devices, a shared screen, or a projection screen in the room

Hybrid CART is often used when an in-person captioner is not available or when remote captioning is the most practical option.

To ensure effective communication during hybrid CART:

• • Test the audio connection with the captioner in advance

  • Ensure all speakers use microphones and speak clearly

  • Assign a staff member to manage the audio and caption display during the event

Preparing for CART Services

To support accurate and effective captioning:

• Share agendas, slides, scripts, names, and technical terms with the captioner in advance

• Ensure all speakers use a microphone. If a microphone is not available, repeat audience questions before responding

• Speak at a steady, conversational pace

• Use a moderator to manage turn-taking and limit overlapping speech

• Ask speakers to identify themselves before speaking

• Avoid side conversations and background noise

• Confirm captions are working and visible before the meeting begins

When captions are displayed on a shared screen, use high-contrast settings to improve readability.

Cancellations

If an event or activity is canceled, please notify the Department on Disability as soon as possible, and ideally at least 48 hours before the scheduled date and time.

If a cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the event, notification is still important so captioner assignments can be adjusted when possible.

Timely cancellations help manage captioner availability and reduce unnecessary costs.

What to Expect When Filling Out the Service Request Form

Our Service Request Form collects key details to help us coordinate accessibility services like Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) for your event. Here’s the information you’ll be asked to provide:

1. Requester’s Contact Information

• First and last name

• City department, office, or bureau

• City email address (required)

• Phone number

2. Event Contact Information

• Name, email, and phone number of the main event contact

• Optional alternate contact information

3. Event Details

• Name of service recipient or if it's a general access request

• Event name or title

• Start and end date

• Arrival/connect time and start/end time

4. Event Type

• • Indicate if the event is on-site (in-person services) or remote (services provided through Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

5. Services Requested

• Choose one or both:

  • CART captioning (English is the default unless another language is specified)

  • Sign Language Interpreting (ASL is the default unless another language is specified)

6. Additional Information

• Details about the event (ex: topic, speakers, language needs, recording/filming information)

• Link to any supporting materials (agenda, talking points, etc.)

7. Equipment Agreement

• Confirmation that your team will provide necessary equipment and ensure proper audio coordination for captioners or interpreters