At the University of Michigan (U-M), educational accessibility continues to improve and expand in the classrooms and event spaces of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). LSA Technology Services is pleased to be working with the U-M Office of Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS) to help SAAS provide smooth and easy access to services. The expansion of Zoom-enabled Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) captioning services represents U-M’s commitment to foster an inclusive environment for all students, including those students with hearing impairments.
Zoom-enabled CART captioning is a cutting-edge service that allows a remote transcriber to transcribe spoken language into text, which is displayed on a device like a laptop monitor, tablet, or cell phone, providing students and attendees with real-time accessibility to lectures and discussions without the need to have a transcriber physically present in the classroom or at the event venue. This solution signifies the university's adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its dedication to upholding the highest standards of inclusion.
CART captioning goes beyond compliance with legal mandates. It is a testament to U-M's proactive approach to embracing diversity and reinforcing the message that education should be barrier-free and that students of all abilities have equal access to information. The many years of successful in-person CART transcription, and now the Zoom-enabled CART services, rely on multiple factors such as robust technology platforms, qualified CART professionals, and just-in-time technology support.
Anticipating the future, LSA Technology Services recognizes that accessible technologies and accommodation technologies continue to evolve. It is exciting to see Zoom-enabled CART services grow and LSA Technology Services is eager to participate in the ongoing evolution of support mechanisms for students with varying needs, as well as support for the general public participating in university events. Initiatives to improve access to classes, presentations, and other events are not just about implementing a service, but are more about nurturing a climate of inclusivity.
To learn more about U-M's accessibility initiatives and how they contribute to an inclusive academic experience, visit the university's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website or the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) website.
Students interested in requesting this service, please visit the SSD accommodations website. Staff or faculty interested in learning more about how LSA Technology Services supports CART services, please contact [email protected] or call 734.355.1948.
