Speech-to-Text services, such as real-time transcribing and CART, may be requested for Xavier University of Louisiana classes, class-related activities, and events/activities open to students.
What are Real-Time Transcribing Services?
An in-class transcriber will type the lecture material in a “meaning-for-meaning” (not word-for-word) format. Class discussions, environmental noise, social interaction among other students, and non-lecture-related comments (jokes, etc.) will also be transcribed.
Students view what is being typed by using any device with an internet connection and a web browser. Students can type questions and comments for the transcriber to voice during the class. Students who do not have their own device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, or tablet) will be issued a “reader device” by the transcriber or by Xavier University IT department.
The reader device is for use during classes, approved class-related assignments, and for providing access to University events and activities. It is not for the student’s personal use.
REMOTE TRANSCRIBING
When on-site transcribers are not available, a remote transcriber will be used to provide services. This requires the faculty member to wear a microphone and that the student and remote transcriber are connected via a Skype connection. This will allow the remote transcriber to hear everything that is being said in class. In this case, a technician from Xavier IT department will go to the class to offer setup assistance to both the student and the faculty.
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION ACCESS REAL-TIME TRANSLATION (CART) SERVICES?
Communication Access Real-time Translation services (CART; also called Real-Time Captioning) provides a written, verbatim account of what is being said in the classroom. CART services may be requested for classes, class-related activities, and events/activities open to students.
Remote CART providers are used when on-site providers are not available. In this case, a technician from Xavier IT department will go to the classroom/venue to offer setup assistance to both the student and the faculty member.
It is important to note that in cases where the student is using remote services, the microphone used by the faculty member only picks up the voice of the faculty member. If the student is in a discussion-based class for which remote services are not appropriate, the student should contact the Disability Coordinator at DisabiltyServices@xula.edu.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Request accommodations in ODS Online Services within 48 hours after registering for classes.
- For transcribing services, enter both of the following requests:
- Real-time transcribing
- Course Transcripts (Only if Real-Time Transcribing is also selected)
- Cancel or modify requests for accommodations in ODS On-line Services if withdrawing from a class or if transcribing services are not needed.
- Email your transcribers and DisabilityServices@xula.edu when absent from class (es) or if faculty cancels class on a particular day.
- Students who repeatedly are "no shows" in classes without requesting a cancellation of the service may have the service temporarily suspended and will have to meet with the Disability Services Coordinator to resolve the issue.
- Email both your transcribers/CART provider and DisabilityServices@xula.edu with class relocations. If ODS and the transcribers/CART provider are not informed, they will go to the original location, and you will not have communication access for that class.
- Ask a classmate for a copy of the notes if you are unable to attend class.
- ODS-provided transcripts are for personal use only. ODS-provided transcripts should not be shared with other students in the class who are not eligible for the service.
- Delete all ODS-provided transcripts within two weeks after grades have been posted if there is no dispute regarding the grade.
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAM REQUESTS
Please check the class syllabus for information concerning field trips, extra credit opportunities and other activities that will require accommodations outside the classroom or regular class hours. Requests for accommodations should be made through the student’s ODS On-line Services account. Students who receive communication access accommodations through ODS can create custom requests through their accounts on ODS On-line Services.
NON-CLASS-RELATED INTERPRETING REQUESTS
Advertisements for an event should list a contact person to whom requests for accommodations can be made. If no such information is provided, interpreters can be requested through the Office of Disability Services. Students, staff & faculty can request an interpreter for a non-class event by emailing Disability Services @ DisabilityServices@xula.edu. Students receiving real-time transcribing/CART through ODS may submit a custom request through their ODS Online Services profile.
TIMELINE FOR COMMUNICATION ACCESS REQUESTS
A minimum of 48 hours advance notice is requested; one-week advance notice is preferred. Please do not make requests directly to service providers, as they must have prior approval from the ODS office before accepting assignments.
WORKING WITH THE TRANSCRIBER/CART PROVIDER
- The transcriber/CART provider will contact the student prior to the start of the term to arrange for ways to identify each other on the first day of class. Names and email addresses of transcribers/the CART provider can be found under “My Accommodations” in ODS On-line Services.
- The transcriber/CART provider will stay in the class up to 20 minutes in case the student is late. After 20 minutes, the transcriber will leave and will inform the Disability Coordinator of a “no-show” may leave class after 20 minutes if a student is tardy. If the transcriber remains in class, they will send a transcript for the portion of the class for which the student was present.
- Let the transcriber/CART provider know how you prefer to communicate with faculty and other students in the class.
- The student should copy diagrams from the board/PowerPoint slides/overheads, etc. The transcriber/CART provider will only type what is said in reference to the PowerPoints, etc.
- Do not type personal comments to the transcriber. The transcriber must be attentive in order to capture all essential points of the lecture and classroom discussion.
- Request clarification from the faculty, not the transcriber/CART provider.
- Check the spelling of all new vocabulary words. Knowing the correct spelling is your responsibility. If a transcriber is unsure of the spelling of a word, [sp?] will be inserted after typing the word.
- Transcribers/a CART provider must quickly break down equipment in order to arrive to the next class on time. Therefore, it is recommended that meetings with faculty should be scheduled during office hours. The student may request a transcriber/CART provider for the meeting depending on the transcriber’s availability following the 48-hours advance notice policy for requesting services.
- The student should discuss concerns relating to the transcriber/CART provider/transcription process directly with the service provider. If the issue remains unresolved, or if the student is receiving remote transcribing/CART services, the student should make an appointment with the Disability Coordinator by emailing DisabilityServices@xula.edu or calling (504)520-7607.
Contact Us
Office of Student Health Services
St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center
Building #13, Room 217
Office: 504-520-7396
Fax: 504-520-7962
Mailing Address
1 Drexel Drive
P.O. Box 36
New Orleans, LA 70125
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Closed for Lunch