Combining ASL & CART in Educational Settings: Maximizing Accessibility for Students

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Every student deserves a classroom where they can fully participate, understand, and thrive. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, accessibility is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Two of the most effective tools for making education accessible are American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART). But what happens when you combine both? You create a learning environment where every student can reach their potential.

What Are ASL and CART?

Combining ASL & CART in Educational Settings

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters are trained professionals who translate spoken language into sign language, allowing Deaf students to engage in real-time with teachers and classmates. ASL interpreters don’t just translate words—they convey tone, emotion, and intent, making lessons more personal and interactive.

CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) is a service where a trained specialist transcribes spoken words into text, which appears on a screen for students to read in real time. CART can reach speeds of up to 260 words per minute with 98% or greater accuracy, ensuring students don’t miss a thing.

Why Combine ASL & CART?

Every student is unique. Some prefer visual language like ASL, while others benefit from written text. Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing students use both, depending on the situation, their comfort, or their learning style.

Combining ASL and CART provides:

Multi-sensory access: Students can watch the interpreter and read the text, reinforcing understanding.
Greater flexibility: Students switch between ASL and CART as needed, especially during complex lessons or fast-paced discussions.
Improved knowledge retention: Research shows that multi-sensory input helps students remember more information.
Accessibility for all: CART benefits not just Deaf students, but also those with auditory processing disorders, English language learners, and anyone who prefers reading along.

How ASL & CART Work Side by Side

Let’s break down how these services complement each other in the classroom:

Feature	ASL Interpreter	CART Captioning	Combined Benefit
Communication Mode	Visual (sign language)	Text (real-time captions)	Multi-sensory input
Speed	Real-time, highly responsive	Real-time, slight delay possible	Students can choose what works best
Emotion & Tone	Conveys emotion, tone, and intent	Captures spoken words, less nuance	Students get both factual and emotional content
Participation in Discussion	Ideal for active, fast-paced discussions	Great for lectures and note-taking	Students can follow along and participate fully
Accessibility	Best for fluent signers	Best for strong readers	Reaches a wider range of students

Latest Data and Trends

Over 140,000 students are currently enrolled in online ASL certification programs, showing a growing demand for sign language and accessibility tools.
CART providers can type up to 260 words per minute with 98%+ accuracy, making them highly reliable for fast-paced lectures.
Providing multi-sensory information (ASL + CART) improves knowledge retention and benefits all students, not just those with hearing loss.
The use of both on-site and remote ASL/CART services is expanding, making accessibility possible for students in any location.

Benefits for Students and Schools

For Students:

Full participation in class discussions and activities
Better understanding of complex material
Increased confidence and independence
Access to both language and content

For Schools:

Compliance with ADA and accessibility laws
Higher student satisfaction
Improved academic outcomes
Inclusive reputation that attracts diverse learners

Addressing Common Challenges

1. Cost and Logistics

Some schools worry about the cost of providing both ASL and CART. However, the benefits—higher student achievement, legal compliance, and a welcoming environment—far outweigh the investment. Many providers offer both in-person and remote solutions, making it easier to fit any budget.

2. Student Preferences

Not every student needs both services all the time. The key is offering choices and letting students decide what works best for them. Some days, a student may rely more on CART; other days, they may prefer ASL.

3. Technology Integration

Modern classrooms use platforms like Zoom, which allow easy integration of ASL interpreters and CART captioners. Teachers can spotlight interpreters and assign captioners with just a few clicks. CART captions can be viewed on a separate device or browser tab, so students never miss a word.

How to Implement ASL & CART in Your School

Step 1: Assess Student Needs

Meet with students and families to understand their preferences.
Offer both ASL and CART as options.

Step 2: Partner with Experienced Providers

Work with professional language service companies who offer both ASL and CART, like Accurate Communication.
Ensure providers have documented policies and a track record of quality.

Step 3: Train Staff and Teachers

Educate teachers on how to work with interpreters and captioners.
Remind staff to speak directly to students, not just to the interpreter.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Regularly check in with students to see what’s working.
Adjust services as needed to keep accessibility at its best.

Why Choose Accurate Communication?

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