RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

factsheet iconCommunication factsheet

About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID’s communication range. It is written for deaf people, organisations and service providers who would like to find out more about using a speech-to-text reporter, or if you are an organisation or business that needs to book a speech-to-text reporter. We use the term 'deaf' throughout to refer to all types of deafness and hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

What does a speech-to-text reporter do?

Speech-to-text reporters (STTRs) type every word that is said by a speaker. They use a keyboard designed to let them type phonetically (how words sound rather than how they are spelt). The words are then converted back into English by a computer software programme. In this way, the STTR can keep up with the speed of spoken English.

Speech-to-text reporting is suitable for deaf people who are comfortable reading English, often at high speed and sometimes for up to a couple of hours at a time.

Everything that the STTR types appears on the screen of one or more laptop computers. It can also be projected onto a large screen or onto other monitors, if more than one person wants to read it.

One advantage of using STT reporting is that you can ask for a transcript of what has been said – on paper or on a disk. But you might have to pay extra for this.

STTRs use systems called Palantype® or Stenograph®.

When should I use an STTR?

An STTR can be useful in many different situations, such as:

  • at job interviews
  • during meetings at work
  • at conferences
  • in college or university.

Remember that an STTR needs a table for the equipment they use and an electrical socket to plug their computer into, so they may not be able to work everywhere.

How do I book an STTR?

Almost all STTRs work for agencies. Your local RNID Communication Services can book an STTR for you. You can also subscribe to CACDP’s Online Directory where you can find details of registered STTRs. You need to book an STTR about four to six weeks in advance. If you need one in an emergency, let an agency know and they will do their best to find someone.

See Where can I get further information? for contact details.

What kind of STTR should I book?

Make sure that you book someone who has relevant experience – for example, someone who is familiar with business terms for a business assignment. Registered STTRs can advise you on what is best for your needs.

There are minimum standards for STTRs. Always book a registered STTR. CACDP holds the Register of Language Service Professionals (LSPs), which includes STTRs. CACDP is developing a qualification that will enable new people to become registered in this category. Contact CACDP for further details.

Registered STTRs work to a CACDP Code of Practice. This says that they must respect the confidentiality of assignments and includes other guidelines for professional behaviour.

How many STTRs should I book?

Normally, you will only need one STTR. Even for an event such as a full-day conference, with few breaks between speakers, it’s usual to have just one STTR. But always discuss this with either the agency or the STTR when making a booking. An STTR needs enough breaks throughout the day to provide a professional and accurate service.

Tips for working with an STTR

  • An STTR can work up to two hours before needing a break. You shouldn’t expect them to work through lunch and coffee breaks unless you have agreed this with them beforehand.
  • You shouldn’t expect an STTR to work very long hours as their concentration and ability to type quickly and accurately will suffer.
  • It will help both the STTR and you if they know what the assignment will be before they arrive. They can then customise their computer dictionary. It’s very important to send the agency copies of papers, teaching materials or any other information at least two weeks before the assignment, to ensure that the STTR’s transcription is accurate.
  • Make sure the room is set up for the STTR – for example, check if they need you to link up monitors, and that the electrical socket is convenient for them to plug in their equipment.

How much will an STTR charge?

When you book through an agency, you’ll be charged a booking fee. There will also be a minimum call-out charge. This means that you’ll be charged for a minimum of half a day, even if you use the STTR for just an hour. Check the minimum call-out charge before you book and enquire about any additional costs, such as travel, accommodation and copies of transcriptions.

Can I get help with paying for an STTR?

Deaf or deafblind people do not usually have to pay for communication support. The following section tells you about the different ways there are to pay for a speech-to-text reporter.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

The DDA may require service providers to provide communication support. For more information, see our factsheet, The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) – a guide for providers of goods, facilities and services.

Help for students

All universities are covered under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA), which means they are required to provide support for all disabled students. However, the amount of support may vary depending on the university.

For more information, see our factsheets:

Disability Living Allowance

You may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you need help to communicate with other people. For more information, see our factsheet, Disability Living Allowance.

Access to Work

The government’s Access to Work scheme may help to pay for communication support you need at work or, if you are unemployed, for interviews. For more information, contact your local Jobcentre Plus.
Go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk for details of your nearest office.

You can also contact the RNID Information Line for more information about help with paying for communication support.

Where can I get further information?

To book RNID communication support services, please contact:

RNID Communication Services

The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ
Telephone: 0845 685 8000
Textphone: 0845 685 8001
Fax: 0845 685 8002
Email :communication.services@rnid.org.uk

You can also book communication support online by visiting www.rnid.org.uk/csbooking

CACDP

CACDP produces a directory of registered BSL/English interpreters, lipspeakers, deafblind interpreters (manual) and speech-to-text reporters. They cannot book communication services for you.

CACDP, Durham University Science Park, Block 4, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3UZ
Telephone: 0191 383 1155
Textphone: 0191 383 7915
Fax: 0191 383 7914
Email: durham@cacdp.org.uk
CACDP website
 (external link, opens new browser window)When visiting the website, click on ‘Interpreters/LSPs’ and then ‘Online Directory’.