About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID's communication range. It is written for people who are deaf, 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 the speaker – effectively producing a verbatim (word for word) report, using systems called Palantype® or Stenograph®.  They are sometimes called verbatim speech to text reporters. They use an electronic shorthand keyboard designed to let them type phonetically (how words sound rather than how they are spelt. The words are then immediately 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 people who are deaf and 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 will appear on the screen of a laptop computer. It can also be projected onto a large screen or onto other monitors, if more than one person wants to read it.
 
If you want a transcript of what has been said – on paper or on a disk – you can ask for one, but you usually have to pay extra for this. But remember, an STTR can refuse to give you a transcript. Also, before a transcript is given to anyone other than the person using the service, the STTR must first check with them or the person organising or paying for the service in case there are any issues of confidentiality.

When should I use an STTR?

STTRs can be useful in many situations, such as:

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 office can book an STTR for you.

For information on STTRs contact Signature (external link, opens new browser window) (formerly the CACDP – Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) or search the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (set up by Signature) at www.nrcpd.org.uk. (external link, opens new browser window)

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?

Always book a registered STTR. Signature's Register of Language Service Professionals (LSPs), includes STTRs. Registered STTRs work to a Code of Practice, which says that they must respect the confidentiality of assignments and includes guidelines for professional behaviour.  There are also codes of practice from the Professional Association for Speech-to-Text Reporters – see www.avstter.org.uk (external link, opens new browser window).

How many STTRs should I book?

When you make a booking ask for advice on whether you will need one or two STTRs. For an event such as a full-day conference, with few breaks between speakers and where presentations are highly technical, you will need two STTRs. For a two-hour meeting between two people you will usually need just one STTR.

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 one hour 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.

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?

People who are 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, Access for deaf people – your rights under the DDA.

Help for students

In higher education, Disabled Students' Allowances can pay for communication support that the student needs. Students in further education who are deaf and need communication support should be able to arrange this with their college.

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 http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) 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 (opens new browser window).

Signature

Signature, Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, 
Durham DH1 1TH
Telephone 0191 383 1155 Textphone 0191 383 7915 Fax 0191 383 7914
durham@signature.org.uk  http://www.signature.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)
Search the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (which is administered by Signature) at http://www.nrcpd.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

RNID Information, April 2009