Working with an
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Working with an electronic notetaker
This factsheet is part of our Communication range. You will find it useful if you are a person with hearing loss and want to find out about electronic notetaking, or if you are an organisation or business that needs to book an electronic notetaker.
Read this factsheet to find out:
What does an electronic notetaker do? What is SpeedText®?
When should I use an electronic notetaker? How do I book an electronic notetaker? How many electronic notetakers will I need? How much do they charge?
Can I get help with paying for an electronic notetaker? Where can I get more information?
If you would like this factsheet on audio tape, in Braille or in large print, please contact our helpline –
see front page for contact details.
What does an electronic notetaker do?
An electronic notetaker types up a summary of spoken English. They use an ordinary keyboard and laptop computers. As a presenter or lecturer speaks, the operator types their words on the keyboard so you can read it on the laptop’s screen. You can use one laptop between you and the operator or have a laptop each.
If you are a person with hearing loss, it will be impossible for you to watch an interpreter or lipspeaker and take notes at the same time. Electronic notetaking enables you to read spoken information
without worrying about taking notes.
Electronic notetaking is text-based and all notes are typed in English, so you need to feel comfortable reading English. The information on the screen is a summary of what has been said, so you have fewer words to read than if every word were typed in.
If you want a transcript of what has been said – on paper or on a memory stick or CD – you can ask for one, but you usually have to pay extra for this. A speech-to-text reporter (STTR) can refuse to give you a transcript. Before a transcript is given to anyone other than the person using the service, a reporter must first check with them or the person organising or paying for the service in case there are any issues of confidentiality.
If you want a record of every word that has been spoken, you may prefer speech-to-text reporting. For more information, see our factsheet, Working with a speech-to-text reporter.
What is SpeedText®?
SpeedText® is an electronic notetaking service. You may also come across a system known as ‘Stereotype’, developed by Stereotype Ltd. Stereotype is commonly used in education, especially higher education. It is also increasingly used in the workplace, and at conferences and events. For further information about Stereotype, contact Stereotype Ltd (see page 5 for contact details).
SpeedText® is a real-time transcription service. This means you can read information at the same time as it is spoken. Using SpeedText®, you can also communicate with the operator. This means you can ask about or reply to whatever is on your screen by typing your message, which will then appear on the operator’s screen. The operator can then voice your comments to a hearing person and type the answer back to you. You can also type in your own notes and references to use later.
SpeedText® is fully portable and the only equipment that is needed is one or two laptop computers and electrical leads. The operator needs access to an electrical socket, a chair to sit on and a table for their equipment. This means that it is much harder to use an electronic notetaker outdoors.
When should I use an electronic notetaker?
Electronic notetaking is used in a wide range of situations such as: at college or university during lectures
meetings at work training at work
conferences and presentations.
How do I book an electronic notetaker?
You need to book an electronic notetaker about four to six weeks before you require them. Try to make sure that you book someone who knows about the topic being discussed. For example, if you need an operator for a science lecture at college, ask for someone who is familiar with scientific terms.
Our local Communication Services offices can book a SpeedText® operator for you.
Make sure the notetaker is qualified. You can search the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), which is supported by Signature (formerly the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People). A registered
notetaker will know about deaf issues as well as having the relevant skills and professional training.
4 advice or views while working with you. See Where can I get more information? on page 5 for contact details.
How many electronic notetakers will I need?
Usually, you will only need one electronic notetaker. However, if your assignment or meeting is for more than two hours, you will need two electronic notetakers.
Normally, an operator needs a break after about half an hour. However, they often work for up to one hour. Do not ask or expect them to work through lunch and coffee breaks, unless you specifically ask them to do so because of the type of meeting.
To get the best out of the electronic notetaker, try to give them advance copies of any papers or teaching materials so they can prepare properly. For example, if they know about relevant terms or words for the assignment, they can enter these into their computer and create shortcuts beforehand.
How much do they charge?
It varies, but expect to pay a booking fee and there may be a minimum charge. This means that you will be charged for a minimum of two hours, even if the notetaker provides communication for only one hour. If you use the service regularly (for example if you are a student), you may be able to book notetakers by the hour. Check what you will be paying before you book.
Can I get help with paying for an electronic notetaker?
You usually won’t have to pay for the communication support you need. The following section outlines how to find help with electronic notetaker costs.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 may require service providers such as hospitals and GP surgeries to provide communication support. If you do need an electronic notetaker, let the service provider know in plenty of time. For more information, see our factsheet, Access for people with hearing loss – 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 need communication support should be able to arrange this with their college.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
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 (DLA).
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.
Contact our helpline (see front page) for more information about help with paying for communication support.
Where can I get more information?
To book our communication support services, please contact: Communication Services
The Plaza, 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ
Telephone 0845 685 8000 Textphone 0845 685 8001 Fax 0845 685 8002
Visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/csbooking to book online
National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf
and Deafblind People (NRCPD)
Mersey House, Mandale Business Park, Belmont, Durham DH1 1TH
Telephone: 0191 383 1155 Textphone 0191 383 7915 Fax 0191 383 7914
[email protected] www.nrcpd.org.uk
Stereotype Ltd
Stereotype Ltd has developed software for electronic notetaking called Stereotype. Contact them for information about Stereotype and to buy the software.
2 Curzon Terrace, Litton Mill, near Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8SR
Telephone 01298 871100 Textphone 01298 871100 Fax 01298 871641
www.stereotypenotetakingsoftware.com
Further information from Action on Hearing Loss
Our helpline offers a wide range of information on many aspects of hearing loss. You can contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of factsheets and leaflets – see the cover page for contact details.
Action on Hearing Loss Information, January 2011
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Registered Office: 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL.
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 454169, Registered Charity Numbers 207720 (England and Wales) and SC038926 (Scotland).
