ASL interpreting and CART
Deaf or hard-of-hearing students with an approved accommodation through the Office for Disability Equity (ODE) can request an ASL interpreter or CART writer for courses and related academic activities.
Understanding the services
ASL interpreting is provided by a professionally trained interpreter, who facilitates communication between Deaf and hearing individuals using ASL and English. ASL is a visual, gestural language with its own grammar and syntax.
Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) is provided by a professionally trained course stenographer. The stenographer, or writer, remotely listens to the spoken communication and other auditory information through Zoom or another platform. The writer types what is heard. The text appears in real time on student's personal device. The student receives a transcript of the session afterward. Transcripts are for the student use only and not shared with other students.
ASL interpreters and CART writers
- ASL interpreters have completed interpreter training programs.
- ASL interpreters follow the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
- CART writers are trained stenographers who produce real-time text.
How students request services
For courses
Email your course schedule to the service coordinator as early as possible each semester, and again whenever it changes.
For activities, meetings, reviews, or group sessions
Send the details to the service coordinator: what you need (ASL interpreting or CART), the date and time, the location, and a short description.
Request timelines
- Give as much notice as you can. Services fulfillment depends on providers' availability, and earlier requests are easier to fill.
- Classes: Send your course schedule as early as possible each semester.
- One-time events or meetings: At least two days in advance.
- Recurring or multi-day events: At least one week in advance.
Student responsibilities
Keep the service coordinator informed so your services run smoothly. Let them know:
- Your finalized course schedule as soon as it is available.
- Any schedule changes, including drops, adds, and withdrawal adjustments during the semester.
- If you will miss a class or session, if it is canceled, or if you no longer need the service. Notify the service coordinator, your interpreter, and your assigned CART writer.
What to expect
- ASL Interpreters wait 10 minutes for a 50-minute class and 20 minutes for longer classes, unless they are told otherwise.
- For CART, wait times are set by the provider's own agency. Confirm the wait-time policy with your CART writer.
- ODE may pause services if you miss three classes in a row without notifying the service coordinator.
- Sharing a CART sign-on link or transcript with anyone else violets the University of Montana Student Code of Conduct.
Service coordinator
Brandy Reinhardt Assistant Director of Interpreting and Communication Accessibility
Email: brandy.reinhardt@mso.umt.edu
Phone: 406-243-5136
For faculty
You may have a deaf or hard-of-hearing student in your course who uses an ASL interpreter or CART. Here's what to know.
Contact from ODE
The service coordinator will notify you that a student will use an ASL interpreter or CART in your course. They can answer any questions about these services.
If your student uses CART
A remote stenographer produces the text, and the student reads it on their own device.
You will need to wear a lapel microphone during class. The student provides this microphone. It sends your voice to the stenographer.
Canvas access for the stenographer
UM IT will add the stenographer to your Canvas page as an ODE assistant. This lets them review course materials and terminology in advance, so the transcript is accurate.
If you have questions, please contact the service coordinator listed above.