Note Takers

A Note Taker for Deaf –  Electronic / Manual

Some deaf people will  use Note Takers, in addition to, or instead of, communication support such as Interpreters or Communication Support Workers.

British Sign Language (BSL) clients, may need the services of both an Interpreter/ CSW and a Notetaker because it is impossible to take notes and follow a signer at the same time.

For non BSL users, they may prefer to use a Note Taker for written notes at meetings or lectures.

All of our Note Takers are specially trained and qualified in preparing notes for specifically for deaf clients. A Note Taker will always ask the client for their preference in how the notes are needed.

Notes can either be handwritten (Manual) or on a laptop (Electronic Note-taker).

Note Takers should be given regular breaks.

If over a longer period, you may need to book more than one Note Taker.

STTR (Speech To Text Reporter) / Palantypist

A Speech To Text Reporter is also known as a Palantypist.

The reporter will type every word as it is said. The typed words then appear on a screen to be read at the same time.

It is a bit like having subtitles for the event.

Useful for deaf people read English at high speed for long periods (normally over 2 hours). Used in conferences and often words are projected onto big screens.

If conference is over 2 hours, two STTR’s are required

The STTR should be given regular breaks – 10 minutes an hour is the norm – as it is a very tiring job

They also need to have access to electric points for their equipment and as much pre-agenda information as possible before the event. It is worth knowing who will be speaking for example.

Sometimes, if you want to have and keep a transcript you must make this clear when making the booking as this will require further work after the event and will add extra fees to the booking.