Captions-Computer-Generated (ASR)

ADA & Requesting Accommodations

Computer-generated captions can meet the requirements for “auxiliary aids and services” under Effective Communication with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Consumers with hearing loss can be hesitant to ask for accommodations, and these accommodations are rarely offered without requests. It is imperative that staff realize the high prevalence of hearing loss in all populations and proactively offer services that enable people with hearing loss to understand the information.

Healthcare

Telehealth

• Both CART and speech-to-text captions can be integrated into telehealth platforms, or can be shown on a second device (more complex for the patient)
• Telehealth platforms are required to have captions by the end of 2026, under the “interoperable video conferencing” section in the FCC.

HIPAA-compliant, speech-to-text. Links go to webpages that explain the company’s privacy. These companies are willing to sign a BAA (Business Associate Agreement) with a healthcare clinic subject to HIPAA, or because of their data privacy/data design, there is no need.

• Ava captioning. Desktop and app solutions for in-person or online needs.
• Caption Companion. A self-contained single-purpose standalone hardware device that works completely offline without internet. 
• Windows 11, for Windows and Mac, is a good option if the telehealth platform doesn’t have built-in captions. The transcription is done locally on the device, meaning audio isn’t sent to the cloud (unless configured otherwise), and thus meets HIPAA compliance.