1. Recent Developments in C-Print
Michael Stinson and Pamela Francis
NTID Center on Access Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
Annual Conference of Educational Support Service Personnel (ESSP)
May 5, 2012
Rochester, New York
Introductions
I am deaf. Use cochlear implant– have interpreter to help me follow questions and other comments.
Before I start I want to say that development of C-Print has been a team effort. I am director of the team, but C-Print would be no where close to where it is today without the other team members. The full time staff on the team is also includes Pamela Francis,
Anne Alepoudakis, Donna Easton, and Justin Mahar. Their contributions have been extremely important.
Presentation will focus on a portable version of C-Print. One that works with multiple devices. Developed because version with standard laptop or tablet version is difficult to use in some circumstances.
This is not the only recent development for C-Print. We also have been using a version of C-Print that works with a tablet PC. This version shows captioning and text plus graphics.

2. Setting the Context
A typical lab setting adds another layer of information from instructors and fellow students.
One of these circumstances where it is difficult to use is a lab– this is at the college level. Students are also in labs at the secondary level; or they need to move from their seat; or they go on a field trip; or they have a desk with a small amount of space.
If there is a portable device, it is much easier to move it.
The bottom line is that demands on the student’s attention are very great, and may be difficult for many students

3. What is C-Print? A support service option for access and communication
The text display provides communication access for individuals who cannot hear (or individuals who process auditory information indirectly)
Can be used by itself or with another accommodation
Provides access to information during class and notes afterward
Used nationally and internationally
Over 2000 captionists trained since 1996
Used in 48 states, 4 foreign countries, ~600 educational programs
Also Stenobased alternative– communication access real-time translation.
Have worked with BOCES 1 and Rochester programs in using for more than 15 years. Have given several presentations at ESSP.
Being an option means that it is an alternative– students, parents, teachers
By itself, OR with another service, like a FM system, or an
You can see the text display during class and have printed notes to use for review or studying for a test
You can type a message to the captionist, highlight the text, or even enter your own notes

4. What is C-Print?

5. Students Who Benefit from C-Print
Support services need to be matched to
needs and preferences of students.
Deaf students or deaf/blind students
Students grades 5-college (need grade 4 reading ability or above)
Hard of hearing students; limited ASL skills; anyone who needs to see a text version of class
Students with learning or other disabilities
English language learners (ELL)
So a very important question is, “Is C-Print right for the student?”
Mostly C-Print has served deaf/hard of hearing students.
We have served students with learning disabilities and those with other disabilities.
Have to be able to read
We have served students who are English language learners.
Often the notes are distributed to students– not just those who are deaf/hard of hearing.

6. Student Using C-Print Mobile
on a Field Trip
We have developed a version of C-Print that works on mobile devices, to view real-time captioning in remote/nontraditional educational settings via a handheld device, such as a Smartphone.
In this picture the teacher is wearing a blue tooth microphone so that the captionist can hear what she is saying by listening to the message on the telephone.
This is a field trip situation where captionist producing C-Print is located in a remote location and hears what the speakere is saying through a bluetooth microphone. 6

7. Student Using C-Print Mobile in Biology Lab
This picture shows a student viewing captions on an Android tablet device– this is postsecondary biology lab.
We have seen this kind of situation where the small device works much better again and again in our research in lab at RIT and elsewhere. We think the device would also work well with students in middle school and high school who have small desks cluttered with paperwork, etc.
Turn over presentation to Pam.

8. This slide shows how this form of captioning works.
The captionist listens to the speaker and produces the text. The student’s display devices accesses these captions with an internet or ad hoc connection. connection
In this case the captionist is in the lab. But actually, the captionist does not need to be in the same room. The captionist could listen to the teacher or other presenter with a cell phone or skype, etc.

9. C-Print Mobile Video

10. C-Print Mobile Devices for Displaying Captions