Speech-to-Text Reporters (STTRs) provide professional communication support for deaf and hard of hearing people. AVSTTR, the Association of Speech-to-Text Reporters, was created to offer support and guidance to our professional members, to share learning through the exchange of ideas and experiences and to promote training. We aim to raise public awareness of our profession and to promote equal access to communication in English for deaf and hard of hearing people.

STTRs listen to what is being said and simultaneously convert this to text on a screen. This is not a précis or a summary but a verbatim, i.e. word-for-word, account. This enables a deaf or hard of hearing person to follow exactly what is being said and to participate fully. There are no gaps to fill in, no guesswork; every word spoken is there in front of you. In addition, where relevant, the STTR will indicate environmental sounds, such as laughter or an interruption by a mobile phone.

Speech-to-Text is used at a wide variety of events and meetings. An STTR may work with a person on a one-to-one basis at a work meeting or training course, a medical appointment or even during wedding speeches. The person will seat themselves close to the laptop of the STTR where they will have a clear view of the text appearing, word for word. STT may also be used at conferences and public debates, where the text would be projected to a large screen or screens so that the whole audience can see it.

High speed internet now allows Speech-to-Text to be provided remotely, where appropriate. The STTR, working from home, will listen in to a meeting over a phone link or Zoom and will use secure screenshare software to enable someone in a different location to view the text produced on their own PC/laptop/iPad etc. This works best for smaller meetings.

All our STTRs here are Registered with the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).

https://avsttr.org.uk