Potential Transcriber FAQ

Introduction

TypeWell transcribers provide speech-to-text communication access during classes and meetings for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have other communication-related disabilities. By listening to what is said and typing a meaning-for-meaning transcript of what is heard, they enable the reader to quickly understand and follow along with the conversation in real-time. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about TypeWell transcribers. We will also discuss how TypeWell transcribers help students and professionals with disabilities succeed in school and in the workplace.

What Do TypeWell Transcribers Do?

TypeWell transcribers listen to what is being said during a conversation, lecture, or presentation, and type a meaning-for-meaning transcript of what is heard using a set of abbreviation and condensing techniques. The primary goal of communication access is to enable the reader (e.g., a student or other individual) to quickly understand and follow along with the conversation in real-time, so they can participate, ask questions, and contribute their own ideas during the class or meeting. A secondary goal or benefit is to produce a transcript that can be studied or referenced after the class or meeting.

Who Can Benefit from TypeWell Transcribers?

TypeWell transcribers provide communication access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have other communication-related disabilities. This includes students in K-12 or post-secondary education, professionals in the workplace, and individuals attending social or religious events. By providing access to real-time transcription, TypeWell transcribers enable these individuals to fully participate in classes, meetings, and other activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.

Qualifications:

To become a TypeWell transcriber, individuals must have excellent listening skills and be able to understand and write English as quickly and effortlessly as a well-educated native speaker. They should also be comfortable working in school settings, have some knowledge of computers and word processing, and be able to type at least 60 words per minute (WPM) without errors. Additionally, candidates should have no history of pain in the arms or wrist that might suggest a tendency toward repetitive motion disorders.

Benefits and Rewards:

TypeWell transcribers play a vital role in helping students and professionals with disabilities succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. By providing real-time transcription, they enable individuals to fully participate in classes, meetings, and other activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. TypeWell transcribers also gain stimulating exposure to classroom and meeting topics, develop portable job skills, and interact with the next generation.

Typical Pay and Schedule:

Different school districts and geographic areas have different pay scales for TypeWell transcribers. The recommended beginning pay level for a beginning transcriber is just below that of a beginning interpreter, and in our experience, ranges from $20/hr to $35/hr, depending on the supply and demand in the area, the benefits offered, and the employer's overall pay rates. Many transcriber positions are part-time, working 10 to 30 hours a week. A typical schedule includes transcribing one or several courses per weekday for an entire semester/term, with time allotted in the transcriber's schedule each day for breaks between classes.

How to Hire a TypeWell Transcriber:

Schools, businesses, and organizations can hire TypeWell transcribers to provide communication access for their students, employees, and other clients. TypeWell transcribers can be sponsored by a Disability Support department at a school or university, or by a private company (often called an "agency") that contracts with schools, businesses, and organizations to provide communication access. Open positions can also be posted to our Job Board using the Job Board Request Form.

Conclusion:

TypeWell transcribers play a vital role in providing communication access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have other communication-related disabilities.