Choosing the Right Accessibility Service:

ASL Interpreting, CART Captioning, or ASL Video Overlay? 

Creating accessible communication starts with choosing the right service for your audience. Whether you’re planning a conference, hosting a virtual meeting, producing marketing videos, or communicating one-on-one, the accessibility solution you choose can have a significant impact on the experience of your participants. 

At Deaf Services Unlimited, we provide several accessibility services designed to meet different communication needs, including: In-Person ASL Interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), CART Captioning, and Post-Production ASL Video Overlay.

While these services all improve accessibility, they are not interchangeable. Understanding when each service is most effective can help you create a more inclusive experience for everyone involved. 

ASL Interpreting vs. CART Captioning: What’s the Difference? 

One of the most common questions we receive is whether a customer should request an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or CART captioning. Although both services provide access to spoken communication, they serve different audiences.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting 

ASL interpreting converts spoken English into American Sign Language, a complete visual language with its own grammar, structure, and cultural context. It is not simply “signed English.” ASL is the primary language for many Deaf individuals in the United States. 

For people whose preferred language is ASL, an interpreter provides communication in the language they use most naturally. This often results in greater comprehension and a more comfortable communication experience. 

ASL interpreting is commonly used for: 

If your participant primarily communicates in ASL, an interpreter is typically the appropriate accommodation. 

CART Captioning 

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is the live transcription of spoken English into text. Captions appear on a screen, tablet, computer, or mobile device almost instantly as the speaker talks. 

Unlike ASL interpreting, CART does not translate information into another language. Instead, it provides a written version of the spoken English. 

CART captioning is often preferred by: 

However, CART benefits far more than just the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. 

Many organizations now use CART captioning to support: 

• Neurodivergent employees and students 

• Individuals with auditory processing differences 

• People learning English 

• Attendees participating in noisy environments 

• Anyone who benefits from reading while listening 

Research has consistently shown that captions can improve attention, comprehension, and information retention, making them a valuable addition even when accessibility accommodations have not been specifically requested. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

The best choice depends on your audience—not simply the event itself. 

If your participant’s primary language is ASL, an interpreter is generally the most appropriate accommodation. 

If your participant primarily communicates through spoken and written English, CART captioning may better meet their communication preferences. 

In some situations, providing both services creates the most inclusive environment, allowing attendees to access information in the format that works best for them. 

In-Person vs. Video Remote Interpreting 

Once you’ve determined that ASL interpreting is needed, the next question becomes whether the interpreter should be physically present or join remotely. 

Both options provide professional language access but are designed for different situations. 

In-Person ASL Interpreting 

With in-person interpreting, the interpreter is physically present at your location alongside the participants. 

This remains the preferred option for many events because it allows for natural interaction and flexibility within the environment. 

In-person interpreting is especially beneficial for: 

• Conferences and conventions 

• Large meetings 

• Classroom instruction 

• Medical appointments 

• Legal proceedings 

• Community events 

• Situations involving multiple speakers 

It is also the preferred service when tactile interpreting is needed for DeafBlind consumers or individuals with significant vision loss. Because tactile interpreting requires physical contact between the interpreter and consumer, it cannot be provided remotely. 

Since qualified interpreters often travel to assignments, in-person services are typically scheduled several weeks—or even months—in advance. Depending on the location, travel expenses and overnight lodging may also be required. 

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) 

Video Remote Interpreting connects participants with a qualified ASL interpreter through a secure video platform, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 

Rather than traveling to your location, the interpreter joins remotely while still providing live interpretation. 

VRI works well for: 

• Telehealth appointments 

• Virtual meetings 

• Webinars 

• Online training 

• Remote interviews 

• Short-notice requests 

• Urgent communication needs 

VRI can also be used during in-person meetings. As long as participants have access to a device with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection, the interpreter can participate remotely while everyone else is together in the same room. 

This flexibility often allows organizations to secure interpreting services more quickly than scheduling an on-site interpreter. 

However, a strong and stable internet connection is essential. Poor audio quality, frozen video, or connection interruptions can affect communication for everyone involved. 

Choosing Between In-Person and VRI 

Ask yourself a few simple questions: 

• Is the meeting virtual or in person? 

• How quickly do you need interpreting services? 

• Is reliable internet available? 

• Does the consumer require tactile interpreting? 

• Is this a large event with many moving parts? 

For planned conferences or complex events, in-person interpreting is often the best solution. 

For virtual meetings, telehealth, or urgent requests, Video Remote Interpreting can provide fast, high-quality language access without requiring travel. 

Making Existing Videos Accessible with Post-Production ASL Overlay 

Accessibility doesn’t stop with live events. 

If your organization creates training videos, marketing materials, educational content, or recorded presentations, those videos should be accessible to Deaf viewers as well. 

That’s where Post-Production ASL Overlay comes in. 

With this service, a professional ASL interpreter records the interpretation after your video has already been completed. DSU’s post-production team then carefully overlays the interpreter onto your existing video, creating a polished final product that includes both your original content and an ASL interpretation. 

This service is ideal for: 

• Employee training videos 

• Orientation materials 

• Marketing campaigns 

• Social media content 

• Educational videos 

• Public announcements 

• Website videos 

Because the interpretation is added after filming, organizations don’t need to recreate or re-record their original content. 

If you’ve already invested time and resources into producing a video, adding an ASL overlay is a practical way to expand its accessibility and reach more viewers. 

Choosing the Right Service 

Every accessibility request is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. 

The best service depends on several factors, including: 

• The communication preferences of your audience 

• Whether the content is live or prerecorded 

• Whether the event is in person or virtual 

• Your scheduling timeline 

• The available technology 

By understanding the differences between ASL interpreting, CART captioning, Video Remote Interpreting, and Post-Production ASL Overlay, you can confidently choose the service that best supports effective communication. 

At Deaf Services Unlimited, we’re here to help organizations create accessible experiences that allow everyone to fully participate. If you’re unsure which service is right for your event, meeting, or project, our team is happy to discuss your goals and recommend the accessibility solution that best fits your needs.