Provider Spotlight: Kim Meyers

Deaf Services Unlimited is made up of a nationwide network of Sign Language Interpreters and CART Writers. We truly wouldn’t be able to make conversations happen without our amazing providers. As experienced experts in their field, they go above and beyond to provide communication access. One of these accessibility champions is Kim Meyers. Read more below as Kim shares about her captioning experience and advice for aspiring captioners! 

1. What inspired you to become a CART provider, and how did you start in this field? 

I was a court reporter for many years before I made the switch to CART/captioning in 2004.  Initially, it was so I could be home and have more flexibility, because I had 3 young boys at that time! What I didn’t expect was how working in the CART/captioning space felt so much more positive than working in litigation!  It was transformative! Overnight I went from providing a record to providing accessibility to such a variety of consumers! I found it so much more rewarding overall! 

2. Can you share one of your most memorable captioning experiences? 

I love the variety of scenarios we might encounter, but have especially loved to caption things where I can learn! There were several summers where I provided captions for a kind of summer camp for adults in New England that presented different lectures each day.  Many times, I’d finish writing and go straight to the internet to order the book that had been the subject of the talk!  I’ve had many “I can’t believe I get paid to do this” moments in the last 20+ years! 

3. What do you find most rewarding about captioning, and what keeps you passionate about it? 

I’ve had many “I can’t believe I get paid to do this” moments in the last 20+ years! Once I captioned a Special Olympics event for a group in Chicago.  While I was sitting in my office in the KC area, my cousin in Chicago was at the event and sent me a photo of my captions on their jumbo screen. It was fun for us both!  It’s so gratifying to know I’m helping someone navigate the world in a way that would be difficult without the services I provide. 

4. How do you approach continuing education and staying up-to-date in the captioning industry? 

Many students feel like my own kids after I’ve worked with them for a semester or more! I’m so proud of how well they do and know the kind of obstacles they’ve had to overcome in order to achieve success! 

5. What advice would you give to aspiring CART providers or those new to the field? 

I think the most important thing I would tell someone wanting to be a CART provider/captioner is to be curious about everything. I heard someone say once you can’t write what you don’t know, and there’s a lot of truth to that, I think. Read anything/everything! Listen to news! Always be ready and willing to learn. This will help you be the best you can be! 

6. What do you enjoy most about working with DSU? 

Over my 20+ year career, I’ve worked with many providers and I can say DSU is one of my very favorite. They provide clear communication and are always generous with their thanks and appreciation. That means more than I can say. 

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