Click here to see best practice in the AVSTTR STANDARDS OF SERVICE

When making a booking remember to ask for advice on whether the event for which you need STTR support will require one or two STTRs. If the event is a meeting with just yourself and will last for up to two hours you would only require one STTR. The STTR will, of course, require a break in a two hour session.

If the event is a conference, for example, with the text being projected onto a large screen and the presentations are of a technical nature you will require two STTRs.

Some points to bear in mind to make sure the appointment goes well when you arrive:

If you are going to be speaking to a group and have a speech written down, send the STTR a copy before the meeting to allow for dictonary updating to take place.

If you are intending to screen a video, which is not subtitled, at the
event you must ask the STTR if they are prepared to type it.  If it is
agreed between the parties then you must tell the STTR what it is about and
how long it is for. If you have a transcript the STTR will find this
helpful. Please bear in mind that if you do not own the copyright of the video media to be screened, then the STTR will be unable to reproduce the content.

Make sure that everyone at the meeting  knows you have an STTR with you and what their role is.

If you have only one STTR tell the meeting organiser that the STTR may ask for a short break during the meeting.

Sit where you can see the STTR clearly.

Explain to everyone that the STTR is impartial and that anything said at the meeting is completely confidential.

Remember that an STTR provides communication support for deaf service user(s), they are not Notetakers and will not provide a transcript of a meeting without a service user attending.

The meeting is private and confidential. The STTR will not discuss it with anyone else.

The STTR is neutral and wil not give advice. You should never ask what they think of a meeting.

Whether you decide to book an STTR through an agency or independently, please ensure you agree the fee when you confirm the assignment. All STTRs and agencies have their own fees. Remember to ask for all extras to be included in the quote, such as draft transcripts and equipment such as projectors and screens that you may require.

IMPORTANT

If you have to cancel an assignment cancellation fees will apply. Try and give as much notice as possible. Cancellation fees are generally standard across the profession, with most STTRs conforming to the CACDP guidelines. Expect to pay 100% of the originally quoted fee if cancellation is made between 0 -7 days and 50% of the agreed fees between 8 - 14 days.

A Speech-to-Text service can not take place in the absence of a service user and will therefore be deemed a cancellation if the service user does not attend, for whatever reason.