Working with a Notetaker
You will find this factsheet useful of you are an organisation or business that needs to book a notetaker for a student, client or employee who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Read this factsheet to find out:
· What does a notetaker do?
· When should I use a notetaker?
· How do I book a notetaker?
· How many notetakers will I need?
· Can I get help with paying for a notetaker?
· Where can I get more information?
What does a notetaker do?
Very simply, a notetaker takes notes for the student who has hearing loss or is Deaf. Notetakers produce an accurate summary record of speech (spoken English) which the student may take away for reference. If the student uses British Sign Language (BSL), Irish Sign Language (ISL) or lipreads, there will be times when it is impossible for them to follow a BSL or ISL/English interpreter or lipspeaker and take notes at the same time. A notetaker enables the student to focus on what is being said and not miss information.
There are two different types of notetaker; manual and electronic.
A manual notetaker is trained to take clear notes in handwritten English. Electronic notetakers type the notes using a laptop computer.
An electronic notetaker types up a summary of spoken English. They use an ordinary keyboard and laptop computers. As a presenter or lecturer speaks, the operator types their words on the keyboard so the student can read it on the laptop’s screen. They can use one laptop between them and the operator or have a laptop each. The information on the screen is a summary of what has been said, so the student has fewer words to read than if every word were typed in. If you want a word-for-word account of what is being said, you will need a speech-to-text reporter.
When should I use a notetaker?
Notetakers work mainly in further and higher education. They take notes in classes or lectures for you to read later. They can also take ‘live’ notes – writing as someone speaks while you sit next to them to read their notes.
A notetaker is also trained to take notes at work and other events to support someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. They do not take minutes of meetings, so do not ask them to do this.
Electronic notetaking is used in a wide range of situations such as:
· at college or university during lectures
· meetings at work
· training at work
· conferences and presentations.
Notetakers may specialise in a particular field. For example, if you are taking a science degree at university, the notetaker needs some knowledge of the subject.
If the student has specific needs, you may need to spend time finding the right notetaker to support them.
Notetakers offer a confidential service, but some work with further education or higher education college support teams, so they may pass information about the students work to a support tutor. They should agree this with the student first. If a notetaker is needed for a meeting where sensitive information is being discussed – for example, with a student welfare adviser – make sure that confidentiality is specified in the notetaker’s contract.
How do I book a notetaker?
The college or university should normally book a notetaker for the student. You should look for a notetaker with a CACDP Level 2 Certificate in Notetaking for Deaf People, or CACDP Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (Notetaking).
Qualified communication support workers (CSWs) are also trained in notetaking and some have a CACDP notetaking qualification.
Visit the Signature (formerly the CACDP – Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) website for more information on CACDP qualifications: www.signature.org.uk
Action on Hearing Loss can book notetakers for you. You need to book an electronic notetaker as early as possible – about four to six weeks before you require them. Try to make sure that you book someone who knows about the topic being discussed. For example, if you need an operator for a science lecture at college, ask for someone who is familiar with scientific terms.
Make sure the notetaker is qualified. You can search the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), which is supported by Signature (formerly the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People). A registered notetaker will know about deaf issues, as well as having the relevant skills and professional training.
Registered electronic notetakers work to a strict code of conduct and everything said in an assignment is strictly confidential. Electronic notetakers are completely impartial and will not give advice or views while working with you.
How many notetakers will a student need?
It depends on how long classes or lectures are and how long the notetaker will have to work. Usually, you will only need one electronic notetaker. However, if the student’s assignment or meeting is for more than two hours, you will need two electronic notetakers.
Notetakers need regular breaks, but in practice they often work for up to one and a half hours. Do not expect your notetaker to work through breaks unless this is necessary, in which case you may need to book two notetakers. You can discuss the requirements when you are booking the notetaker.
It will help the notetaker to know in advance what your assignment involves so they can prepare properly for it. For example, if they know about relevant terms, words or acronyms for the assignment, the notetaker can enter these into their computer and create shortcuts beforehand. They may need to speak to or see your tutors to get advance copies of any teaching materials or other information.
How much do they charge?
It varies, but expect to pay a booking fee and there may be a minimum charge. This means that you will be charged for a minimum of two hours, even if the notetaker provides communication for only one hour. If you use the service regularly (for example if you are a college/student), you may be able to book notetakers by the hour. Check what you will be paying before you book.
Can the student get help with paying for a notetaker?
Students usually won’t have to pay for any communication support they need. Fees vary so organisations should find out how much they will be charged before booking a notetaker. The following section tells you about ways to find help with paying for a notetaker.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 may require service providers to provide communication support. For more information, see our factsheet The Disability Discrimination Act – for service providers.
Help for students
In higher education, students can use Disabled Students’ Allowances to pay for communication support. Students in further education who need communication support should be able to arrange this with their college.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The student may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if they need help to communicate with other people. For more information, see our factsheet Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Access to Work
The government’s Access to Work scheme may help to pay for communication support the student needs at work or, if they are unemployed, for interviews. For more information, contact your local Jobcentre Plus. Go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk for details of your nearest office.
Source: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/~/media/Files/Factsheets/Communication/pdf/Working%20with%20a%20Notetaker%20April%202012.ashx
Sensory Engagement Programme
A partnership project between RNIB, Action on Hearing Loss, NCBI and DeafHear funded by the EU's INTERRREG IVA Programme, managed by the SEUPB.