recruiting excellent transcribers: good health, vision, and hearing

Experience shows . . .

Transcribers must have good listening skills and excellent hearing.  The ability to meaningfully process audio information (e.g. lecturers' speech, student comments) is essential to providing full communication access.

Transcribers must be able to see well enough to access information presented on overheads, boards or other visual media as it is presented simultaneously with audio information.  They must be able to access the information that is typed to them from a linked reader computer, while simultaneously accessing the lecturer's speech and visual media. 

It also helps if a transcriber is healthy and strong overall.  The logistics of the work can be demanding: carrying equipment, getting around college campuses, getting to assignments on time despite bad weather or other problems, etc. 

Every student who takes the TypeWell course signs a written agreement, stating that they are responsible for monitoring their ergonomic health and safety, both during the training and when using TypeWell after the training. 

Next: recruiting excellent transcribers: personality and attitude