Speech-to-text Interpreting Programme

Schedule

Total contact time: 12 hours (total of 5 sessions)*

Estimated prepration time: 4 hours per week

Venue: Yusof Ishak House

Session	Date	Time
1	14 Jan 2026, Wednesday	2pm to 4pm
2	21 Jan 2026, Wednesday	7pm to 9pm
3	28 Jan 2026, Wednesday	7pm to 9pm
4	04 Feb 2026, Wednesday	2pm to 4pm
5	11 Feb 2026, Wednesday	2pm to 6.30pm

*Certificates of Completion will be awarded with an 80% attendance requirement.

What is Speech-to-Text Interpreting?

Speech-to-text interpreting, more commonly known as Notetaking for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, provides meaning for meaning transcription of aural information. This form of access service is utilised in both online and in-person learning environments by Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals who prefer to access information by text instead of or in tandem with sign language interpretation.

Programme Description

Through theory and practical hands-on components, this course equips the participants with the cultural knowledge and technical skills to perform the role of a speech-to-text interpreter, thus providing equitable communication access to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The focus of the training will be higher education settings.

Check out the video to find out more about our speech-to-text interpreting training, where you can learn to provide an equitable learning experience by creating live transcripts:

Descriptive transcript of video here

Learning Outcomes

Participants gain knowledge about Deaf culture and the community with a focus on their educational journey and options.
Participants are able to identify the range of Deaf access services options available, and when and how these options are utilised.
Participants understand the role of a speech-to-text interpreter as an accessibility professional.
Participants are able to understand shorthand theories and apply them to build their own personal shorthand dictionary.
Participants gain knowledge on meaning-for-meaning and speed-building techniques and are able to apply to their transcription-interpretation work.

Opportunities Upon Programme Completion

Part 1: Mentorship

After completion of the programme, selected participants can enter the mentorship phase (up to 12 hours per mentee, 3-month period). Each mentee will undergo job shadowing, assignment trials and review/consultation sessions with the Equal Dreams team to get personalised feedback and guidance on improving the quality of service.

Part 2: Taking on Paid Assignments

a) Within NUS:

Upon completion of the mentorship, students may have opportunities to take on peer speech-to-text interpreting assignments within NUS. The Student Accessibility Unit at OSA will reach out on your availability, when these openings arise.

b) Freelancing with Equal Dreams

Students will also be assessed during mentorship whether they are suitable to join us as a freelancer. This arrangement is not affiliated to NUS, and you will be directly liaising with Equal Dreams.

Audience

NUS Students interested in accessibility work
Participants are recommended to have a minimum typing speed of 80 words per minute.

Organised By

Student Accessibility Unit (SAU)

Supported By

Equal Dreams

Accessibility

Live Captioning

Wheelchair Access