When “Context Is Everything” Stops Being Useful in Localization
A few weeks ago, a colleague stopped mid-conversation to make a point. Context is everything, she said. Anyone who has worked in localization for a while recognizes the impulse behind it. Translators often receive isolated strings or interface elements with little surrounding information. Without context, even short phrases can be interpreted in several ways. For […] L’article When “Context Is Everything” Stops Being Useful in Localization est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
A few weeks ago, a colleague stopped mid-conversation to make a point. Context is everything, she said. Anyone who has worked in localization for a while recognizes the impulse behind it. Translators often receive isolated strings or interface elements with little surrounding information. Without context, even short phrases can be interpreted in several ways. For decades, giving translators more of it has been one of the more reliable ways to reduce rework and improve quality. That principle shaped how localization workflows were designed for years. When something went wrong, the explanation was usually the same: the translator or the system simply did not have enough context. AI-assisted localization has started to expose a different pattern. In some projects today, teams attach product documentation, style guides, terminology databases, and translation memories to a single request. The system receives more contextual information than most human translators ever had access to at once. And yet results can become less predictable rather than more consistent. That gap is worth examining. It reveals something important about how context actually functions in modern AI-driven localization workflows. Key Takeaways Context in localization now extends well beyond surrounding text. More context does not reliably improve AI translation output. AI localization requires deliberate context management, not just context accumulation. Prioritizing which context matters is now the central challenge. Human expertise is shifting from post-generation correction to upstream context curation. What “Context” Means in Localization Context in localization has always been broader than the sentence before and after a target phrase. Several distinct layers of information influence how language should be interpreted and reproduced. Typical forms include: Linguistic context, including adjacent sentences or prior translated segments Product or technical context, clarifying what a feature or interface element actually does Brand voice and tone guidelines Legal or regulatory constraints Audience expectations and cultural norms Historically, most localization tools made only a small portion of this available during translation. Translators filled the gap with judgment. That was an acknowledged limitation, and the workflows were designed around it. Context in the CAT and Translation Memory Era During the era of computer-assisted translation tools and translation memory systems, context had a relatively narrow operational meaning. Translation memories stored previously translated segments. When a similar sentence appeared again, the system suggested the earlier version. Context was therefore tied to two primary signals: historical translations, and adjacent text. The main objective was consistency. If a phrase appeared repeatedly across a document set, it should be translated the same way each time. That model was limited, but it was coherent. Translators understood where contextual signals came from and how those signals should influence decisions. The system did not pretend to do more than it did. The NMT Period: Expanded Inputs, Same Mental Model Neural machine translation expanded the range of information machines could use when generating output. Systems could be trained on domain-specific corpora, product documentation, and curated terminology. Output quality improved noticeably. Fluency increased, and many routine corrections became unnecessary. The underlying mental model, however, remained similar. Context was still viewed primarily as something the system lacked. Human reviewers corrected translations when the system mishandled domain terminology, tone, or meaning. The workflow remained reactive. Context problems were addressed after translation rather than before generation. That is a meaningful distinction in retrospect, because the approach that followed made the timing of context decisions much more consequential. AI Localization and the Layering of Context Large language models changed how context enters the system. In AI localization workflows, context can now arrive through several channels simultaneously. Typical sources include: Prompt instructions describing the task and its requirements Style guides or reference documents attached to the request Retrieval systems pulling internal content or translation memories Persistent system memory from earlier interactions or sessions Each layer may make sense on its own. The difficulty arises when they interact. Instructions may conflict with reference material. Terminology databases may contradict examples found in retrieved documents. Brand voice guidance may pull in a different direction than product documentation. Instead of reinforcing each other, contextual signals can compete. The system has to navigate that competition. It does not always navigate it the way the team expects. When More Context Makes Results Worse One of the counterintuitive realities of AI localization is that adding more context does not reliably improve output. Teams regularly observe situations where extensive reference material is attached to a request, yet terminology becomes inconsistent or brand voice drifts across segments. These outcomes are genuinely difficult to diagnose, because the relevant information was technically present. Nothing was missing. The issue is not missing data. It is signal competition. Large language models weigh contextual inputs probabilistically. When many sources compete for influence over a single output, the model has to resolve that competition based on what it infers to be most relevant. Important instructions can lose influence if they are diluted by material the model treats as equally or more salient. In practice, organizations often see: Inconsistent terminology despite comprehensive glossaries Brand tone drift even when detailed style guides are attached Correct but unreliable output across similar tasks These patterns are not signs of a broken system. They reflect a real limitation in the assumption that more context always improves translation. At a certain point, adding context starts introducing ambiguity rather than resolving it. Governing Context in AI Localization As contextual information becomes abundant, organizations face a question that did not exist in earlier workflow eras: how should context be governed? Context management in localization means deciding which sources of information should guide AI systems, and how conflicts between them are resolved when they arise. That is not primarily a technical question. It is an organizational one. Governance can include decisions such as: Which reference materials are authoritative for a given task type Which instructions override others when they conflict Which contextual sources should be excluded from certain workflows Without explicit rules, contextual inputs tend to accumulate organically across teams and tools. Over time, that accumulation reduces predictability without anyone making a conscious decision to let it happen. Organizations that scale AI-assisted localization successfully tend to treat context as something that requires deliberate structure rather than passive addition. Prioritizing Context Instead of Accumulating It Effective context management in localization usually involves prioritization rather than expansion. The question is not what to add, but what should carry the most weight. Teams often benefit from identifying a small set of dominant signals that consistently guide AI behavior. For example: Terminology databases may take precedence over examples found in reference documents Product documentation may override general style guidance for technical content Legal constraints may override tone preferences in regulated communication These are rarely purely technical decisions. They require organizational judgment about risk tolerance, brand identity, and the expectations of the audience receiving the translated content. Human expertise shifts upstream as a result. Instead of correcting translations after generation, practitioners increasingly determine which contextual inputs the system should trust and in what order. That is a different kind of skill than traditional post-editing, and organizations that do not recognize the shift tend to staff for the old work long after the real challenge has moved. Closing Reflection Context still matters in localization. The longstanding intuition behind the phrase is not wrong. What has shifted is the nature of the problem. Localization teams no longer struggle primarily with insufficient context. They operate in environments where context is abundant, layered, and often contradictory. The question is no longer how to provide more of it. The question is which context gets to matter, who decides that, and whether the organization has made that decision explicitly or left it to accumulate by default. Questions about your localization setup? Reach out to the team at ITC Global — we’re always happy to talk. L’article When “Context Is Everything” Stops Being Useful in Localization est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
The Invisible Network: The Human Expertise Behind Every Multilingual Project
Few people realize just how rich and diverse the language services sector really is. Far beyond “traditional” translation, today the sector stretches to a multitude of specialized services, from marketing to audiovisuals, training, the web, and accessibility. But, despite the current technological revolution, one thing remains unchanged: a multilingual project’s quality relies above all on […] L’article The Invisible Network: The Human Expertise Behind Every Multilingual Project est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Few people realize just how rich and diverse the language services sector really is. Far beyond “traditional” translation, today the sector stretches to a multitude of specialized services, from marketing to audiovisuals, training, the web, and accessibility. But, despite the current technological revolution, one thing remains unchanged: a multilingual project’s quality relies above all on human expertise. Behind every translation, localization or multilingual project, an entire ecosystem of specialized professionals must be carefully selected and coordinated. Today, we’re shining a light on this often invisible network: our partners. Translators, linguists, terminologists, SEO experts, multilingual creatives, e-learning engineers, audio-video specialists, intercultural trainers, consultants, interpreters, technicians… All these talents enable us to deliver flawless, culturally relevant projects every day, tailored to our customers’ requirements. A carefully constructed network of experts: our agency’s quiet strength One of our greatest challenges is being able to meet all our customers’ needs, in every language, with the same high standards. This requires an expansive network, but it must also be stable, controlled and trustworthy. Our network is much more than a simple list of translators. Figures for 2025 show just how diverse and well managed it is: A network of 800 qualified and available active service providers, ready to take on projects. 600 different service providers worked with us over the year, proof of an active and motivated network. 140 service providers completed 10 or more projects this year—our regular partners. 50 service providers exceeded 20 projects. They are our loyal experts, with whom we have developed special professional relationships. These figures demonstrate two key points: We have an expert for every need, no matter how specific. We also set up a dedicated team for each customer, to guarantee continuity, consistent terminology and in-depth knowledge of sector specificities. This network is no accident: we continuously select, evaluate, train and build loyalty with our providers. We reflect current needs and anticipate future requirements: our dedicated team is constantly on the lookout for the talents of tomorrow, tracking growing languages or sectors, or new services that become essential. More than just translation: ultra-specialized skills Translation is just one option in the wide range of language services we offer. Each service calls for specific, often highly specialized skills: Specialized translation and revision in legal, technical, medical or financial fields. Certified/sworn translations from linguists approved by the relevant authorities. SEO and GEO translation, combining linguistic skills, local culture and technical SEO knowledge. Transcreation, combining creativity, marketing savvy and extensive cultural adaptation. Multimedia and audio-video localization projects, requiring subtitlers, professional voice talents and audio-video engineers. E-learning localization, drawing on linguists and localization specialists for multiple formats. Interpreting missions, bringing together technical experts and conference, sworn or sign language interpreters. Multilingual DTP, which requires engineers to master all formats, plus typography specialists for each language. Intercultural training, with consultants who are experienced in multicultural issues. Strategic consulting, backed by experts who can advise on large-scale, multifaceted and technological globalization issues. Accessibility, covering audio-describers, experts in Braille, Easy Read adaptation and PDF accessibility. To bring these talents together, we are constantly on the lookout and furthering our understanding of the international language market. Each day, we adapt to the needs of our customers, supporting their increasingly diverse and complex evolutions. Setting standards every day: how we identify, qualify and monitor our service providers Quality is serious business in the language sector. To ensure it, we rely on strict requirements, inspired by international standards. Standards structure our selection criteria Standards such as ISO 17100 and CAN/CGSB-131.10-2017 define precise criteria to guarantee professional translators. Key requirements to qualify service providers include: University degrees in translation or related fields. Proven professional experience. Proven skills in a specialized field. Proficiency in professional tools (CAT tools, QA, terminology management, etc.). Regular performance evaluation process. Lifelong learning initiatives. With our ISO17100 certification, we apply these principles on a daily basis when managing our service providers. Our internal process surpasses these standards Of course, the standards given here are just a few examples and do not cover all the services we offer. To join our network, service providers go through a thorough recruitment process: A complete profile check (training, specialties, certifications) with references and peer validation. A linguistic, technical or creative test, depending on the type of service. An initial task that is supervised closely and specifically evaluated according to the relevant criteria. For a translation, for example: accuracy, style, compliance with instructions and terminology, meeting deadlines, use of tools, communication. Integrating our dedicated teams, if the collaboration is successful. Ongoing evaluation with each project delivered. This demanding but essential process enables us to guarantee consistent quality, even when conditions are complex: big volumes, tight deadlines, rare languages or highly technical content. All this is handled by our in-house service provider coordination team and our quality team, who work closely with our other departments (production, engineering, sales and R&D). The importance of dedicated teams: humans as a strategic advantage and leveraging consistency Our network is extensive, but we prefer dedicated teams for each customer. Why? Because a consistent team: Uses the customer’s terminology Adopts their stylistic preferences Understands the internal processes Develops deeper understanding of the sector Ensures editorial consistency, even over the long term This teamwork focuses on lasting human relationships, based on trust, sharing knowledge and continuous improvement. AI as a tool: human expertise as a guarantee It’s undeniable that artificial intelligence offers productivity gains. But it does not replace human expertise. On the contrary, it shows just how precious it is. Humans are key to checking, fine-tuning and enriching the results generated by AI, ensuring cultural relevance, accurate terminology, tailoring the tone to the target audience, safeguarding sensitive content or content subject to regulations… Beyond this obvious expertise, our service providers also offer qualities that machines simply cannot: years of experience, understanding of the context, and their ability to build bridges, to adapt, to anticipate, to take initiative, or even to recommend the most qualified person to take charge of a service. These virtues offer extensive added value, but there’s more to it: the fun of collaborating, of taking on challenges together, of creating special relationships and of moving forward thanks to the synergies generated by this collective intelligence. AI can give suggestions. Humans can give meaning. The decisive advantage: a reliable, qualified and committed network Behind every multilingual project, skilled, passionate and specialized professionals are working hard. This invisible network is the real driving force behind the high quality of all our services. Handpicking, grouping together and supporting these experts is an important part of our role, so that they can offer the best of their know-how, aligning perfectly with your objectives. To achieve this, we rely on our in-house experts, primarily our production team, who know how to mobilize the best talent for each project. It’s this combination of human expertise, rigorous methodology and smart technology that ensures your projects are a success… and that your international communication is effective. By entrusting your content to a network of experts, you invest in precision, consistency and impact. Want to build a lasting partnership with a network of experts working for you? Contact our teams for your opportunity to meet the best the invisible network has to offer. L’article The Invisible Network: The Human Expertise Behind Every Multilingual Project est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
From Diagnosis to Clinical Trials: Understanding Ultra-specialization in Medical Translation
In an increasingly interconnected world, an ever-greater number of medical documents are spanning across national borders, whether for vaccine distribution, international scientific conferences, or research articles. Specialized medical translation is essential to ensure that knowledge is shared equally and to guarantee scientific cooperation and the safety of healthcare worldwide. Medicine is an ultra-specialized field, spanning […] L’article From Diagnosis to Clinical Trials: Understanding Ultra-specialization in Medical Translation est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
In an increasingly interconnected world, an ever-greater number of medical documents are spanning across national borders, whether for vaccine distribution, international scientific conferences, or research articles. Specialized medical translation is essential to ensure that knowledge is shared equally and to guarantee scientific cooperation and the safety of healthcare worldwide. Medicine is an ultra-specialized field, spanning numerous disciplines such as physiotherapy, pharmacy and dentistry. All translation requires precision, but in the medical sector, this precision reaches critical levels: imprecise or inaccurate translations are unthinkable given the human and legal consequences they could entail. Major events such as the COVID pandemic greatly accelerated the boom in medical translation, dramatically increasing the need to translate protocols, clinical trials and public health press articles—there was a 49% jump in demand for translation in the healthcare sector in 2020. The Specifics of Medical Translation Expertise At the crossroads of linguistics, science and regulation, medical translation is a demanding discipline. To guarantee high quality and safety, these specialist translators need skills that go far beyond a perfect command of the source and target language. Essential Extra-Linguistic Training To translate a medical document for a particular discipline, the translator must have specific medical training. Unlike standard translation, professional medical translations require cross-disciplinary, extra-linguistic expertise. Translators must have thorough knowledge of the literature, including topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. Many of these specialist translators are therefore former doctors, chemists, dentists, engineers, nurses or pharmacists, which ensures comprehensive expertise in the various specialties (oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, etc.). This expertise is not accrued in order to become a doctor, but to encourage systematic doubt when consulting a document, and to always be able to defend one’s choice of words or interpretation of the text, with supporting arguments. Translators also have to actively keep their knowledge up to date with ongoing training, to stay on top of the constant advances in the industry. Tailoring the Message to the Target Audience Medical translators need to know by whom and for whom the text was written. The document’s tone and style and the words chosen depend on the text’s discursive type. For example, a scientific article intended for peers (informative text) will use a highly specialized, technical lexical field. On the other hand, a diagnosis or information leaflet aimed at patients (who are not used to technical terms) will require a simplified lexical field. Distinctions Between Specialties The term “medical translation” is broad, encompassing all health-related documents, whether they are clinical, scientific, pharmaceutical, biological or veterinary. However, differentiating between sub-domains is essential: Medical translation vs. translation for medical devices: Although related, medical translations (such as a clinical report) are wildly different from medical device translations since the lexical field is not the same. A medical device is any product or equipment intended for a medical purpose. Translations in this field include labels, user instructions, data sheets and instrumentation manuals. To translate a medical device, the translator must understand how it works. Software and mobile applications for medical purposes (enabling a diagnosis to be made or health recommendations to be formulated) are also considered medical devices. In Europe, medical devices must meet the requirements of the MDR (Medical Device Regulation). Medical translation vs. pharmaceutical translation: Pharmaceutical translation focuses specifically on pharmaceutical products, marketing authorizations (MA), study protocols and pharmacovigilance. On the other hand, medical translation covers a broader spectrum, including clinical records, patient education manuals, and literature on scientific research. Precise Terminology, Regulations and Ethics In the healthcare sector, translation poses major challenges: errors can lead to instructions being misunderstood, dosage errors, or even serious medical complications, putting patients’ lives at risk. Compliance with Standards and Regulations: MDR and FDA Imperatives Medical and pharmaceutical industries are subject to increasingly stringent regulations governing all stages of the product life cycle, from development to clinical trials and post-marketing compliance. Companies must tailor their products to local standards to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. Not complying with these regulations may result in marketing delays, recalls and fines. To ensure safety and compliance, language service providers must comply with: The EU’s Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This directive establishes specific standards for the translation of labels, leaflets and device information, to ensure patient safety in the European Union. The requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which provide a rigorous framework for labeling and clinical trials. The ISO 17100 standard on requirements for translation services, which guarantees the quality of processes, resources, qualifications and traceability. Dual Quality Control: an ISO 17100 Requirement In a sector where precision and reliability are absolutely essential, careful revision by a second expert translator is a non-negotiable step in the quality process. This step is a direct response to ISO 17100 requirements, which govern professional translation processes, including the review and qualification of linguistic services. Often called a reviser, this proofreader’s crucial role involves carrying out a complete revision of the translation, comparing it to the source text. This verification is essential to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies. The proofreader guarantees that the translation is both accurate and faithful to the source text. For very sensitive scientific or regulatory documents, quality processes may go as far as final validation by a healthcare professional (such as a physician, pharmacist or researcher) to guarantee that the information is accurate. The final quality control ensures that the glossary is respected, while back-translations are used to ensure that the most sensitive extracts of the publication are perfect. This ultimate check is carried out by one of the translation agency’s project managers, a specialist in the medical sector. As well as thoroughly analyzing the source document to determine its purpose, the project manager also ensures compliance with the specific project management procedures and that strict protocols ensuring absolute data confidentiality are respected, all throughout the translation assignment. The Challenges of Terminology and Consistency Medical translation is made all the more complex by the polysemy of medical terms, which can have several meanings depending on the clinical context, and by the challenges of managing specific nomenclatures. Translators must be familiar with international nomenclatures such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Nonproprietary Names (INN) of pharmaceutical molecules. To overcome these challenges and ensure accuracy and consistency, translators use specialized tools such as detailed glossaries, terminology databases and customer-specific translation memory software. What’s more, expert translators need to be aware of cultural variations, such as differences in hematology units (e.g., English-language authors often use g/dL, whereas French-language authors tend to use g/L). Confidentiality, Accuracy and Reliability Accuracy and reliability are absolutely essential in medical translations. Translators are also required to respect the confidentiality of patients’ personal medical data. This involves keeping the processed information secure, and compliance with the applicable regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe. Translators have significant responsibilities in terms of ethics, guaranteeing scientific accuracy and always referring to official sources. Artificial Intelligence in Medical Translations: A Help or Hindrance? Artificial intelligence’s (AI) integration into medical translation has progressed, offering the possibility of faster turnaround times and lower costs. But far from replacing humans, AI is seen as a support tool. Advantages (and Limitations) of AI AI technologies, such as Neural Machine Translation (NMT), can process large volumes of text faster than humans: In urgent situations, it means that translated documents can be made available more quickly, although their accuracy may not be totally reliable; It can help readers understand documents written in a language they don’t speak. AI should only be used for content that is not very sensitive, and for which ISO 17100 compliance is not required. A machine translation does not meet the requirements of ISO 17100, even if it is corrected by a professional specialist translator, and cannot be certified as such by the language service provider who produced it. While AI can be used for certain non-sensitive content, in the healthcare field, using it alone is not recommended—thorough human review is essential. Human translators play a key role re-reading these AI translation outputs. This task is called post-editing and the standard process involves: Initial translation using AI Human editing by a professional medical translator to correct errors and perfect the language Contextual and cultural fine-tuning Final quality control However, using AI should never replace the human expertise needed to ensure accurate, reliable and contextually relevant medical information. Certain content and language pairs are not suitable for machine translation if the engines are insufficiently trained. The quality of the translation output would be too poor to be corrected. Language service providers are responsible for advising their customers on whether or not AI can be used to deliver the expected quality. The Risks of Using AI in Medical Translation Despite its many advantages, using machine translation in the medical field requires extreme caution, as it entails significant risks. Conceptual errors and lack of context Two major problems can arise when using AI: Hallucinations: AI can generate convincing but incorrect content, producing misleading results or fictitious references. Obsolete information: an out-of-date AI model may lack translations related to the latest medical advances, such as new treatments or clinical trials (for example, a model trained up to 2021 might not include recently approved immunotherapies), which could impact patient care. Privacy and security issues Using AI involves handling highly confidential information. Language service providers must guarantee that data is managed securely and in compliance with the applicable regulations. Conclusion: A Secure Partnership Between Humans and Technology Medical translation is a demanding specialty where the stakes are high. It requires qualified, experienced professionals, and perfect precision in terms of terminology and compliance with ISO 17100. AI is a powerful tool to help speed up the process, but it must be used with extreme caution. In the healthcare field, specialist human translators remain the keystone, ensuring that the medical message is not only accurate, but also ethically and culturally appropriate for patients and professionals worldwide. At ITC Global, translation works like an efficient medical system: we are a generalist agency, able to manage all types of projects, but each assignment is entrusted to specialists in the field—just like a family doctor relies on experts to offer the best diagnosis. Our translators and project managers truly master the specifics of the medical sector to ensure perfect accuracy. And while AI can assist with certain steps, and within a strict framework of use, it is never used on its own… Only human expertise can guarantee a reliable, safe translation that meets the challenges of the healthcare sector. L’article From Diagnosis to Clinical Trials: Understanding Ultra-specialization in Medical Translation est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Six Continents and ITC Global join forces in an AI-driven language landscape
Six Continents and ITC Global announce their strategic alliance, building on several months of successful operational partnership. The alliance, which paves the way for a legal merger in the coming months, marks a turning point for these two experts in multilingual translation and artificial intelligence optimization. Their aim is to have greater impact in a […] L’article Six Continents and ITC Global join forces in an AI-driven language landscape est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Six Continents and ITC Global announce their strategic alliance, building on several months of successful operational partnership. The alliance, which paves the way for a legal merger in the coming months, marks a turning point for these two experts in multilingual translation and artificial intelligence optimization. Their aim is to have greater impact in a rapidly evolving market. AI is shaking up the global language ecosystem The rise of artificial intelligence has profoundly transformed the production of multilingual content. Machine translation tools have proliferated, promising speed and simplicity. But in reality, companies have to contend with a technological environment where the variety of solutions, terminological inconsistencies and data confidentiality issues complicate practical use. As the volume of content continues to soar, companies need support more than ever to guarantee consistency, cultural accuracy and high quality in their communications. It is in this changing environment that Six Continents and ITC Global—two experts in linguistic innovation, multilingual content creation and artificial intelligence integration—announce their strategic alliance, following several months of fruitful partnership. Joining forces for more impact on the global stage… Six Continents and ITC Global have long shared the conviction that AI can take us much further, provided it is guided by specialists and managed by linguistic professionals. The two companies integrated these tools well before they became widespread. The company merger will consolidate this hybrid approach, delivering more secure, high-performance multilingual strategies. This union strengthens their ability to respond to large-scale calls for bids and to provide long-term support to companies and public organizations in a highly fragmented sector, the vast majority of which is made up of small structures. …covering a wide range of needs With a global network of over 3,000 linguists covering around 100 languages and experts in highly specialized fields, the two companies are already meeting a wide range of needs: translation of technical documentation, creation and adaptation of digital content to boost their clients’ international visibility, e-learning, audiovisual services (multilingual production, dubbing, computer-generated voices, accessibility, sign language, audio description, etc.), AI interpreting, multilingual go-to-market e-commerce strategies and advice on integrating AI and optimizing solutions to reduce risks. In each of these areas, they opt for an approach that combines advanced technologies, human discipline, support and linguistic consistency. A shared vision for reframing translation in the age of AI <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-43365 alignleft" src="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gaetan-chretiennot-300x296.png" alt="" width="104" height="103" srcset="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gaetan-chretiennot-300x296.png 300w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gaetan-chretiennot-150x150.png 150w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gaetan-chretiennot.png 595w" sizes="(max-width: 104px) 100vw, 104px" /> Gaëtan Chrétiennot, founder and co-director of Six Continents, is an international lecturer and consultant who has been working with universities and companies for over 20 years: “Every market has its own culture. AI must learn from humans in order to adapt to them. A company with real export ambitions needs human experts to steer and implement the best AI-human-process recipe and thereby ensure its international success.” <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-43360 alignleft" src="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/peggy-santerre-300x296.png" alt="" width="104" height="103" srcset="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/peggy-santerre-300x296.png 300w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/peggy-santerre-150x150.png 150w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/peggy-santerre.png 595w" sizes="(max-width: 104px) 100vw, 104px" />Peggy Santerre, co-director of Six Continents and specialist in multilingual content governance: “Companies are lost in the jungle of solutions. They have tried integrating pure AI solutions and now want human experts to help them make the right choices. We help them choose the right tools for their business, to support their international goals and ensure that their brand is understood everywhere, not merely translated. Intelligent management of multilingual content is becoming a real driver of international growth.” <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-43370 alignleft" src="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/celine-imbaud-300x292.png" alt="" width="104" height="101" srcset="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/celine-imbaud-300x292.png 300w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/celine-imbaud.png 604w" sizes="(max-width: 104px) 100vw, 104px" />For Céline Imbaud, founder and CEO of ITC Global, and a brand voice strategist: “In this frantic race for speed, one truth remains: every word counts. It’s always better to speak well than to speak fast.” “Our merger was born of a long-standing friendship and a deep-seated conviction that, in the face of the technological changes affecting our sector, we can go further together than on our own. By combining our expertise and our teams of experts, we can create truly new solutions and open up a much wider range of opportunities for our clients”, add the directors. The new group also intends to pursue external growth, strengthen its presence in Europe and consolidate its foothold in North America, where it is already considered a key player. About Six Continents With over twenty years of expertise, Six Continents is a key player in translation, linguistic innovation and multilingual content creation. Founded by Gaëtan Chrétiennot, an international lecturer and consultant in translation technologies and strategies since 1995, and co-managed by Peggy Santerre, an expert in multilingual solutions and former national winner of the Femmes de l’Économie à l’international award, the company is ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 certified. Based in Strasbourg/Vendenheim, Lyon and Marseille/Aix-en-Provence, it supports companies, institutions and major groups in making language strategy a responsible, sustainable and value-creating investment. The company has around twenty employees. About ITC Global With over twenty-five years’ experience, a visionary approach and three offices (in Lyon, Montreal and Miami), ITC Global supports organizations in their multilingual strategies to accelerate their international growth. Their strength? Being a one-stop shop ready to offer customers an entire range of solutions beyond translation (audiovisual, interpreting, accessibility, international marketing, intercultural management, etc.). Founded in 1999 by Céline Imbaud, ITC is ISO 17100 certified and places innovation and people at the heart of the tailor-made solutions it offers its clients. The company employs close to fifty people. Press relations: marketing@itcgl.com L’article Six Continents and ITC Global join forces in an AI-driven language landscape est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Braille: The French Invention Felt Round the World
Chances are you’ve seen the raised dots on elevator buttons, hotel room numbers, restroom signs. But do you know the history behind this tactile code and how braille transcription services can break down barriers excluding people who are blind or have low vision? Read on for a deep dive into this 19th-century French invention and […] L’article Braille: The French Invention Felt Round the World est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Chances are you’ve seen the raised dots on elevator buttons, hotel room numbers, restroom signs. But do you know the history behind this tactile code and how braille transcription services can break down barriers excluding people who are blind or have low vision? Read on for a deep dive into this 19th-century French invention and the modern technology that brings it to fingertips around the world. History and Evolution The history of braille begins in France. This tactile communication code was developed in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, a French student who lost his sight at the age of three. At just 15 years old, he adapted a system of raised dots first created by French army officer Charles Barbier de la Serre into a tactile alphabet that allowed blind people to read and write through touch. Legend has it that Barbier designed his “night writing” system so soldiers could silently read messages in the dark without giving away their positions. But this isn’t the whole story. Encyclopaedia Britannica says, “Barbier’s writings suggest that he hoped the system could be used by people with visual and hearing impairments and anyone who was unable to obtain a formal education.” Although innovative, his code was too complex for everyday use. Louis Braille simplified it, creating a system that was easier to learn, faster to read, and adaptable to any language. His six-dot cell system—arranged in two columns of three—remains the foundation of braille today. Over the years, braille spread worldwide, transforming education, literacy, and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. By the 20th century, braille was standardized into multiple languages, and organizations began producing books, newspapers, and official documents in braille. In modern times, braille has evolved into several types to meet diverse needs. Uncontracted (also known as Grade 1) braille represents each letter and punctuation mark directly, making it useful for beginners. Contracted (Grade 2) braille uses contractions and abbreviations to save space and speed up reading, and it is the most common form for books and everyday texts. Who Uses Braille People who are blind or have low vision use braille for reading and writing, giving them independent access to information, education, and culture. In the United States, the American Printing House for the Blind estimates that about 55,000 students are legally blind, and roughly 14% of them use braille as their primary literacy medium. One million adults in the United States are legally blind and around 10% use braille regularly. Blind individuals who read braille use it for a wide variety of activities, like reading books and online information, labeling household items, managing personal documents, and pursuing education or careers in fields like science, law, and music. Specialized codes such as Nemeth braille are used in mathematics and science, while braille music notation allows musicians to access scores. Braille Technology Traditionally, braille was written by hand using a slate and stylus, with raised dots created by pressing into paper from the back. Modern braille reading and writing technology has expanded far beyond embossed paper. Today, people use refreshable braille displays, which connect to computers, tablets, or smartphones and instantly convert digital text into braille through small pins that rise and fall on a flat surface. For example, the Focus Braille Display, developed by Freedom Scientific, is a portable device that connects to devices like a laptop or mobile phone via USB or Bluetooth. It works with popular screen readers like JAWS for smooth navigation of digital documents, online platforms, and mobile apps entirely through braille. The built-in keyboard allows users to type in braille, as well. Alongside refreshable braille displays, many organizations rely on braille transcription services to convert printed materials into accessible formats. Many people use a combination of tools, depending on the situation. People with some remaining vision may use magnifiers, CCTVs, or apps that adjust contrast or zoom levels. Technological advances have improved tools like text-to-speech apps for printed materials and screen readers for digital content. Audio books are a great option for blind and sighted users alike. Audio description makes video content more accessible. Finally, generative AI is another tool that provides access to images, graphs, and more through image analysis and description. How to improve accessibility with braille In the United States, several key laws make braille especially relevant: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires effective communication for people with disabilities in both public and private settings, and ADA braille signage requirements explicitly cover permanent rooms and spaces. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensures equal access in federally funded programs and services, which often includes providing materials in braille. Section 508 applies to federal agencies and requires accessible electronic and information technology. Organizations can meet these requirements by offering documents in accessible formats, often through professional braille transcription services. Here are some of the most common places where braille can be integrated: Signage: Room numbers, elevator buttons, restrooms, and wayfinding signs Customer materials: Menus, brochures, product guides, and contracts Workplace resources: Employee handbooks, safety procedures, and training manuals Financial and medical documents: Bank statements, prescription instructions, and health care forms Marketing and outreach: Business cards, event programs, and promotional materials Public information: Transit maps, government forms, and voting materials Ready to share printed content in braille? ITC Global is your partner for braille transcription services, as well as solutions to make existing materials like documents and signage accessible to braille users. Contact us to get started or explore all our accessibility solutions. L’article Braille: The French Invention Felt Round the World est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Global Leadership: Leveraging Cross-Cultural Training to Turn Cultural Complexity into a Strategic Advantage
Cultural Diversity Shapes the World of Work Globalization has drastically altered the way organizations interact. For companies that operate overseas or manage teams spread across several continents, cultural diversity is now the norm, not the exception. But while these teams abound with multiple points of view and experiences, they also face complex challenges, with varying […] L’article Global Leadership: Leveraging Cross-Cultural Training to Turn Cultural Complexity into a Strategic Advantage est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Cultural Diversity Shapes the World of Work Globalization has drastically altered the way organizations interact. For companies that operate overseas or manage teams spread across several continents, cultural diversity is now the norm, not the exception. But while these teams abound with multiple points of view and experiences, they also face complex challenges, with varying expectations in terms of communication, hierarchy, performance and management. Glossing over these cultural differences can have very real consequences. Rather than technical or strategic shortcomings, many international projects fail due to a lack of understanding of cultural dynamics. Simply copying and pasting a management model designed for a specific cultural context into another environment often leads to misunderstandings, tensions or reduced efficiency. International success no longer depends on sound strategies alone—you also need to be able to lead and collaborate effectively across cultural boundaries. This is why developing intercultural skills is essential for organizations that want to build on teamwork and boost their performances. Intercultural training programs offer a structured framework to help understand these differences and learn how to turn them into strategic levers. The Foundation of Interculturality: Decoding the Software of the Mind Dutch psychologist Geert Hofstede defined culture as “collective programming of the mind” that distinguishes members of one cultural group from another. This “programming” can be compared to mental software: it is a set of cultural practices we acquire in childhood that influence the way we think, communicate, collaborate and make decisions. Like an invisible operating system, this software runs in the background and guides our behavior, though we are not always conscious of it. This mental software is not limited to what is visible or audible, such as the language, customs or history of one’s country—above all it is based on deep-seated values, beliefs and assumptions about the world around us, forming the invisible core of every culture. Two reference models are commonly used to understand these social dynamics: Geert Hofstede’s 6 Dimensions Model Developed in the 1970s following a vast survey of 100,000 IBM employees in 50 countries, this model highlights how culture influences collective values and behaviors. The 7 Dimensions of Culture Model by Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner Developed in the 1990s, this framework is used to analyze cultural differences, particularly with regard to managing human relationships and attitudes to time and the environment. These models are powerful tools, but professionals need to be able to use them concretely—often by calling on structured intercultural training—to transform them into operational levers. Management and Collaboration in a Culturally Diverse Environment Intercultural management is the cornerstone of successful global teams. Leaders must strike a subtle balance between their own values, local values and those of the global business environment. Cultural models offer them clear benchmarks to tailor their leadership styles and strengthen collaboration. Hierarchy and decision-making (power-distance index, PDI) The power-distance index measures the degree to which unequal distribution of power within a society is accepted or rejected. In countries with a high PDI, such as China or Japan, subordinates expect superiors to make decisions without consulting them, and obedience goes without saying. Leaders have a directive but protective style. In countries with a low PDI, such as North America or Sweden, equality is valued, and all members of an organization are seen as equals, with more collegial decision-making. Understanding these dynamics helps prevent misunderstandings during decision-making and hierarchical communication. A trained manager knows that trying to enforce participative management in a culture with a high PDI, where subordinates expect to be led, is doomed to failure. Individualism vs. collectivism (IDV) This dimension determines how important individual interests are in relation to those of the group. Individualistic cultures with a high IDV score have a loose social framework, and members focus mainly on themselves and their immediate family. In contrast, collectivist cultures with a low IDV score, such as India and many African countries, have a highly structured social framework where loyalty to the group is paramount and everyone has a responsibility towards other members. It’s essential that leaders know how to motivate their team. While everyone must share the same objective, the means of achieving it should be tailored to the culture. In a collectivist context, an employee’s belonging to a group is often taken into account when hiring and promoting, as loyalty to the collective is a key factor in cohesion and performance. The challenge of remote-working and trust Remote-working makes it particularly difficult to build strong interpersonal relationships. It further accentuates the effects of the cultural differences involved in collectivism and hierarchical communication styles. In collectivist cultures, establishing a personal relationship based on trust is an essential step that comes before the real work. If leaders cut short this socialization phase in favor of immediate efficiency, they risk compromising the performance of team members from these cultures. Spending time working on relationships upstream improves quality of work, as it reduces time wasted on feedback and making corrections. Understanding and integrating these differences is not about being “politically correct”—it is a strategic skill. Leaders who know how to adapt their cultural approach benefit from greater legitimacy, effectiveness and team commitment. Strategic success: negotiation and business development Intercultural training is not just a lever for internal collaboration: it is also a decisive advantage in relationships with external partners, international negotiations and expansion strategies. Contracts, trust and relationships (universalism vs. particularism) This dimension from Trompenaars highlights how a culture places greater value on either rules (universalist approach) or relationships and circumstances (particularist approach). Universalists, notably in several Northern European and English-speaking countries, see formal, detailed contracts as complete and indispensable agreements. Conversely, particularists, such as those in Venezuela, South Korea and Indonesia, place the personal relationships and the links they establish above the official document, which they see more as a general framework. These differences can easily lead to prejudices on both sides. As Fons Trompenaars explains, universalists can see particularists as “corrupt” because they favor personal relationships over sticking to the rules. Conversely, particularists may regard universalists as “unreliable,” since they place more importance on the contract than on personal bonds. Negotiators trained in intercultural concepts know that they need to spend time developing their contact with a particularist partner, before negotiating, in order to establish trust, which is key to flexibility in the face of change. Status and legitimacy (achievement vs. ascription) This dimension covers the origin of social position: either from personal achievements and successes (achievement), or factors such as age, qualifications or origin (ascription). During negotiations, it can be a shock when young specialists, whose status is based on their skills (achieved status), interact with someone older occupying a high position in the hierarchy (ascribed status). In these status-driven cultures, the authority and legitimacy of these young specialists may be brought into question, even if they are experts in their field. In these negotiations, a good strategy can be to involve someone whom the partner will perceive as legitimate, even if they lack the primary technical expertise. Market strategies (term orientation and collectivism) Over and above interactions between individuals, these cultural logics also influence the way companies design marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. Cultural dimension models enable them to critically analyze their expansion and marketing strategies and adapt them to the contexts of local cultures. Term orientation reflects the way a culture perceives time and change. In societies that value the long term, such as in China and Japan, patience, longevity and planning are important. Effective marketing therefore emphasizes lasting quality, reliability and a strategic vision. Conversely, in “short-term” cultures, the emphasis is on quick results and immediate benefits. Campaigns should therefore be more up-tempo, punchy and designed to produce a rapid impact. Collectivism influences the way messages are received. In collectivist societies, advertising and positioning should target groups, promoting community or social ties, while in individualistic societies, an approach centered on the individual and personal experience is more effective. By combining these two dimensions, companies can tailor their commercial approach to local cultural realities, making their offering more relevant and their partners more confident. Time management (sequential vs. synchronic) How a culture conceives the organization of time directly influences internal processes and how meetings are held. Understanding these cultural rhythms can help plan negotiations, limit frustration caused by delays or unforeseen events, and optimize interactions. Sequential cultures, such as in English-speaking countries, see time as a series of distinct events and plan using a structured approach, carrying out one task at a time. Conversely, synchronous cultures, often found in the Mediterranean, favor flexibility, manage several activities simultaneously and are more relaxed when it comes to punctuality. Intercultural training helps reconcile these two approaches: while the sequential method favors more organized meetings, the synchronous method saves time by running several actions at once. Mastering Reconciliation and Adaptation with Intercultural Training The biggest benefit of intercultural training is that it offers a concrete method to take advantage of countries’ cultural differences. Dilemma thinking Rather than opting for a single cultural approach or limiting yourself with a compromise, Fons Trompenaars’ theory relies on reconciling dilemmas. This approach, known as “Dilemma Thinking,” aims to integrate two opposing cultural logics to create a mutually beneficial solution. For example, if one culture prioritizes rules and another relationships, the manager could create a clear procedure while still allowing room for flexibility to take human interactions into account. This approach is based on the 4R method (Recognize, Respect, Reconcile, Realize): Recognize means recognizing the cultural dilemma and understanding the opposing logics. Respect means valuing each perspective and recognizing that both approaches are legitimate. Reconcile means searching for a creative solution that integrates both logics rather than sacrificing one of them. Realize means implementing the solution in concrete terms, and anchoring it in practices over the long term. This structured method helps transform cultural differences into strategic levers and maximize their benefits. Adaptation and cultural competence The first step to becoming a competent global leader is understanding your own preferences, both individual and cultural. Intercultural models can be used as tools to analyze each situation and adapt your behavior accordingly. The aim isn’t to always use the same solution, but to develop the ability to adapt to the other person, whatever their nationality. Conclusion: An Essential Skill In a world where globalization is skyrocketing, and both internal and external intercultural collaboration has become the norm, intercultural competence is essential for success. Cultural dimension theories, whether based on the work of Geert Hofstede or Fons Trompenaars, provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexity of cultural contexts. These models are real tools, enabling you to integrate cultural intelligence into management, negotiation, collaboration and international strategies. ITC Global has a fun and comprehensive intercultural training platform to support organizations through the process. Its dynamic, operational approach includes simple explanations of 18 cultural dimensions, analysis of over 80 countries, immersive videos, quizzes, case studies, self-assessments, an interactive cultural profile comparison tool and unlimited live virtual classes. Being a global leader is demanding, but getting educated and using the right tools can boost productivity, reduce stress and create a dynamic, rewarding team environment. With accessible, practical and motivating training, everyone can develop solid intercultural practices and turn diversity into a performance driver. Ready to develop your intercultural skills and help your teams evolve? Contact us for a free trial of our intercultural platform. L’article Global Leadership: Leveraging Cross-Cultural Training to Turn Cultural Complexity into a Strategic Advantage est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Bill 96 in Québec: How Can Companies Comply and Thrive?
Understanding Bill 96: A Turning Point for Language Rights in Québec When Québec adopted Bill 96 in June 2022, it sent a clear signal to businesses: the French language is not just a cultural symbol, it is the foundation of civic and economic life in the province. This ambitious amendment to the Charter of the […] L’article Bill 96 in Québec: How Can Companies Comply and Thrive? est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Understanding Bill 96: A Turning Point for Language Rights in Québec When Québec adopted Bill 96 in June 2022, it sent a clear signal to businesses: the French language is not just a cultural symbol, it is the foundation of civic and economic life in the province. This ambitious amendment to the Charter of the French Language (better known as Bill 101) tightened rules on language use in commerce, employment, government, and the digital world. Québec’s leaders argued that without stronger protections, globalization, immigration, and the dominance of English on digital platforms could erode the everyday presence of French. Bill 96 is therefore not just legislation; it is a cultural and political project designed to preserve Québec’s francophone identity for generations to come. The law’s final provisions went into effect on June 1, 2025, meaning that companies can no longer delay compliance without facing significant penalties. Who Must Comply with Bill 96? The reach of Bill 96 extends well beyond companies headquartered in Québec. Any business that serves customers in the province, employs Québec-based workers, or operates digital platforms accessible in Québec is subject to its rules. A foreign company selling directly into the Québec market, whether through e-commerce or digital services, is expected to meet the same obligations as a Montréal retailer. In other words, if a company interacts with Québec’s market in any meaningful way, it falls under the law. This has significant implications for international firms that may not have a physical presence in Canada but still attract Québec consumers online. The Main Requirements for Businesses The central principle of Bill 96 is not just the presence of French, but its primacy. Businesses must ensure that French versions of documents, signage, packaging, and digital content are at least equal to, and often more prominent than, other languages. In practice, this means that contracts, warranties, invoices, and receipts must be available in French first. Customers cannot simply be handed an English version; they must be presented with a French document before any alternative is offered. In the workplace, employers must ensure that job postings, employment contracts, training materials, and internal policies are all available in French, giving employees full access to their rights in their own language. The law also reshapes how companies present themselves in public. Packaging and labeling must give French clear visual dominance, often requiring changes to long-standing branding strategies. Companies can keep registered trademarks in English, but a French descriptor must accompany them. On digital platforms, businesses must provide fully equivalent French content. Raw machine translations (auto-generated text without human validation) are insufficient because they often lack legal accuracy, cultural nuance, and the quality expected under Québec standards. Francization Committees: A New Layer of Responsibility One of the most significant changes in Bill 96 is the expanded requirement for Francization Committees. Previously, only larger companies faced this obligation, but the threshold has now been lowered. Any company with 25 or more employees in Québec must register with the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) and create a committee responsible for monitoring and promoting the use of French. These committees are tasked with auditing the company’s internal practices, proposing improvements, and submitting a francization plan to the OQLF. Their role is not symbolic. They are expected to ensure that French becomes the standard working language within the company, from management meetings to everyday communication. For foreign multinationals, this obligation applies specifically to their Québec operations. A global tech company with thousands of employees worldwide but a smaller Montréal office of thirty staff must still establish a committee for that local branch. Penalties and Real-World Enforcement Bill 96 is backed by tough enforcement measures. Fines range from CAD $3,000 to $30,000 for first offenses, with escalating penalties for repeat or prolonged violations. In more serious cases, the OQLF can revoke a company’s francization certificate or seek injunctions through the courts. The history of enforcement in Québec shows that these measures are more than theoretical. Large retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco have all been taken to court over English trademarks on their signage. Canadian Tire and Second Cup Coffee Company have had to modify their branding to meet descriptive requirements in French. Even Air Canada, despite its national profile, has faced repeated fines for failing to deliver services in French. Smaller businesses are not immune. A Montréal pub was once ordered to alter its English-language signage, sparking public debate. The music retailer Long & McQuade was compelled to add French descriptors to its packaging. Data from the OQLF shows a growing trend: in 2022–23, nearly 6,900 complaints were filed, with half relating to packaging, a quarter to signage, and more than one in ten to websites. Debates and Diverging Opinions on Bill 96 While Bill 96 has reshaped Québec’s business environment, it has also sparked considerable debate. Supporters argue that the law is essential to preserving the province’s francophone identity and ensuring that French remains the dominant language in commerce and daily life. They view it as a necessary cultural safeguard, one that reinforces inclusion for French-speaking consumers and workers (La Presse). Critics, however, raise concerns about the economic cost of compliance. Updating contracts, websites, packaging, and signage requires substantial investment, particularly for multinationals with extensive product lines or complex digital infrastructures. Some analysts question whether the return justifies the cost, warning that overregulation could discourage companies from expanding in Québec. In fact, the law’s rollout has already had ripple effects. Larger businesses were required to comply starting in 2022, and according to reporting from The Logic, some major retailers have quietly stopped shipping to the province altogether, citing the compliance burden as a factor. For smaller businesses with limited resources, the challenge may be even more daunting. Beyond Compliance: Why Bill 96 Can Be a Business Advantage These debates reflect real challenges, but they also risk overshadowing the potential upside of Bill 96. While compliance undoubtedly carries costs, companies that approach the law strategically are increasingly discovering that it can be more of an advantage than a disadvantage. By aligning with the law, businesses demonstrate respect for Québec’s culture and build lasting trust with consumers. Francophone customers are more loyal to brands that acknowledge and respect their language rights. The benefits extend inside the company as well. French-speaking employees are more likely to feel valued and included when policies, training, and contracts are written in their language. For companies competing in Québec’s talent market, this can translate into stronger retention and engagement. On a broader scale, compliance signals credibility in one of Canada’s largest and most dynamic economies. Québec accounts for roughly 20 % of the national GDP, making it a major player in the Canadian market. Rather than treating Bill 96 as a cost of doing business, companies that embrace it as part of their strategy can strengthen their reputation and market share. A Roadmap for Businesses Subject to Bill 96 To comply effectively, businesses need to take a structured approach. Step 1 — Record all communication materials Start with a comprehensive audit of all internal and external communication: contracts and sales templates, websites and apps, marketing materials, packaging and labeling, in‑store signage, HR policies, training content, and customer support scripts. Record owners, formats, and update cycles so you know exactly what must change and who’s responsible. Step 2 — Prioritize high‑risk, customer‑facing items Tackle what the public sees first. Give precedence to online platforms, e‑commerce flows, point‑of‑sale documents, and standard (adhesion) contracts. Ensuring French is primary and fully equivalent in these areas reduces exposure while you work through the rest. Step 3 — Build a realistic timeline around compliance milestones Sequence work against legal deadlines and internal release calendars to avoid last‑minute scrambles. Bundle related updates (e.g., contract templates and onboarding flows) and lock in review windows with legal, marketing, and product to keep momentum. Step 4 — Work with translation and legal experts Machine translation can assist, but it cannot always convey legal nuance or fulfill cultural expectations. Rely on professional linguists and Québec‑savvy counsel to ensure terminology, tone, and enforceability meet Bill 96 standards—and that French is not only present, but truly primary. Step 5 — Establish a Francization Committee where required If you have 25 or more employees in Québec, register with the OQLF and set up a committee to audit practices, propose improvements, and submit a francization plan. Treat it as an ongoing governance body that helps French become the default language of daily work, not just a box to tick. Step 6 — Redesign branding, packaging, and signage for French primacy Review trademarks, descriptors, label hierarchies, and visual layouts to be sure French is markedly predominant. For example, French text must be at least twice as large as any other language on store signage. This will require careful art direction: typography, placement, and information hierarchy may need to shift, which could lead to significant changes to long‑standing brand assets. Step 7 — Train teams and operationalize the new standards Bring HR, legal, marketing, product, and frontline managers into the loop with concise guidance, style sheets, and approval workflows. Make it easy to do the right thing—templates, glossaries, and checklists prevent backsliding and speed future updates. Step 8 — Monitor, re‑audit, and iterate Set a schedule for reviewing websites, documents, and packaging, and track issues through a central register. Regulations and interpretations evolve; periodic audits, spot checks, and stakeholder feedback will keep you compliant over time and surface opportunities for improvement early. ITC Global: A Partner for Compliance and Growth Navigating Bill 96 is complex. From contracts and signage to websites and HR policies, companies face a maze of requirements—and mistakes can be costly. At ITC Global, we follow Québec’s regulatory updates closely and adapt our solutions to keep clients compliant and confident. Our team of linguists, consultants, and technologists supports organizations at every stage: Human and AI-powered translation for legal and business documents Website and digital content localization to ensure online compliance Multilingual audio and video services, including subtitling and dubbing Intercultural consulting to help companies communicate with cultural nuance Accessible communication solutions, like easy-read formats and captions We don’t just help businesses avoid fines—we help them embed French into their operations in a way that builds trust, enhances employee engagement, and strengthens their brand in Québec. With ITC Global as your partner, compliance with Bill 96 becomes not just a legal requirement, but a strategic advantage. Conclusion: Thriving Under Bill 96 Bill 96 is reshaping how companies operate in Québec. Its requirements are detailed and demanding, but they also open the door to deeper connections with consumers and employees. Businesses that act quickly, invest in quality translation, and integrate French meaningfully into their operations will not only avoid penalties but also gain a lasting competitive edge. With the right mindset—and with expert partners like ITC Global—compliance with Bill 96 can be more than a necessity. It can be a pathway to growth, credibility, and long-term success in Québec’s unique market. L’article Bill 96 in Québec: How Can Companies Comply and Thrive? est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Why Descriptive Transcripts Are Essential for Accessibility
In today’s workplace and educational environments, accessibility has moved from a side note to a central expectation. Organizations now recognize that accessibility is about creating spaces where everyone can participate fully, not just meeting legal requirements. When we think of accessibility in media, most of us picture captions or subtitles. These tools are crucial for […] L’article Why Descriptive Transcripts Are Essential for Accessibility est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
In today’s workplace and educational environments, accessibility has moved from a side note to a central expectation. Organizations now recognize that accessibility is about creating spaces where everyone can participate fully, not just meeting legal requirements. When we think of accessibility in media, most of us picture captions or subtitles. These tools are crucial for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, but they don’t address the needs of people who are Deafblind—those who experience both hearing and vision loss. That’s where descriptive transcripts come in. What Makes a Transcript “Descriptive” The difference between a basic transcript and a descriptive transcript comes down to context and completeness. A descriptive transcript is more than just a record of spoken words. It captures non-verbal audio cues, speaker tone, background sounds, and visual context in text form. For people who are Deafblind, descriptive transcripts are a primary accessibility tool because they can be read through a refreshable braille display connected to a screen reader for example, making video and audio content accessible when neither sound nor visuals are usable. The benefits extend to others, as well: Blind and low-vision audiences gain access to descriptions of visuals Neurodiverse learners can reread and process at their own pace People learning another language can reinforce vocabulary and comprehension Organizations improve discoverability, since search engines index transcripts How to Create a Descriptive Transcript The good news is that creating descriptive transcripts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear workflow, the process is repeatable, scalable, and can be adapted to different types of content. Basic Steps Start with a standard transcript. Transcribe dialogue text using human or automated processes. Add non-verbal details. Describe sounds, music, and visuals, including on-screen text. Write for braille output. In your descriptions, use clear, concise language that provides the essential details the audience needs to understand what is going on, without describing everything in the scene. For example, write “A woman stands behind a podium with a microphone on it,” rather than “A woman with brown hair and glasses on the top of her head stands behind a podium with a long, flexible microphone on it.” Review for completeness. Ensure nothing essential is missing, such as a sound that occurs off screen. Organizations can outsource this work or build in-house expertise. The key is remembering that you are writing primarily for Deafblind audiences, while also providing value to others. Note on Different Access Methods for Deafblind Users Not all Deafblind people use braille. Some rely on large print, text to speech technology, tactile sign language, or Protactile, depending on their residual vision or hearing. Descriptive transcripts are still vital because they create a flexible text record that can be adapted into whichever communication format works best for the individual. Descriptive Transcripts in Action Here’s an extract from a descriptive transcript for a presentation our Founder and President Céline Imbaud gave at the 2025 GALA conference titled “AI Won’t Save Your Business… Have You Tried Being Human?”. Descriptive Transcript Extract Opening scene: Upbeat music begins. A woman stands behind a podium with a microphone on it. Behind her is a large screen with this text: GALA 2025 Montreal The Language of Business The Business of Language 13-15 April 2025 Céline: “Being authentic and vulnerable, that is a good sign of good leadership. Contrary to what you may think, it is not weakness.” Visual: Subtitle text appears on the screen in large white letters. Each word is highlighted in purple as Céline says it. Céline: “It is power.” Visual: The subtitle text appears larger on screen. Visual: The video fades lighter and turns monochrome with a purple tint. The title text “Gala 2025 Conference” appears on screen over the video. Visual: New text appears on screen: Soapbox Session “AI Won’t Save Your Business… Have you Tried Being Human?” Céline Imbaud, Founder & CEO of ITC Global Visual: On the left side of the video, a woman wearing a white shirt and holding a microphone stands at the front of a conference room. She is wearing a large nametag on a lanyard with the name Cassandra. On the right side of the video, another woman wearing an orange striped shirt is standing behind a podium with a microphone on it. The music fades out. Cassandra: “Let me introduce you our next speaker, Céline Imbaud.” Visual: The camera pans to the woman behind the podium and zooms in on her. Technology and Innovation in Descriptive Transcripts The tools available for creating and delivering descriptive transcripts are evolving quickly, and that’s good news for organizations looking to expand accessibility. While technology doesn’t solve every challenge, it has made transcripts faster to produce, easier to share, and more adaptable to different users’ needs. One of the most important innovations is the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=704d9b9f92b567db&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS1037US1037&udm=2&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZ1Y6MJ25_tmWITc7uy4KIeioyp3OhN11EY0n5qfq-zEMZldv_eRjZ2XLYc5GnVnMEMfsGce84XZ9Zo0uPR2P9PSZw1Y5qnIViUEbAZVhbvc1XIU1TzAO30Z-69sax_rZoMMVaqwf-Gm_nsOuzTdioNeKNtZvbKLkUn9oinwnvHERmUrckrwpkozpQ3oQv1kCnDXcJ0Q&q=refreshable+braille+display&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjX_rb5_5yPAxX087sIHZkOLUYQtKgLegQIDBAB&biw=1280&bih=599&dpr=1.5">refreshable braille display. These small electronic devices connect to a computer, tablet, or phone and translate on-screen text into tactile braille in real time. For Deafblind users who rely on braille, descriptive transcripts can be fed through a screen reader into the display, allowing them to follow along line by line. This gives individuals more independence when accessing training videos, meetings, or public announcements. AI-powered transcription tools are another area of progress. These platforms can generate a rough transcript of spoken content within minutes. While these tools don’t automatically include the descriptive detail needed for full accessibility, they give human editors a useful starting point. This hybrid model—automation plus expert review—can save organizations time and resources while still meeting accessibility requirements. There are also advances in cross-platform delivery. Descriptive transcripts can now be embedded directly into learning management systems, corporate intranets, or video players. Some organizations provide them as downloadable text files on external video sharing sites like YouTube, while others make them accessible through secure portals. This flexibility means users can choose how they want to consume content—whether on a braille display, through magnified on-screen text, or with the help of tactile sign interpreters. Compliance and Responsibility Accessibility is both a commitment to equity and a legal requirement, and descriptive transcripts play a critical role in meeting both, providing equivalent access for Deafblind users. In the United States: The ADA requires equal communication access for people with disabilities in both public and private settings. For individuals who are Deafblind, this often means providing auxiliary aids and services such as descriptive transcripts. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 extends this to federally funded programs. Section 504 applies to programs and activities that receive federal funding, such as schools, universities, public health services, and community programs. It requires equal access for individuals with disabilities, including Deafblind people. WCAG is the international benchmark for digital accessibility. The WCAG 2.1 guidelines specifically recommend descriptive transcripts as a text alternative for audio and video content. While WCAG is not law everywhere, it is referenced in many regulations and used as a standard in accessibility audits. In education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that students with disabilities have access to learning on an equal basis. The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) extends accessibility requirements to modern communications and video technology. Want to create descriptive transcripts for your videos? Providing descriptive transcripts sends a clear message to the Deafblind community and other members of your audience that they are seen, valued, and included. Ready to get started? Contact ITC Global today or explore all our accessibility solutions. L’article Why Descriptive Transcripts Are Essential for Accessibility est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
How Easy Read Content Helps Everyone Understand Your Message
People with cognitive disabilities should have the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of society, including political and public life, cultural life, recreation, and sports. Yet discrimination and barriers outside their control often prevent them from doing so. The same is true for people who are learning English, people who have low literacy, and […] L’article How Easy Read Content Helps Everyone Understand Your Message est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
People with cognitive disabilities should have the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of society, including political and public life, cultural life, recreation, and sports. Yet discrimination and barriers outside their control often prevent them from doing so. The same is true for people who are learning English, people who have low literacy, and people with age-related memory problems, just to name a few. Complex information, unclear communication materials, and jargon-heavy forms are some of the many barriers people face. What if you had a template for making information accessible to everyone so they could use it to make informed decisions and enjoy life more? Easy Read is one solution that can help! In this article, we’ll outline how Easy Read adaptation works for written materials and why it will help you fulfill your organization’s objectives. A Quick Word on Terminology In this article, we use “cognitive disabilities” to cover a range of temporary and permanent disabilities and conditions, including intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities. Many different conditions fall under the umbrella of cognitive disabilities and people with these disabilities have a wide range of needs. When we talk about barriers and disabilities, the real issue is the lack of accessibility. An environment that isn’t designed to include everyone creates barriers. Easy Read is one way to remove them. When discussing disability, some people prefer identity-first terminology (“Deaf person”) while others prefer person-first language (“person who is deaf”). The best thing to do is call people what they want to be called. If you’re not sure, respectfully ask what they prefer. To learn more, explore this guide on equity, diversity, and inclusion terminology or this article on choosing words for talking about disability. The History of Easy Read The concept of easy-to-read content can be traced back to Sweden. In the early 1960s, a Swedish parents’ association began fighting for better living conditions for their children with cognitive disabilities who were institutionalized. And these young people also advocated for themselves, organizing their own activities and challenging the prevailing idea that they should be excluded from the rest of society. Politicians took note of public discussions and protests by disability activist organizations and introduced changes to the welfare system that supported the social rights of people with disabilities. In 1968, the Swedish National Board for Education published the first lättläst (Swedish for easy to read and understand) book, an easy-to-read version of Per Anders Fogelström’s popular novel Sommaren med Monika (Summer with Monika). The Easy Read concept was introduced to Britain in the late 1980s by a group of people with learning disabilities who saw it as a useful way to get the information they needed and wanted in a format that worked for them. While Easy Read is more common in Britain, New Zealand, and Australia, self-advocacy organizations like Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), Green Mountain Self Advocates (GMSA), and Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) are also making this practice more widespread in the United States. While Easy Read was developed by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it is also helpful for many others, like people learning English and those with dementia. Organizations That Need Easy Read Content In the United States, 13.9 percent of adults, over 43 million people, have a cognitive disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Providing Easy Read materials is one tool to make sure this audience has full access to information. It can help organizations engage more participants, empower people to advocate for themselves and causes they care about, improve health outcomes, build trust, comply with accessibility standards, expand readership, promote civic engagement, and more. Organizations whose audiences could benefit from Easy Read content include: Health and Medical Services Hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other medical facilities Public health authorities Mental health facilities and support groups Social and Community Services Food banks and other social support organizations Disability rights advocacy organizations Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious organizations Recreation facilities, libraries, day camps Public transportation Education and Culture Schools, universities, continuing education programs Museums, historical sites, and other cultural institutions Book publishers, digital and print media Legal and Public Safety Police departments, correctional facilities, courts, law firms Victim support organizations, legal aid organizations Civic and Financial Participation Banks, credit unions Voting rights organizations, political organizations Government services Easy Read Format Guidelines While there is no recognized standard for Easy Read text in the United States, there are guidelines that can help you write in this format. The following non-exhaustive list is drawn from guides written by ASAN and Inclusion Europe. Writing style Write short sentences, around 10-15 words Include one idea per sentence Write in active voice Provide definitions of key terms Use clear, simple words Use positive sentences whenever possible Use the present tense whenever possible Give examples Write numbers as digits, not as words Write words out rather than using contractions, acronyms or abbreviations Design style and formatting Use a large font size, no smaller than 14 points Choose a sans serif font Include lots of space between lines Include simple, clear images or graphics to illustrate each main point Use bullets for lists Divide long content into shorter documents How to Write Content in Easy Read Below is an example of Easy Read content so you can see the writing style and formatting in practice. How to Make an Easy Read Document <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-42720" src="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/easy-read-1-300x300.png" alt="Think about what information your audience needs." width="100" height="100" srcset="https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/easy-read-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/easy-read-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.itcglobaltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/easy-read-1.png 392w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /> Think about what information your audience needs. • Your audience is the people who will read your document. • For example, people who read this Easy Read article on a website. Next, write a short outline with the ideas you want to share. • An outline is a list of information you want to write about. • The outline helps you organize your thoughts. Now you are ready to make your document with the ideas from your outline. • Write short sentences. • Use simple words. • Add images to explain the information. Finally, ask 2 or 3 people from your audience to read the document. • Ask your audience if the document is easy to understand. • Change the parts of the document that are difficult to understand. How Easy Read Helps Fulfill Legal Requirements Providing Easy Read adaptations helps organizations in the United States meet several key legal accessibility requirements, particularly under federal civil rights and disability laws. Here’s how: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA says that public services and businesses must communicate effectively with people with disabilities, including people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities To do this, they need to provide “auxiliary aids and services”, which can include Easy Read materials Easy Read helps ensure that people with cognitive disabilities understand the same information as everyone else Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act This law applies to any program or service that gets federal funding (like public schools, hospitals, and community services) It requires equal access for people with disabilities Easy Read supports this by making sure information is clear and accessible for everyone Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508 is mostly about federal websites and digital content It says online information must be accessible to people with disabilities While it focuses on technology, plain language and alternative formats (like Easy Read) help meet these rules too Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) IDEA supports students who need special education Schools must give clear, understandable information to both students and their families Easy Read can help parents take part in meetings and help students understand their rights and choices Affordable Care Act (ACA), Section 1557 This law bans discrimination in health care It says health providers must make sure people with disabilities can understand their care and make informed decisions Easy Read materials can explain things like treatments, health instructions, or consent forms in a way that’s easier to understand Plain Writing Act of 2010 This law tells federal agencies to write clearly when communicating with the public Easy Read goes beyond plain language by using simple words, clear structure, and helpful visuals, especially for people who have trouble reading complex text What’s the difference between Easy Read and plain language? Plain language means using clear, straightforward words and sentences so that most people can understand the information easily the first time they read it. For example, instead of saying “utilize,” plain language says “use.” Instead of “individuals,” it says “people.” It is helpful for everyone, especially people who are busy, tired, or not familiar with the topic. Easy Read goes even further. It is designed for people who have cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities or who have trouble reading or processing information. Easy Read uses: Simple words Short sentences Lots of white space Pictures or symbols to help explain the words It is specifically designed to make sure people with cognitive disabilities can understand a message. Want Help Creating Easy Read Content? Contact us today or visit our Accessibility Solutions page for more details or to get started creating Easy Read versions of your essential communications. Need to evaluate your existing content? We work with our partners to test and refine Easy Read materials to make sure your message is understood as intended. Photo by Disability Is Beautiful L’article How Easy Read Content Helps Everyone Understand Your Message est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Captions and subtitles are everywhere and for good reason. In the United States, 6.2% of people are d/Deaf or have serious difficulty hearing and rely on captions to get information and enjoy entertainment. They’re also popular with people who don’t have a hearing disability. A recent CBS News poll revealed that over 50% of Americans […] L’article What is CART captioning? est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.
Captions and subtitles are everywhere and for good reason. In the United States, 6.2% of people are d/Deaf or have serious difficulty hearing and rely on captions to get information and enjoy entertainment. They’re also popular with people who don’t have a hearing disability. A recent CBS News poll revealed that over 50% of Americans keep TV captions turned on some (21%) or all the time (34%). Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how captions and subtitles make their way to your screen. There are two types of captioning: offline captioning, also known as prerecorded captioning, and live captioning. In this article, we’ll explore live captioning and the technology that makes it possible. We’ll also explain broadcast captioning and CART captioning, two special types of captioning that make live TV, events, education, and other everyday situations more accessible. To learn more about offline captioning and subtitles, check out our comparison article. Live Captioning Basics Live captioning provides real-time captions for spoken content. Think about watching TV in a noisy sports bar or airport terminal. You’ve likely noticed white text with a black background scrolling up from the bottom of the screen. Or perhaps you’ve struggled to turn off the automated captions that someone accidentally activated during a Teams or Zoom meeting. These are live captions. While live captioning is available in more places than ever these days, do you know how it works? Let’s start by looking at the two main technologies that power this accessibility service: Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and human experts. Live Captioning Technology ASR technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect what people say and convert it into text. This is a popular option because of low costs and easy implementation. The quality of machine output can vary, though, so it’s important to choose the right tool for your situation. We’ll explore this more in depth later in the article. Human technology involves experts with extensive training and experience who use various tools for broadcast captioning or Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART). These options provide the highest accuracy, nuance, and quality, which is reflected in the costs. So what do you get for this investment? Broadcast captioning provides captions for live TV programs. CART captioning is a specialized form of live transcription that creates a verbatim text version of all spoken language for a wide variety of events and media. Broadcast captioning and CART captioning are performed by stenographers or voice writers, both of whom use specialized equipment to keep up with speakers, transcribing up to 300 words per minute, on average. Stenographers use a stenography machine with a special phonetic keyboard which has a limited number of keys representing specific sounds or combinations of sounds. They press multiple keys at the same time, like playing a cord on a piano, to record spoken words efficiently. Specialized software then converts shorthand text to a full text transcript. Stenographers often have their own custom glossary built throughout years of experience that speeds up their work. The second method of creating broadcast or CART captions involves a voice writer who listens to the audio feed from an event and re-speaks verbal content into a microphone. Voice recognition software then converts it into a written transcript. See both processes in action in this video commissioned by the CBC, The Canadian Association of Broadcasters and Accessible Media Inc. Stenographers and voice writers also work in legal settings as court reporters to create verbatim transcripts of proceedings for record keeping and review when necessary. This is a distinct service from providing CART captioning in a legal setting so people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing can follow and participate in the proceedings in real time. Who uses CART captioning? CART captioning is an accessibility service designed for people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. It removes a barrier that would exclude them from things like staying informed about breaking news, fully enjoying a play at the theater or getting the same information as hearing students in a graduate school class. It’s also helpful for people who find it easier to process written language than spoken language. For example, neurodiverse learners can use CART in classrooms to improve comprehension and reduce cognitive overload. How is CART captioning displayed? As we’ve seen, CART captions are useful for many settings, including live TV broadcasts, conferences, webinars, meetings, classes, and even rodeos. There are several ways that people can access these written transcripts. Most live TV broadcasts provide CART captioning directly on screen. Viewers can turn it on or off using the closed caption setting. For conferences and other live events, the CART transcription can be displayed on a projection screen, shown on smartphones or laptops or accessed remotely via a secure website. What might this look like in practice? Let’s say you’re a Deaf student getting your PhD in biochemistry. You may need simultaneous American Sign Language interpretation for course lectures, as well as CART captioning to access the specific English terminology used in your field. With the CART transcript, you don’t have to struggle to take written notes while also watching the ASL interpretation. To see the live transcription, you log in to a secure website on your laptop and read the text as it appears on screen. Since you’re accessing the content remotely, the captioner can sit anywhere in the room with their equipment. AI Powered vs. Human Powered ARS has significantly improved with advances in AI technology and captions are available nearly everywhere. Teams and Zoom offer real-time captioning for meetings and many smartphones have an automated caption option. YouTube creates automatic subtitles for most videos and PowerPoint has an option to create an automatic transcription during a presentation. These options are free or come included with the main software license, making them a popular choice. But how does the quality of AI-powered captions compare with human-powered captions? In the most recently published research, ARS-powered solutions still aren’t as accurate as human-powered, especially for live captioning. According to a research article in ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, “Scientific publications and industry report very low error rates, claiming that artificial intelligence has reached human parity or even outperforms manual transcription. At the same time, the [d/Deaf and hard of hearing] community reports serious issues with the accuracy and reliability of ASR. There seems to be a mismatch between technical innovations and the real-life experience for people who depend on transcription.” Given this disparity, how should you decide which solution to use? Start by considering your audience. Who will be attending your event? What accessibility needs do they have? Will they participate in person or remotely? Next, consider any accessibility rules or regulations that apply to your situation. And finally, evaluate your budget. If you’re hosting an online conference, for example, you may choose to use CART captions for the plenary sessions and specific breakout sessions, while providing automated captions for sessions where no attendees have requested captioning. Practical Tips for Scheduling CART Captions Book early: Experienced CART captioners are in high demand, so contact your provider at least a week in advance for in-person events during business hours. Evening and weekend events can take longer to schedule. The sooner you book, the better! Provide context and materials: Send event agendas, speaker names, technical vocabulary, acronyms, and presentation slides before the event. Decide on the format: Will the CART captioner be remote or on-site? What you choose will depend on your budget, the format of your event, the accessibility needs of your attendees, and internet connectivity at your event location. Choose how to display captions: Decide if they’ll be projected on a screen, embedded in a webcast, or shown on personal devices. If you’re hosting an online meeting, check if your platform supports real-time caption integration, like CART captions in Teams or Zoom. Make sure you have the right equipment: If the captioner is in the room, they’ll need a table or desk with a clear view of the speakers and access to a power outlet. For remote connection, you’ll need to verify internet speed and stability, as well as ensuring a good microphone and audio feed setup. Discuss additional services: CART transcripts can be adapted for closed captions or subtitles in multiple languages if you plan to share the event video afterwards. Discuss this with your provider in advance, as there may be additional costs for this and other related services. How CART Captions Help You Comply with Regulations CART captioning is an important part of your accessibility and compliance toolkit. Here’s a quick overview of applicable regulations and who they cover. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II – Applies to state and local governments. Requires effective communication for individuals with disabilities, which may include providing CART services for public meetings, hearings, or events. Title III – Applies to places of public accommodation (e.g., hotels, conference centers, theaters, and private schools). Businesses must ensure equal access to communication, and CART is recognized as an auxiliary aid under the ADA. Auxiliary aids and services under the ADA explicitly include “real-time computer-aided transcription services,” which covers CART. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Applies to programs and activities receiving federal funding. Requires reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to individuals with disabilities. CART can be a qualifying accommodation in educational, governmental, and public service contexts. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended) Applies to federal agencies and entities developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic and information technology. If content is delivered electronically (e.g., webcasts, webinars), Section 508 requires accessibility, which may include CART captions for live events. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) In educational settings, students with hearing loss may receive CART as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan to ensure equal participation in classroom learning. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules The FCC mandates that 100% of new English- and Spanish‑language programming must include closed captions, including online video programming. There are a few exemptions, such as programming shown from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. and public service announcements shorter than 10 minutes that aren’t paid for by the federal government. Broadcasters can petition for exemption if compliance will be “economically burdensome.” Captions must meet quality standards: they need to be accurate, synchronous, complete, and properly placed so as not to obscure important visual information. Twenty‑First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) Any streaming video that was originally aired on TV with captions or is “generally comparable” to TV content must also be captioned when streamed online. Need help with CART captioning? Contact us today or visit our Accessibility Solutions page for more details about how ITC Global can help expand your audience and meet accessibility requirements with CART captions. L’article What is CART captioning? est apparu en premier sur ITC Global.