Alert: Changes are coming to ADA Title II. Learn more about the ATI's Digital Content Accessibility Action Plan (DCAAP)!

By April 26, 2027, George Mason University must ensure all its websites and mobile apps comply with ADA Title II and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA - making digital content accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. Click the link below to learn more about the ATI's plan for this effort!Read more
Assistive Technology Initiative

Live Captioning Without A Budget

Have questions? Contact the ATI:

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-4329
Fax: 703-993-4743
[email protected]

The following tools offer options for streaming live captions using automatic speech recognition (ASR). ASR tools use artificial intelligence to convert speech into text. In recent years, educational technologies have started to integrate ASR into their platforms as a way to develop content that is more accessible and inclusive.

DISCLAIMER: Live captioning with ASR is not 100% accurate. That is not even achievable with human intervention. Depending upon the speaker, microphone, and environment, positive results can be achieved. In general, expect ASR to have an accuracy range from 70%-80%. If a disability accommodation is required, again, please submit a request using the Disability Services Live Caption Request Form opens a new window. ASR is not recommended for disability accommodations. In addition to the built-in support provided in Zoom and Microsoft Teams Meetings, view the solutions highlighted below as a first step toward hosting a live virtual event (without a budget) that is more inclusive and accessible.

Turning on Live Captions in your Google Slides Presentation

Google Slides includes live captioning while presenting.  Live captions will appear under the slides.


SAMPLE USE CASE (i.e., Using Google Slides in a synchronous session): If you are presenting in a synchronous session using Google Slides, simply share your screen and turn on the live captioning feature. Anyone viewing your presentation will be able to see the live captions.

 

Turning on Live Captions in your PowerPoint for Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 provides live captioning for PowerPoint presentations.  Captions can be overlaid, above, or below the presentation.

SAMPLE USE CASE (i.e., Using PowerPoint for Office 365 in a synchronous session): If you are presenting in a synchronous session using PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, simply share your screen and turn on the live captioning feature. Anyone viewing your presentation will be able to see the live captions.

 

Using Web Captioner as a Live Captioning Solution

Maestra (formerly Web Captioner) provides live captioning through the Google Chrome browser.  When utilizing Maestra, please note that captions will exist in a separate browser window.

SAMPLE USE CASE (i.e., Using Maestra as a last-minute option for providing live captioning in a face-to-face meeting): Maestra is a good, last-minute option when you meet with deaf and hard of hearing individuals and lack the time needed to set up appropriate accommodations.

 

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