Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for the service?

Deaf and hard of hearing people are not usually expected to pay for communication support in employment or education. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, it is the responsibility of an employer or education provider to provide and pay for any 'reasonable adjustments' you require.

The following links are the main funding streams that are accessible to pay for Electronic Note-takers in employment and education:

What are the benefits of electronic note-taking?

  • See what is being said by whom
  • Get a detailed, full and accurate record of events
  • Content clearly displayed on screenv
  • Concentrate and participate in an event without the worry of missing key details
  • Don't need to worry about taking your own notes
  • Reduces the level of concentration needed to absorb ongoing discussion
  • Don't guess what other people have said
  • Increase your confidence and competence
  • Network with colleagues
  • Be independent of hearing loop systems
  • Feel relaxed in professional settings
  • Reduce stress and pressure

What equipment will be used?

Electronic note-taking is a portable system. NoteAbility ENT Ltd will provide two laptop computers, two electrical battery power leads and an extension cable. The client or venue must provide the note-taker with a power supply, a table to sit at and an office chair (without arms where possible). When necessary a data projector/screen will also need to be provided for a large group viewing.

What are the benefits of the software?

There are three key benefits of the software used by the electronic note-taker. These are:

  • The laptops are connected wirelessly so the client does not need to be seated next to the note-taker.
  • The client can use the software to send messages to the note-taker should they need to get the note-takers attention.
  • The font and background of the viewing screen can be tailored and customised to any size and colour the client requires for easy viewing.

How many electronic note-takers will be needed?

An assignment expected to last longer than two hours can require the services of more than one electronic note-taker. Two electronic note-takers will most likely work in 20 minute relays for an assignment lasting over 2 hours. NoteAbility ENT Ltd will advise the number of electronic note-takers needed when details of the assignment are provided.

Should the client be unable to pay for more than one electronic note-taker more breaks will need to be negotiated to maintain efficient and effective typing for the client. More information on general working conditions can be found at NoteAbility ENT Ltd terms and conditions upon request.

What information will the NoteAbility ENT Ltd require?

To prepare for an assignment NoteAbility ENT Ltd requires the following details:

  • Name of client
  • Clients special needs and service requirements
  • Venue
  • Title of event/session
  • Start time
  • Duration
  • Contact details

These details will be required when you make Contact with NoteAbility ENT Ltd if you have an enquiry or booking request.

In addition to these details, materials will be requested in relation to the assignment such as an agenda, list of speakers, list of participants, handouts, presentation slides, acronyms and/or handbook. This information is required to familiarise the electronic note-taker with proceedings and to generate specialised abbreviations within the software functionality prior to the session. All information received prior to an assignment provides a more effective and efficient service.

How will I receive the notes?

At the end of any assignment the notes are automatically saved into a Word document that can be formatted as any other Word document.

Details will appear in the header and footer of every page. This includes the name of the event, venue, date, time, client's name(s), speaker(s) and electronic note-taker(s). It will also apply page numbers.

At this stage the electronic note-taker can undertake a spell and grammar check, format notes further depending on the requirements of the client and present them to the client in the format they choose.

Clients then receive a set of notes in the following formats:

  • Transferred to memory stick
  • Emailed as a Word document or PDF
  • CD ROM
  • Printed document
  • Printed and bound document
  • Large print
  • Audio
  • Braille

What professional standards does NoteAbility ENT Ltd follow?

Codes of practice

NoteAbility ENT Ltd is registered with Signature, previously The Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) and The Association of Notetaking Professionals (ANP) and therefore adheres to a strict Code of Practice. Within the code of practice it states an electronic note-taker will not be a participant and confidentiality will be applied.

Download the CACDP Code of Practice for electronic note-takers.

Download the ANP Code of Practice and Ethics for electronic note-takers.

Insurances

NoteAbility ENT Ltd also carries Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurances.

Our cookie policy >>

^top of page

Electronic Note Taking

Through electronic note-taking (ENT) people can see what is being said by whom during an event, producing a set of non verbatim notes.