Some court reporters offer their services on a volunteer basis, while others work for a fee. The National Court Reporters Association can provide referrals. Words are transcribed with few errors, after a short delay, and are easily visible to large audiences. The equipment and software are expensive. Many people have begun experimenting with different versions of computer-assisted notetaking.
Most methods utilize volunteer typists and rely heavily on abbreviation and summary phrases.
Various combinations of hardware and software are possible. The typist's computer can also be connected to other computers or television monitors and displayed on individual screens. Any inexpensive word processing program on the market can be used, but it is ideal to use a software package which can display large type for low-vision viewers. Units manufactured by Sharp and Telex are recommended. Personnel Typists should be fairly skilled at speed and accuracy.