Frequently Asked Questions - Realtime Captioning FAQs for Students

Realtime Captioning FAQs for Students

Where does the Realtime Captioner Sit?

When utsing an on-site captioner, the captioner will sit where they are able to hear the instructor and see the visual presentations. The student can sit next to the captioner or may use their own electronic device if they wish to sit elsewhere in the room.

In the event an internet connection is unavailable or interrupted, the student will need to sit by the captioner in order to view live captions.

Will I have the same captioner for all of my classes?

The assignment of a captioner will depend on scheduling and logistics. Each captioner will work with multiple students and will not work exclusively with one student for all of their classes.

When will I receive a transcript for my class?

Class transcripts will be available in DSP's Accessible Communication Portal within 24 hours.

What if I add, drop, or change a class?

Please request Realtime Captioning accommodations through the DSP portal (AIM) for any class changes or newly added classes. Notify the Realtime Captioning Supervisor once the AIM changes have been made.

****Note that it may take up to two weeks to receive realtime captioning services once your request is submitted.

What if a class is cancelled?

In the event that a class is cancelled, the student will need to notify the Communication Services Coordinator as soon as possible.

How do I receive captions for an on-campus class when using a remote captioner?

Streamtext is the primary platform used to provide captions remotely.  Below are instructions for logging in, viewing captions, and customizing the display in Streamtext.

If captions are being provided through a different platform, you will receive an email with a URL link to view the captions on that platform.

  • To log into your Streamtext account, please follow these instructions: Logging in to Streamtext. Your Streamtext captioning links for the day will be viewable once you are logged in.

  • To access your Streamtext captions via a link sent through your email, please follow these instructions: Accessing StreamText Via Email Link

  • To customize your Streamtext display, please follow these instructions: Customizing Streamtext Display

  • To view captions using the StreamCast overlay, please visit StreamCast Instructions. This site will show you a StreamCast demo, along with downloading and viewing instructions.

How do I receive captions during remote learning?

Streamtext is the primary platform used to provide captions for remote classes.  Below are instructions for logging in, viewing captions, and customizing the display in Streamtext.

If captions are being provided through a different platform, you will receive an email with a URL link to view the captions on that platform.

  • To log into your streamtext account, please follow these instructions: Logging in to Streamtext. Your Streamtext captioning links for the day will be viewable once you are logged in.

  • To access your Streamtext captions via a link sent through your email, please follow these instructions: Accessing StreamText Via Email Link

  • To customize your StreamText display, please follow these instructions: Customizing Streamtext Display

  • To view captions using the StreamCast overlay, please visit StreamCast Instructions. This site will show you a StreamCast demo, along with download and viewing instructions.

  • Logging in to the StreamText chat box is optional. However, you may use the chat box to communicate with your captioner. There may be multiple students receiving captions in a course. Therefore, you may not be the only student logged into Streamtext. You may use your initials when logging into the chat box to maintain privacy. The captioners are captioning and monitoring multiple screens, so they will respond as they are able to.

What if the Zoom link changes for my class?

If there is a new Zoom link for your course, please contact the Realtime Captioning Coordinator with the updated Zoom link information.

Can I request to have live captioning for a public event that is not course related?

Yes. Disability Access and Compliance can arrange services for public events. Please contact them to request assistance at: Disability Access and Compliance request form

Realtime Captioning FAQs for Students-AIM

How do I submit my accommodation request in AIM?

Each semester you must submit your requests in the DSP portal (AIM). It is best to request services as soon as you are registered so there is no delay in services.

****Note that it may take up to two weeks to receive real-time captioning services once your request is submitted.

Logging into AIM and Finding Your Classes:

  • Use your UC Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase to log into AIM.

  • After logging in, make sure you are in the "My Dashboard" tab.
    screenshot of AIM student dashboard


  • Scroll down to the section titled “Select Accommodations for Your Class” to find your current registered class(es) with UC Berkeley. If you do not see a course you believe you are registered for, check the “Important Notes” in the yellow box above your classes.

Requesting Accommodations:

1.   Under “Step 1: Select Class(es),” select the class(es) for which you wish to receive communication accommodations by checking each course’s corresponding box (see the screenshot below).

2.  Click “Step 2: Continue to Customize Your Accommodations” to begin selecting accommodations for each class. If you have multiple accommodations available, they will all be displayed on this screen under each individual course you have selected. For example, in the screenshot below, the student is eligible for multiple communication accommodations.

3.  When you have finished selecting your accommodations for each of your classes, click the “Submit Your Accommodation Requests” button at the bottom of the page. This will submit your request for accommodations to the DSP office. Once processed, DSP will email your Faculty Notification Letter to both you and your instructors. At that time, your accommodations for the current semester will be listed on the “My Dashboard” tab.