Lightning Captions: Real-Time Transcription and Translation for the Classroom

CHANTILLY, Va., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Captioning Institute (NCI) announces the introduction of Lightning Captions, a web-based, on-demand real-time transcription and translation service designed for use in the classroom. Lightning is a scalable alternative to traditional Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services. With Lightning, the student is in charge. Lightning replaces the need for an on-site or remote human captioner, eliminates scheduling barriers, and removes dependency on third-party platforms. By using automatic speech recognition (ASR), Lightning Captions delivers live transcription and translation for a fraction of the cost of traditional CART. Whether used for classes, meetings, or campus events, the tool supports users while enhancing accessibility on campus.

"As someone who relies on captions every day, I know how frustrating it can be when access isn't easy or immediate," said Bianca Grant, Product Marketing Manager at National Captioning Institute. "With Lightning Captions, our goal is simple—we want to make real-time access to spoken content something that is available to everyone, without hassle or high cost. This tool was built with people like me in mind. I'm proud to help bring that kind of everyday accessibility to more campuses and classrooms."

Key Features of Lightning Captions Include:

• User Control: Students launch and manage captioning sessions on demand in the classroom, using their own computer, tablet, or phone.
• Real-Time ASR Captioning: Fast, accurate transcription powered by advanced speech recognition.
• Browser-Based Access: No software to install and no costly integrations.
• Downloadable Transcripts: Instant access to saved text.
• Multilingual Support: Students can easily switch between languages during live sessions.
• Administrative convenience: No scheduling required! Campus administrators manage student access and billing with ease.

Designed for:

• Classrooms, lectures, orientations, and campus events where inclusive communication for all participants is essential.
• Campus accessibility teams supporting students who require speech-to-text services in the classroom.

Lightning Captions has already made a strong impression during demos with top-tier institutions. Educators and accessibility staff have highlighted how easy it is to use during in-person classes, lectures, and campus events. Its clean, intuitive interface allows anyone to launch a transcription session on the spot—providing immediate, inclusive access to spoken content for all participants.

To schedule a free trial, please visit: www.LightningCaptions.org.

About the National Captioning Institute (NCI):
NCI pioneered live closed captioning for television and now captions thousands of hours of programming each year. Lightning Captions is the latest addition to NCI's suite of services which also includes a highly skilled human captioning staff and NCI's enterprise ASR solution, CaptionSentry. NCI supplies world-class captioning, subtitling and translation, and Audio Description services for broadcast TV, Internet, Video on Demand, and educational and government institutions.  Visit www.ncicap.org or www.lightningcaptions.org.

Media Contact:
Bianca Grant
703-917-7645
[email protected]

SOURCE National Captioning Institute