NCRA stands for the National Court Reporters Association. It is a professional organization that represents the interests of court reporters, captioners, and related professionals in the United States. Founded in 1899, NCRA serves as an advocate for its members and the profession as a whole, promoting excellence and upholding high standards in court reporting and captioning.
As a leading professional association, NCRA offers its members a wide range of benefits and resources, including networking opportunities, educational programs, and industry updates. Its primary goal is to advance the profession of court reporting and ensure its continued relevance and success in the legal and communications fields.
Court reporters are highly skilled professionals who specialize in creating accurate and verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, including court hearings, depositions, and other spoken records. They use stenographic machines and other advanced technology to capture spoken words, which are then transcribed into written form. Captioners, on the other hand, provide real-time captions for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals during various events, such as broadcast television programs, conferences, and live presentations.
NCRA plays a vital role in setting professional standards, certifying court reporters and captioners, and advocating for their interests at both state and federal levels. By promoting collaboration, education, and innovation, NCRA ensures that its members are well-equipped to provide accurate and efficient reporting and captioning services, contributing to the efficiency and transparency of the legal system and facilitating inclusive communication for individuals with hearing impairments.
