FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor DeWine Proclaims February 3-10, 2024, as
Ohio Court Reporting and Captioning Week

 Stenographic court reporters and captioners to raise public awareness of their important roles 

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 3, 2024 - Pursuant to a Proclamation, Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted have designated February 3-10, 2024, as Ohio Court Reporting and Captioning Week.  Governor DeWine recognizes that for centuries, individuals have needed the spoken word translated into text to record history.  The Proclamation also recognizes that stenographic court reporters have played a permanent and invaluable role within our judicial system across the country. 

Since the advent of the stenotype shorthand machine, the scribes that previously transcribed historical events are now known as stenographers or court reporters.  Among other important roles, these professionals are present in Congress, preserving the proceedings as a part of our country’s history.  Stenographic court reporters and captioners are responsible for the live closed captioning seen on television, at sporting events, and other community and educational settings, bringing information to millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans every day.

Stenographic court reporters and captioners have embraced technology and provide the fastest, most accurate way to preserve the record of any proceeding.  During the ongoing global pandemic, they have worked tirelessly, in person and remotely, to translate the spoken word into text, to provide much-needed access, and to preserve our history.

During Court Reporting and Captioning Week, Ohio stenographers will celebrate by raising public awareness about the importance of their various roles.  Stenographic court reporters and captioners will share information about this exciting and viable career that does not require a four-year college degree yet offers a good salary, flexible schedule, and interesting and diverse job assignments.

“Court reporters in Ohio have helped preserve our state’s history for centuries.  Our technological advancements in the field have opened career options to include captioning for millions of Americans, providing them with equal access to news and information, entertainment, sporting events, and educational opportunities.  We are excited about the vitality of our profession and the opportunities that lie ahead for stenographic court reporters and captioners.  We would encourage anyone looking for an exciting career with a great deal of flexibility and opportunities to consider becoming a court reporter or captioner,” said Susan Coots, RPR, a freelance court reporter from Grove City, Ohio, and President of the Ohio Court Reporters Association.

Whether they are called the scribes of yesterday or the stenographic court reporters and captioners of today, the individuals who preserve our nation’s history are truly the guardians of the record.

For more information about court reporting or captioning in Ohio, you can visit www.ocraonline.com.

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About OCRA

The Ohio Court Reporters Association is dedicated to providing leadership and direction for the court reporting profession – past, present, and future - by offering educational opportunities and promoting technological advancements, quality services, high ethical standards, and fellowship.  Since 1920, OCRA has provided a variety of services and benefits that enhance growth, development, and professional expertise among its membership.