Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to reflect current TypeWell offerings and to remove references to services we no longer provide.
Do you support communication access services in higher education? Whether you coordinate disability services, advise students, or manage academic accommodations, TypeWell provides a reliable, human-powered way for students to follow and participate in class discussions in real time.
Below are five reasons TypeWell continues to be a strong choice for colleges and universities.
1. Deep expertise in higher education
TypeWell was designed specifically for classroom communication access. For more than two decades, we’ve trained educational transcribers and supported institutions using meaning-for-meaning transcription in lectures, labs, seminars, and online courses.
TypeWell is a professional service delivered by trained providers using specialized software. It is not an automated speech-recognition tool. Transcribers are systematically trained, evaluated, and supported through ongoing professional development. This approach ensures consistent, high-quality access for students throughout the academic term.
2. Flexible implementation options
Every campus operates differently, and students’ communication needs vary by course load and subject area.
For students
Students benefit from trying communication access tools before committing to a long-term plan. TypeWell’s network of partners offer up to two hours of free trial transcribing, allowing them to see how the real-time transcript supports their understanding and participation.
Our software includes an extensive dictionary and tools that help transcribers handle specialized vocabulary across STEM, humanities, and professional programs.
For coordinators
Most institutions meet their needs by contracting with experienced transcribers, either directly or through an agency. Some campuses also choose to sponsor and train their own local staff, when appropriate.
Your approach can be as simple as supporting one student for a single class—or as involved as building a multi-provider program. Pricing is flexible and scoped to your specific needs.
3. Support for legal compliance
Institutions must provide effective communication access under the ADA, Section 504, and other federal and state requirements.
A 2004 revision to IDEA identified TypeWell as a transcription service that meets the definition of interpreting services [34 CFR §300.34(c)(4)]. Many universities continue to rely on meaning-for-meaning transcription as an effective and appropriate accommodation for students who benefit from a text-based format.
Equal access requires more than receiving notes after class. TypeWell transcribers provide live, interactive support so students can follow discussions, ask questions, and participate alongside their peers.
4. Real-time participation
Meaning-for-meaning transcription improves comprehension through:
- Readable phrasing and clear formatting, reducing cognitive load.
- Inclusion of tone, emphasis, and relevant non-verbal cues that support full understanding.
- Study-ready transcripts delivered after class, already lightly edited and formatted.
This approach helps students stay engaged during class and review effectively afterward.
5. Convenience and long-term value
TypeWell transcripts are provided after class at no additional cost. Many students appreciate features such as bolded key points—e.g., assignment deadlines or exam reminders—because it makes reviewing course content more efficient.
Our goal is to help your campus identify the most effective services for your students, even if that means recommending options beyond TypeWell. You can request a live demo, a free trial, or a conversation with our team to explore what will work best for your program.
Next steps
- Schedule a live demo
- Try TypeWell with up to 2 free hours
- Learn more about working with trained transcribers
TypeWell has supported hundreds of colleges and universities in providing clear, immediate communication access. We’re here to help your team determine the right approach for your students.