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Sorenson Communications
Sorenson VRS is currently conducting a pilot program in certain Canadian cities. A limited amount of Sorenson VP-100 videophones will be installed at this time.
Sorenson Communications has demonstrated Sorenson Video Relay Service® (VRS) and the videophone in Canada on several occasions. VRS has not been approved by the Canadian government to provide interpreting services for deaf Canadians; therefore Sorenson VRS calls cannot currently be processed.
The United States recognizes VRS as the desired means of communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing who use sign language as their first language. VRS is far superior to TTY/TDD relay allowing for natural conversational flow and expression.
For Sorenson VRS to become available in Canada, the Canadian government needs to implement a program to reimburse VRS providers. Sorenson VRS encourages you to contact the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Consumer Affairs division and help them to realize the advantages of Sorenson VRS for the Canadian deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Let the Canadian government know of your desire for VRS by sending the paragraph below or one of your own messages into the CRTC!
Electronic Filing/Contact Directions:
File a comment electronically--which the Commission encourages. Please follow the instructions below:
- Go to the CRTC Web site at: www.crtc.ca
- Select French or English
- Select 'Contact Us' at the top of the page
- Select 'E-Forms'
- Select 'Complaints and Inquiries'
- From the drop down menu select, 'Inquiry' then select next
- Select 'Other' type of inquiry, next
- Insert your first and last name and province
- Select how you would like the CRTC to contact you (e-mail, letter, or telephone)
- If you choose e-mail insert your e-mail address and select next
- Let the Canadian government know of your desire for VRS by sending the paragraph below or one of your own messages into the comment box
Sample Message to Send to the CRTC:
Dear CRTC,
I am requesting that the CRTC provide funds for video relay service to become available to Canada's deaf and hard-of-hearing community. I am also requesting that the CRTC allow VRS-based companies such as Sorenson Communications, access to Canada's telecommunications market. VRS allows the deaf and hard-of-hearing to naturally communicate with hearing individuals and businesses using sign language. VRS is far superior to TTY/TDD relay and will greatly enhance my professional and personal life. The deaf and hard-of-hearing community has complete access to VRS in the United States and we deserve no less.
Sincerely,
<Insert your full name>
- When finished with your message select next
- Select 'Yes, submit' to officially submit your inquiry to the CRTC
- A reference number will be provided on the final page, please print this page off for your reference
Mailing Address:
Secretary General
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada, K1A ON2
Other Contact Options:
1-877-249-2782 (toll-free Voice)
1-877-909-2782 (toll-free TDD)
1- 819-994-0218 (fax)
Note: The video relay service program in the US is paid for by the US Government via the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and calls that do not begin or end within the US and its territories are not eligible for reimbursement. Therefore, Canada-to-Canada VRS demonstration calls are not submitted to the FCC for reimbursement.
Sorenson VRS is a service provided by
Sorenson Communications, Inc. – Canada™.
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