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Company Message
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The Deadline Is Approaching To Choose Your Default Provider
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an extension of the deadline for Video Relay Service (VRS) users to choose a “default” VRS provider to Nov. 12, 2009.
If you have chosen Sorenson as your default provider, you are ready. If you have not yet chosen a default provider, or have selected another provider as your default provider and are unsatisfied, Sorenson is ready to help you! Sorenson makes it easy for you to get connected. Simply visit www.sorensonvrs.com/connect or call our Customer Information representatives at VP: 800-659-4781.
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Sorenson Communications Fraud Alert
VRS technology has issued in a new era of communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Unfortunately, there are those who would take advantage of members of the deaf community by posing as representatives of VRS providers to perpetrate fraud. Watch this important video to understand how to avoid being taken advantage of, and what to do if you suspect someone of fraudulent activity.
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Sorenson Supports US Deaflympics Team
Team USA left the United States on Aug. 27 to travel to Taipei, Taiwan, to compete in the 21st Summer Deaflympics 2009. The Games ran from Sept. 5 through Sept. 15. Sorenson Communications is proud to have three trainers included among the 2009 athletes: Andrew Cohen, from Monroeville, Pa., in the category of Athletics; Bradley Miller, from Orlando, Fla., in Basketball; and Paul Wood, from Fortville, Ind., in Cycling.
Sorenson Communications, a continuing sponsor of Team USA is proud to support the athletes who have trained so hard to compete. Sorenson donated staff and other needed resources to ready the team to successfully represent the U.S. in Taipei. “As a company that serves the deaf community, there was no question that we would help,” says Sorenson Communications Vice President of Community Relations Ron Burdett. “We are proud of the athletes and wish them the best of luck.”
“It’s an honor to support Team USA in the 2009 Taipei Games—just as we have done in the past,” says Pat Nola, President and CEO of Sorenson Communications. “We appreciate the opportunity to help make this a memorable experience for them and for the entire team.”
Team USA athletes show off their new Deaflympic bags. Sorenson Communications donated staff to coordinate the team’s departure.
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Succeeding in the Workplace with VRS
Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS) empowers anyone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing and who uses sign language to communicate to conduct video relay calls with hearing business associates using a qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, a high-speed Internet connection and a videophone. There is no cost for the service, equipment or installation, and, if the deaf employee is unavailable, Sorenson’s Sign Mail® allows business associates to leave a message.
With little lag time between communications, it is an ideal technology for businesses with deaf or hard-of-hearing employees or business contacts who use sign language. Additionally, making Sorenson videophones and broadband access available to your employees helps make your organization compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To apply for a Sorenson VP-200®, go to www.sorensonvrs.com/apply
See how Frank Allnut, owner of Big Frank’s Sports and More, used a SVRS system to quadruple his business.
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DeafNation Profiles Sorenson Communications VRS Interpreting Institute
Last month, the new VRS Interpreting Institute, founded by Sorenson Communications, was profiled by DeafNation, a leader in video content, news coverage, social networking and special events for the greater deaf and hard-of-hearing community. DeafNation CEO Joel Barish interviewed VRS Interpreting Institute Executive Director Carolyn Ball and institute faculty member Marla Broetz. They explained that the goal of the VRS Interpreting Institute is to train new and existing interpreters in an effort to raise the overall quality of interpreting in the industry. Other VRSII faculty members include Annette Miner, Debbie Peterson, Jennifer Harvey and Holly Nelson. To see the interview, visit www.deafnation.com.
DeafNation CEO Joel Barish readies the camera for an interview with VRS Interpreting Institute faculty member Marla Broetz.
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Sorenson Video Relay Service Now Toll-Free from Mexico
Now your friends, family and associates in Mexico can contact you toll-free! To place a toll-free VRS call from Mexico, the caller dials 001-877-510-7655 to be connected to a Spanish-speaking ASL interpreter, then gives the interpreter your 10-digit or DirectVP number. It’s that easy.
Learn more
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Winners of RIT’s National Jr. Science Contest Focus on Deaf Technology
Recently, three boys from Utah’s Jean Massieu School took first place at the National Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Science Fair. Not only were they the youngest entrants there, they were the first team from Utah ever to be picked to make a presentation. Learn more about the project and meet the boys who took first place.
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Safe with Sorenson: Using 911 Service
Enhanced 911 (E911) calling is one of many Gold Services that Sorenson Communications offers to its users. Watch a story about a Boston-area father who found out how critical this service can be during an emergency.
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Sorenson Communications Premier Sponsor at 2009 RID Convention
Sorenson Communications enjoyed one of its busiest years ever at the 2009 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) conference, Aug. 6-8, in Philadelphia. In addition to being a premier conference sponsor, Sorenson Communications staffed a booth that informed attendees about Sorenson Communications interpreter opportunities as well as training programs such as the VI-P Mentorship Program and the VRS Interpreting Institute.
Michael Canale, Sorenson Communications Eastern Region District Manager, presented an RID workshop titled, “Sharing Perspective: Seeing Through the VP.” Canale’s presentation included a panel comprised of deaf individuals who use VRS. Through audience participation, the panel provided an opportunity for interpreters to understand the perspective of the deaf and hard-of-hearing VRS user. Canale’s objective was for the session to be duplicated on a local level in attendees’ home communities.
“As a Sorenson Communications manager I’m positioned to receive feedback from both video interpreters and the deaf community relating to video relay service and the enhancements both groups envision. It was a natural fit to bring them together for discussion at the RID conference,” says Canale.
Sorenson Communications employees enjoy meeting with interpreters at the Philadelphia RID conference to discuss career and training opportunities.
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Sorenson Communications Hosts Main Stage Entertainment at DeafNation Expos
Sorenson Communications enjoyed one of its busiest years ever at the 2009 Registry of Demonstrate your knowledge and compete for prizes this fall at the DeafNation Expos. Sorenson Communications is a major sponsor of the expos, and will be hosting “Sorenson Showdown” at each DeafNation expo beginning in September and will be calling on audience members to join in and show off their knowledge. Don’t miss this fun and interactive “game show” competition. DeafNation is a leader in video content, news coverage, social networking and special events for the greater deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
The DeafNation fall expo schedule begins on Sept. 26 and is as follows:
Sept. 26 Secaucus, NJ Oct. 3 Oklahoma City, OK Oct. 10 Pleasanton, CA Oct. 17 Portland, OR Nov. 7 Chicago, IL As always, Sorenson Communications will be bringing you the latest premium Video Relay Service technology and services information in our educational booth. Stop by to apply for a videophone, join mysorenson.com, learn more about SIP Relay or add Sorenson as your default provider. A Sorenson representative will be available to help you with all of your VRS needs and questions. We’ll see you this fall at a DeafNation Expo near you!
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Want SVRS Equipment?
Do you need SVRS equipment (videophone) for your home or office? Do you have deaf family members or friends who still need to get SVRS equipment?
Apply for FREE SVRS equipment today!
When you select Sorenson as your default provider of VRS or IP Relay, Sorenson will help you choose a 10-digit telephone number for use with that service. To select Sorenson as your default provider, call 800-659-4810. Your new number will be portable to another provider. To properly route 911 calls to local emergency service providers, Sorenson must have your correct street address. You can update your address on your Sorenson videophone or by calling 800-659-4810 or visiting www.sorensonvrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of this address information. For more information about 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS or IP Relay services to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website at: www.sorenson.com/disclaimer.
