Messenger
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Company Message
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We Are Ready So You are Ready!
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an extension of the deadline for Video Relay Service (VRS) users to choose a “default” VRS provider. The deadline, which was June 30, 2009, has been changed to Nov. 12, 2009. The FCC explained that the extension will allow additional time for outreach and educational activities.
Sorenson Communications, the leading provider of VRS, is ready. Sorenson aggressively prepared to implement the new numbering order before June 30th as originally ordered by the FCC. Sorenson has already met the original deadline for the vast majority of its users and assigned thousands of local 10-digit numbers since fall 2008. Sorenson has engaged in a variety of outreach efforts to VRS users and distributed information on the new numbering system through brochures, one-on-one visits, town hall meetings, emails, ASL videos on the Sorenson website, and through articles (like this one) in the Sorenson VRS Messenger newsletter. Sorenson’s goal was and continues to be to inform all VRS consumers and potential VRS users about the numbering change.
If you have chosen Sorenson as your default provider, you are also ready! You now have a real, functionally-equivalent local 10-digit VP number, and you now will receive enhanced 911 (E911) emergency calling services. Additionally, if you have chosen Sorenson as your default provider, you will also continue to enjoy Sorenson Gold Services which include Contacts Lists, Call History, Redial and Speed Dial, SignMail®, LightRing™ Visual Caller ID, Call Waiting, and the best technical and customer support available.
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.
Get connected now
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Join the Sorenson Text Club
Sorenson has an exciting new way to keep VRS customers informed! When you join the Get Connected™ Text Club, you will receive text messages from Sorenson about the benefits of using Sorenson, new products and services, events, and more! Now you can also enter and receive text club messages in Spanish! Just follow the directions below to choose between messages in English or Spanish.
Instructions:
- Open the text (SMS) program on your wireless device
- Type 95495 in the To: field
- Type the message “connect” for English or “rapido” for Spanish
- Send
You’re now entered in the sweepstakes drawing and part of the Sorenson Get Connected Text Club!
Learn more about the text club
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Sorenson Communications Announces One-Number Access to Sorenson VRS Español 24/7
Sorenson Communications is now providing direct, one-number access to Sorenson VRS Español 24/7, a high-quality interpreting service that enables deaf individuals to make videophone calls to any hearing Spanish-speaking person.
The new one-number Spanish VRS access is available to videophone users at the URL rapidovrs.tv. Spanish-speaking callers may dial toll-free 1-866-9VRSLATINO (1-866-987-7528) and then provide the Sorenson VRS interpreter with a videophone user’s local 10-digit or DirectVP number. The DirectVP number is toll-free from the United States, its territories, Canada, and many Caribbean islands.
Sorenson VRS Español 24/7 features the industry’s most highly skilled tri-lingual interpreters, qualified in American Sign Language (ASL), proficient in English, and professionally rated in spoken Spanish by Berlitz Languages Inc., one of the world’s top language services providers. Sorenson Communications Spanish-speaking interpreters undergo continuing professional development with mentors, virtual seminars, and quarterly Spanish Summits.
“We are committed to providing the most efficient and most professional Spanish-speaking VRS service in the industry,” said Lisa A. Fragoso, Sorenson VRS Español Service Manager. “Streamlined access makes it even easier for Sorenson VRS users to connect with friends, family, and business colleagues who speak Spanish.”
Sorenson Communications launched Sorenson VRS Español 24/7 in March 2007. Then, callers used one general number for connection to English- and Spanish-speaking interpreters.
Sorenson Communications launched rapidovrs.tv on May 2 at DeafNation, in Pomona, Calif. The event was attended by 3,500 people. Members of the Sorenson Communications team are, left to right: Eric, Raquel, Luz , Kenneth, and Roberto.
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SVRS Interpreters of the Year
For the past four years, Sorenson VRS (SVRS®) has selected one full-time interpreter from each region as the recipient of the SVRS Interpreter of the Year award. This annual award recognizes the best SVRS interpreters in the industry, and winners receive a generous travel voucher from Sorenson VRS.
Current SVRS interpreters are nominated for the annual award by colleagues. Management from each SVRS Interpreting Center selects an award nominee and submits that person’s name to Chris Wakeland, Sorenson Communications Vice President of Interpreting, for the final selection. One winner from each of the five regions (Western, Central, Southern, Eastern, and Canadian) is chosen.
These individuals exceed expectations set forth by Sorenson Communications in the following categories: efficiency, attendance, attitude, customer service, and teamwork.
The 2008 Interpreter of the Year winners were recently announced and are as follows:
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David
Western Region
Burbank SVRS Interpreting Center -
Betty
Central Region
Indianapolis SVRS Interpreting Center -
Cynthia
Southern Region
Jacksonville SVRS Interpreting Center -
Lyndia Ann
Eastern Region
Charlotte SVRS Interpreting Center -
Nigel
Canadian Region
Vancouver SVRS Interpreting Center
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SIPRelay News
Local 10-digit numbers are now an important part of communicating with both deaf and hearing people. You probably already have a local 10-digit number to use with Sorenson VRS, but did you know you can also get a local 10-digit number to use with SIPRelay?
According to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations, all VRS users must register with an IP Relay provider by Nov. 12, 2009, to continue using IP Relay services to place non-emergency calls. You can register and get a local 10-digit number to use with SIPRelay by signing up at www.mysorenson.com or by visiting www.siprelay.com to learn more.
SIPRelay is the fastest text-based relay service in the industry! It is an easy way for hearing people to reach you when you are away from the videophone you use. They simply dial your number and a Sorenson Communications Assistant will relay the call—there are no extensions or IM screen names to give out.
SIPRelay Mobile for BlackBerry® is the latest communication technology created for deaf and hard-of-hearing users to connect directly from their BlackBerry. It even works with your Blackberry address book and local 10-digit numbers!
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Sorenson Communications Named Best VRS Service
Sorenson Communications was recently named “Best Video Relay Service” by the Deaf Illinois Awards. Sorenson also received the award, presented every two years, in May 2007. The award is presented in recognition of efforts to improve communication access as well as for efforts to support the deaf community. Sorenson beat four other nominees.
Barry Jensen, Sorenson Communications Outreach Manager for Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, accepted the award on behalf of Sorenson Communications at Chicago’s Park West on April 11.
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Sorenson Communications Sponsors Gallaudet Academic Bowl
For the fourth consecutive year, Sorenson Communications has been the platinum sponsor of the Annual Gallaudet Academic Bowl. This year’s event took place on April 26 at Gallaudet University, in Washington, D.C. University High School of Irvine, California, won the Gallaudet Academic Bowl championship.
Prior to the Gallaudet Academic Bowl finale in April, five regional academic tournaments were held across the United States. Sorenson Communications representatives attended each regional competition in order to provide support for students enrolled in deaf schools as well as support for their families.
“Our involvement with the Academic Bowl in all regions across the country provides us with great opportunities to meet students and help them with their communication needs,” said Michael Zeledon, Central Region Outreach Manager for Sorenson Communications. “These opportunities are invaluable for us and we love attending this competition every year!”
Left to right: Gianni Maganelli, a high school senior from California, and John Edington, Sorenson Communications Eastern Region Outreach/ManagerTrainer. Maganelli won a Wii gaming system at a drawing at the Gallaudet Academic Bowl National Championship, in Washington, D.C.
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Helpful Resources
Mike Maddix
Director of Government and Regulatory AffairsProtect Yourself and Your VP Number
Having a VP number is convenient both for you and your hearing callers. But, because anyone can call your videophone, you may receive “wrong number” calls or calls from people you do not know. You may also receive calls from telemarketers who wish to sell you something. These calls are also referred to as “solicitation” calls because the caller may try to get you to buy something or to participate in some kind of business venture.
When you receive one of these unwanted calls, be very careful to guard your personal information, especially if you receive calls from people whom you do not know. We suggest that you never give out any personal or financial information to someone you do not already know.
When you receive one of these unwanted calls, be very careful to guard your personal information, especially if you receive calls from people whom you do not know. We suggest that you never give out any personal or financial information to someone you do not already know.
- Remember, you can simply hang up on any call you receive through Sorenson VRS for whatever reason. If someone calls whom you do not know or do not want to talk to, just hang up.
- Your interpreter cannot help you to decide which calls to take and which ones not to take. Therefore, do not be afraid to tell the interpreter that you wish to disconnect from a telemarketing call or from any other call that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Be very cautious about giving out any personal information—even to callers whom you already know. Before sharing any personal information, make sure that you understand why the caller is asking for your personal information and that you are comfortable with the caller’s request. “Personal information” includes your address, who lives with you, your account numbers, Social Security number, passwords, PIN numbers, your mother’s maiden name, etc.
- You can choose to register your VP number at a government website named the “National Do Not Call Registry.” By registering your number, you will gain someprotection from telemarketing calls.
For more information about the regulation of Video Relay Services (VRS) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you can visit the FCC Web site.
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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.
