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Videophone
801-287-9403
Technicians are available 24/7. Please hold until a
technician answers. If you hang up, you will be disconnected
and removed from the queue.
TTY
866-877-9826
FAX
801-281-0662
(ATTN: Tech Support)
E-mail
Click Here to fill out the online form.
Mailing Address
Technical Support
4192 South Riverboat
Road, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84123 |
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Away From Your VP? Use SIPRelay
When you don't have access to your Sorenson videophone and you need to communicate on the go, use Sorenson IP Relay (SIPRelay)! Using a personal computer or a mobile device, you can contact anyone anywhere with Sorenson IP Relay.
Sorenson IP Relay is a free service that enables deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to place text-based relay calls from their personal computer (PC) and/or mobile device to any standard telephone user in the US and its territories. A Sorenson Communications Assistant (CA) contacts the standard telephone user and voices the text messages in real-time from the SIPRelay user. All you need to use Sorenson IP Relay is an Internet connection and a PC or mobile device enabled with AOL® Instant Messenger (AIM®).
Sorenson IP Relay works with any Internet connection when using a personal computer and is quick and easy to use. Simply send an instant message to "SIPRelay" using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM®) or go to www.siprelay.com to place a call. |
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Last year, Sorenson Communications made numerous investments to address the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter shortage as well as to improve the overall quality of ASL interpreter training throughout the United States. These efforts also support Sorenson Communications' focus to continue to provide Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS) users with the highest-quality professional VRS experiences possible. Over the coming years, we will continue to invest in interpreter training in a variety of ways. Here are just a few programs we have begun.
Ongoing Professional Development through
CEU Training
Our company's dedicated professional development team, comprised of nationally known deaf and hearing trainers, supports the certification maintenance process and professional development at all levels by providing various workshops throughout the country. Last year, Sorenson Communications awarded more than 165,000 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to both Sorenson Communications and community interpreters across the nation. In 2007, Sorenson Communications collaborated in providing more than 300 CEU workshops, benefiting more than 4,000 interpreter attendees from across the country.
Interpreter Training Programs and
Sorenson VRS VI-P® Mentoring
Sorenson Communications continues to partner with many Interpreter Training Programs (ITP's), finding collaborative programs to help build the next graduating class of interpreters. Sorenson Communications, through its extensive Video Interpreter-Provisional (VI-P) Mentorship Program, is providing extra support and focus to better prepare, support, and ready currently qualified interpreters for VRS-specific work. In addition, Sorenson Communications supports distance interpreter training programs, such as the DO-IT Center, based in Colorado, to expand the reach of ITP's, as well as provides ongoing training and mentoring for trilingual interpreters who are fluent in ASL, English, and Spanish.
Test Preparation Training for National Certification
Sorenson Communications provides SVRS interpreters with many professional development opportunities, including preparation for national certification exams. Many SVRS centers throughout the country offer onsite study groups and workshops to prepare interpreters for the written, performance, and interview portions of the rigorous National Interpreter Certification (NIC) exam. Last year, more than 100 interpreters participated in the study sessions and workshops.
Providing Meaningful Work Opportunities
for Interpreters
Sorenson Communications attracts and retains top interpreters by providing flexible work schedules to accommodate family and community interpreting needs. Under strong management, our company has established professional career paths in a supportive and collaborative environment where workers grow and advance. In addition, Sorenson Communications centers provide a safe, comfortable, and professional setting where workers utilize state-of-the-art technology to easily and clearly communicate important messages.
Sorenson Communications consistently reviews its many initiatives and assesses what longer-term solutions can be implemented to address the critical interpreter shortage and increase the quality of interpreting in America. We hope to build upon the training successes of 2007 as well as introduce new and meaningful ways to refine our practices and programs in interpreter training - both internally and externally - in 2008.
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
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Sorenson Communications is now offering Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS) users their own personal guide, another way to learn about great SVRS features, such as the LightRing®, Remote Control, SignMail®, and the SVRS-Voice Carry Over (VCO) option.
The Sorenson VRS® Customer Guide is a sturdy three-ring binder that is meant to be kept near the Sorenson videophone as an easy reference tool. Information is included on the following:
- Using SVRS includes general tips on making and receiving SVRS calls using SVRS-VCO and Sorenson VRS Espaņol as well as how to place an SVRS 911 Emergency call. Also included are SVRS usage tips on lighting, best colors and clothes to wear, and checking the VP-200 camera's position and focus.
- The SVRS Contacts Booklet teaches users how to add names and numbers of hearing friends, family, and business contacts to the Sorenson VP-200 Contacts list or speed dial list. Especially useful are the list of included Common Customer Service Numbers, such as AOL, Medicare, Social Security, Sorenson Tech Support, and more.
- The Best of VRS details key VRS features you won't want to miss, such as how to assign LightRing patterns with the visual caller ID and how to use the new Call Waiting option on your VP-200.
- SVRS Tools contains important information on how to update your contact information with Sorenson Communications as well as how to create your own personalized SVRS calling cards to share with all of your hearing contacts.
- Need Help? provides information on your SVRS equipment, answers common technical and non-technical questions, and includes information on how to contact Sorenson Technical Support (available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year) via the Web, e-mail, videophone, TTY, and telephone.
Free Sorenson VRS Customer Guides are currently being distributed to Sorenson VRS users. To request a Sorenson Communications trainer visit and a free Customer Guide, please send an e-mail to GetVRS@sorenson.com.
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Because the Sorenson VP-200® videophone is revolutionizing communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL), the demand for the technology has been overwhelming. We are often asked "When will I receive my VP-200?"
In coming months, Sorenson Communications will be upgrading videophones for individuals throughout the United States who received VP-100s in 2004 and 2005. Throughout the summer, upgrades will be made for those who received their VP-100s in 2005. Sorenson Communications will contact customers when VP-200s become available in their area and will train new customers on how to use VP-200 videophones at the time of installation. This training requires additional time so please be patient. Such a great technology is worth waiting for!
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Sorenson VP-200® videophone users are enjoying the new Call Waiting feature, which gives them the flexibility to manage multiple incoming videophone calls.
When VP-200 videophone users are engaged in a call and a second, incoming call comes in, the user receives notification (as a visual message on the TV screen) of the incoming call. The videophone user can put the first caller on hold, switch to the second call, and quickly make arrangements for calling back. Or, the VP-200 videophone user can decline the incoming call and send a message to the second caller that he or she is not available. The Call Waiting feature works only on a VP-200 videophone and supports incoming calls placed with either a Sorenson VP-100® or VP-200 videophone.
To view various ASL videos that explain and demonstrate how to use the new Call Waiting feature, visit www.sorensonvrs.com/cw.
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When Kim Smith became Sorenson Communications Outreach Training Development Manager just over a year ago, she was charged with implementing new training programs that would strengthen outreach efforts and improve the quality of service for Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS) users.
A former area specialist and Gallaudet University graduate, Smith initiated a program that now brings outreach managers and area specialists to Sorenson Communications' corporate headquarters, in Salt Lake City, to receive training in managerial skills, strategic thinking, and internal processes. As a result, managers are better equipped to coach SVRS trainers in their responsibilities, which include installing videophone equipment and teaching customers how to use SVRS. "My goal has been to increase the overall success of videophone installations," says Smith. "I think we are making progress in this area."
In addition, Smith recently hired two more full-time Field Help Desk employees (now totaling four) to provide remote support to trainers across the country. From time to time, selected field trainers are invited to participate at the Field Help Desk in Salt Lake City to increase their knowledge, confidence, and professionalism.
Smith, who holds a graduate degree in educational technology from Gallaudet University, is proud of the new color-coded labels on videophones, which include directions for reconnecting a videophone that has accidentally been disconnected. The directions enable customers to independently troubleshoot before calling Technical Support.
Smith has been integral in the creation of the new Sorenson VRS® Customer Guide, designed to help customers better use and leverage the Sorenson VP-200® and SVRS. "My vision is that the Sorenson VRS Customer Guide will be a conversation piece; that it will be placed in the home and deaf and hearing friends will say, 'What is this? Tell me more about Sorenson VRS.' I hope it will introduce new users to VRS and facilitate more and better communication," says Smith.
Vice President of Sales Dave Johnson notes, "Kim's innovative ideas in outreach training are helping us to refine our policies and procedures. She is moving the company forward in positive and exciting ways."
Kim Smith, Sorenson Communications Outreach Training Development Manager
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After 12 months of operation, Sorenson Communications celebrates each Sorenson VRS® (SVRS) Interpreting Center's one-year anniversary. The center closes, long enough for co-workers to socialize, enjoy refreshments and hear from the regional manager as well as Vice President of Interpreting, Chris Wakeland. In addition, staff members who have been with the company for one year or longer receive a plaque in recognition of their dedication as an SVRS interpreter.
Anniversaries mark important milestones for each Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center. Centers that celebrated one-year anniversaries in the fall were Columbia, Mo.; Fresno, Calif.; and Memphis, Tenn. Recent one-year celebrations were held in Rochester, N.Y.; Portland, Maine; Raleigh, N.C.; and Virginia Beach, Va.
All photographs of fall 2008 anniversary parties taken by Laura Jones
Rochester SVRS Interpreting Center staff
Portland SVRS Interpreting Center staff
Raleigh SVRS Interpreting Center staff
Virginia Beach SVRS Interpreting Center staff
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During a press conference held at Sorenson Communications' corporate headquarters on Dec. 5, Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola announced the opening of a new SIPRelay™ Call Center in Price, Utah, in early 2008. The center, created in response to the increased demand for SIPRelay, will provide much-needed services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals nationwide who use the service to quickly and easily communicate with hearing phone users from mobile devices or PC's.
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who attended the Sorenson Communications press conference, noted that the announcement was especially good news for residents in Carbon (where Price is located) and Emery Counties who have been affected by job losses due to the recent closure of the Crandall Canyon Mine, following tragic events there in August. The establishment of the new SIPRelay Call Center in Price is expected to diversify the workforce and stimulate the economy in that part of Utah.
Pat Nola said, "We think it's going to be a beautiful fit between our company and the citizens of Price." A SIPRelay user then conducted a real-time SIPRelay demonstration with Price Mayor Joe Piccolo. The announcement was attended by numerous deaf, community, and political leaders as well as the news media.
L to R: Joe Piccolo, Mayor of Price, Utah, chats with Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola at a recent press conference to announce the opening of a new SIPRelay Call Center in Price.
Numerous deaf, community, and political leaders as well as the news media attended the Sorenson Communications announcement on the Price SIPRelay Call Center.
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Learn how Sorenson Communications, through the use of SVRS, is empowering deaf professionals to meet their communication demands. New videos feature an engineer and small business owner whose use of SVRS has dramatically changed their ability to conduct business. Visit www.sorensonvrs.com/svrsvideos to learn more
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Using SVRS with Voice Carry Over (VCO), Alan, a civil engineer, is able to voice directly with vendors, coworkers, and other hearing individuals.
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Frank, the owner of a sports equipment company, uses SVRS with Voice Carry Over (VCO) to transact business with wholesalers across the United States.
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Since last spring, multiple Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS) Interpreting Centers have opened in major cities in the United States and Puerto Rico. Centers have been established in Columbia, S.C.; El Paso, Texas; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Smokey Point, Wash.; Tulsa, Okla.; Long Island and Buffalo, N.Y.; Edison, N.J.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Salem, Ore.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Fairfax, Va. A center in Puerto Rico will provide additional numbers of trilingual SVRS interpreters who are fluent in ASL, English, and spoken Spanish. To address the increasing demand for VRS services, Sorenson Communications plans to open additional SVRS Interpreting Centers in coming months.
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Two years ago, Sorenson Communications began collaborating with the University of Northern Colorado's Distance Opportunities for Interpreting Training Center (DO IT Center) to provide funding for the training of future sign language interpreters. Sorenson Communications also provided videophones for a training lab as well as scholarship funds for students enrolled in the ASL-English Interpreting Program, a program that is built on state-of-the-art research that prepares graduates to be certification- and work-ready interpreter practitioners.
Original Sorenson Communications scholarship recipients reported that receiving the funds allowed them to focus on educational opportunities. Scholarship funds were used mostly to cover tuition, but some students were able to also extend the money to purchase instructional materials and pay for onsite expenses. Scholarship recipients reported that because of their training, they felt "more confident" in their work. All of the scholarship recipients acknowledged their schooling had changed the way they approach their interpreting work.
Sorenson Communications realizes the quality of future interpreters depends on excellence in student training and education. For this reason, in 2008, Sorenson Communications will continue its commitment to working with DO IT Center students and other students throughout the country who are interested in becoming dedicated professionals in the field of interpreting.
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Last month, Sorenson Communications hosted sign language interpreting mentors from across the country who attended the second SVRS Interpreting Mentorship Summit, "Reaching New Heights." This year's attendance of over 200 participants more than doubled last year's number of attendees.
"The goal of all of our conferences is to provide the best training, support, resources, and educational opportunities in the industry," noted Amy Kalmus, Sorenson Communications Director of Professional Development. "This event equipped mentors with additional skills to aid them in providing mentorship to up-and-coming interpreters. The conference also enabled them to network with colleagues and learn from their expertise."
Attendees received Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for participation in workshops that were presented by Sorenson Communications' professional development staff, Master Mentor Cindy Farnham, who gave the keynote address, and other nationally credentialed presenters, including Keith Cagle, current chair and instructor at Central Piedmont Community College's Interpreting Education program in Charlotte, N.C. Workshops centered on mentorship, cultural mediation, assessment and evaluation in mentoring, and all enjoyed Cagle's workshop titled, "1,000 Faces of ASL."
Sorenson Communications Vice President of Interpreting Chris Wakeland and Vice President of Community Relations Ron Burdett attended the event, and opening remarks were provided by President and CEO Pat Nola. Gino Gouby, CDI and CLIP-R, National Professional Development Manager, coordinated all of the training for the event. Special thanks go to Dave Hale, Sorenson Communications Corporate Events Manager, and Sarah Parker, Western Region Events Coordinator in the Sorenson Communications marketing group, who headed up planning efforts and onsite coordination of "Reaching New Heights."
The Sorenson Communications "Reaching New Heights" Mentorship Summit was held in Salt Lake City, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 2008.
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Did you know that you can call SVRS with your D-Link videophone?
Go to www.sorensonvrs.com/dlink to view the steps to take if you would like to call SVRS with your D-Link. Now you can use the best Video Relay Service—SVRS!
You are also able to call other VRS providers using your Sorenson videophone if you desire. Remember, some services such as Sorenson SignMail® and VCO are offered only by Sorenson Communications through your Sorenson videophone and SVRS.
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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 at www.sorensonvrs.com/apply!
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