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Mailing Address
Technical Support
4192 South Riverboat
Road, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84123 |
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Away From Your VP? Use Sorenson IP Relay
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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Everyone who has used Video Relay Service (VRS) knows that it is revolutionizing the way deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language communicate with the hearing world. Sorenson Communications is working to ensure VRS users have the highest-quality VRS experience possible. We do this through:
- Outreach to deaf consumers
- Interpreter training
- Improvements to VRS technology
Although great strides have been made in providing access to VRS, many deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals still either do not know about VRS or do not realize its potential. It is estimated that approximately 90 percent of deaf individuals still do not have VRS.
Unfortunately, our ability to provide increased access to VRS faces an enormous challenge. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff, in Washington D.C., which oversees VRS, has proposed serious funding cuts to the VRS program. Some of the FCC cuts are so drastic they would severely limit VRS providers' ability to provide VRS access.
These FCC proposals to cut the VRS program are wrong. The FCC should be doing everything in its power to make VRS available to more deaf people—not seeking to limit the number of deaf people with access to VRS!
As VRS gives deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals a communication system that is equivalent to a voice telephone service, we all need to support the widespread use of and continued funding for VRS technology. Please join us in petitioning the FCC for a fair, stable, and predictable VRS rate for the next three years. Please send comments, indicating you are against cuts to the VRS rate and support establishing a stable and predictable VRS rate, before the end of June, to the FCC using the following address:
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Chairman Kevin Martin
Commissioners Adelstein, Copps, McDowell, and Tate
Federal Communications Commission
Re: CG 03-123
445 Twelfth Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
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As an example, a comment might include: "I am deaf, and I need VRS to be able to place phone calls with hearing individuals. Please do not cut funding for VRS, but, instead, create a fair and predictable VRS rate for the next three years." Or, "Cutting the VRS rate would severely impact the quality of VRS, which I rely on for my communication needs. Please create a fair and predictable VRS rate for the next three years."
Comments to the FCC may also be submitted online by visiting the Video Relay Services Consumer Association (VRSCA) Web site at www.vrsca.org/vrsrate We—the deaf community and our hearing family, friends, and associates—can make a difference!
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
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On Feb. 28 and March 1, Sorenson Communications joined several leaders of deaf advocacy organizations, Marlee Matlin, and 11 other Video Relay Service (VRS) providers in demonstrating VRS on Capitol Hill before U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. The demonstrations provided lawmakers with first-hand knowledge of how VRS is revolutionizing the way deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) communicate.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) President Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Sorenson Communications' Vice President for Community Relations Ron Burdett, and Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) Executive Director Claude Stout explained how VRS is changing deaf communication with hearing family, friends, and co-workers. They were joined by Academy Award-winning and acclaimed film and television actress Marlee Matlin, who shared her VRS experiences and testified as to the importance of continued government funding for VRS. (Matlin is a strong advocate for access to telecommunications services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and was instrumental in getting Congress to pass legislation requiring all televisions sold in the U.S. to be equipped with closed captioning technology.)
"Communication via telephone is vital in today's world, and VRS provides that access for deaf individuals," she signed. "Quite simply, it allows deaf individuals access to communication when they want, wherever they want, without having to rely on hearing family members, friends, and associates. With VRS I can place calls in sign language without restriction. VRS levels the playing field for millions of Americans like me.
"Our purpose here today is to stress the importance of establishing policies that will encourage the dissemination of VRS technologies to millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans," she said.
In closing, Matlin and the other demonstrators urged the Senators, Members of Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that VRS reaches more deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans who use sign language, as the Americans with Disabilities Act intended.
NAD, TDI, and VRS providers converged on Capitol Hill, in Washington, DC, to educate lawmakers on VRS technology.
U.S. Senator Bob Bennett and Pat Nola attended the VRS demonstration for Senators, in Washington, DC.
Claude Stout, Executive Director of TDI, and Bobbie Beth Scoggins, President of NAD, listen intently to Marlee Matlin describe how VRS transformed communication with her hearing grandmother.
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The Video Relay Services Consumer Association (VRSCA) is a forum for all those who use Video Relay Services (VRS)—individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing who use American Sign Language as well as hearing individuals. The VRSCA 's mission is to empower deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals to discuss and resolve current issues relating to VRS services. Its goals include integrating VRS into communities, ultimately bridging the communication gap between deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals and encouraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to mandate comprehensive VRS services.
Currently, the VRSCA is tackling an issue that affects all VRS users. The staff at the FCC, the federal agency that administers VRS, is threatening drastic cuts to VRS services. This will dramatically harm VRS services for everyone. In response, the VRSCA is building a coalition of VRS supporters to send comments via mail and e-mail to the FCC, urging the FCC not to cut the rate for VRS. You can join the coalition to tell the FCC of the importance of VRS to deaf people and urge them to provide an adequate VRS rate. Visit www.vrsca.org/vrsrate and let the FCC know you care about continued VRS funding.
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In March 2007, Sorenson Communications announced the launch of a new Video Relay Service in which American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are fluent and professionally rated in spoken Spanish.
Named Sorenson VRS Español, the 24/7 service features trilingual interpreters fluent in ASL, English, and Spanish, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to conduct free video relay calls to Spanish-speaking hearing people anywhere in the U.S. or its territories. ASL interpretation is part of the service, but Spanish Sign Language interpretation is not.
When placing a call with the new service, a deaf or hard-of-hearing user sees the ASL interpreter on a TV screen and communicates in sign language with him or her. The trilingual interpreter contacts the Spanish-speaking hearing user via a standard telephone and relays the conversation between the two parties, interpreting messages in ASL from the deaf individual and relaying them in spoken Spanish to the Spanish-speaking hearing individual and vice versa.
To ensure interpreting services are first-rate, Sorenson Communications Spanish interpreters' oral and language aptitude skills are assessed by Berlitz Languages, Inc., one of the world's premier language education companies.
"Sorenson Communications' mission is to provide a full range of top-quality Video Relay Services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community," said Chris Wakeland, Vice President of Interpreting for Sorenson Communications. "Our Spanish interpreters undergo rigorous testing to be certain our customers' translation needs will be well served when using the second most-commonly spoken language in the U.S."
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Take an exclusive, 'sneak-peek' at new Sorenson Communications videos featuring four consumers who share their experiences with VRS. You'll see how VRS has dramatically changed their communication—and their lives—for the better! Simply go to: www.sorensonvrs.com/svrsvideos to learn how the following individuals are using VRS.
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Carmen doesn't have to rely on her son to make phone calls for her anymore. She now makes them on her own, when she wants, for as long as she wants.
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Christina uses VRS to connect with her hearing grandmother. Their communication is building a bond that is priceless.
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Educator Leon connects to students, giving him freedom to communicate outside of the classroom. He considers VRS a "gift from heaven."
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As one of the first hospitals in the country to adopt VRS services, Chicago's Mt. Sinai Hospital now has a public videophone booth for the deaf patients who visit the hospital daily. |
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On March 29, Sorenson Communications introduced the Sorenson VP-200™ videophone and a videophone booth to the Lexington School for the Deaf, located in Queens, New York. Because of the significant number of deaf individuals in and around Queens, Lexington was chosen as a launch site.
The announcement of the VP-200 was made by Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola during a morning assembly with about 350 Lexington fifth- through twelfth-grade students. With the help of Lexington student Lisa Meyer, Pat Nola presented a side-by-side comparison of a VP-100 and a VP-200, noting that the latter incorporates the highest quality video, a pan/tilt/zoom camera, and LightRing™, which functions as a visual caller ID. The videophones, being used for Video Relay Service (VRS), are revolutionizing communication between deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language and the hearing world.
Sorenson Communications donated one of the 50-inch LCD TVs used for the demonstration as a prize for a raffle that was held prior to and during the assembly that morning. A friend of the school won the TV. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Lexington's Deaf Awareness Week, to be held this fall. In a separate, student-only raffle, two student winners were awarded $100 gift cards to Old Navy clothing store. Pat Nola and Vice President of Community Relations Ron Burdett presented Lexington School for the Deaf Superintendent Regina Carroll with a banner used during the 2007 Deaflympics. In addition, Sorenson Communications provided a pizza lunch for all students in attendance.
Lexington School for the Deaf has served the broader deaf and hard-of-hearing community of the New York metropolitan area since 1864. In addition to offering comprehensive educational programs for deaf children, Lexington offers mental health support, vocational services, and a center for performing arts for its students, many who are recent deaf immigrants.
Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola demonstrates the difference in video quality and features between the VP-100 and VP-200 videophones.
Sorenson Communications Vice President of Community Relations Ron Burdett jokes with students while collecting raffle ticket money at the Lexington School for the Deaf.
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Recently, Sorenson Video Relay Service (Sorenson VRS®) received two honors from Deaf Illinois Awards. Sorenson was named the "Best Video Relay Service," in recognition for its efforts to improve communication access as well as its efforts to support the deaf community. Sorenson also received the "Best Accessibility Provider" award, given to a company that demonstrates dedication to the deaf community by providing a product or any kind of technology that improves communication and/or accessibility for the deaf community. In both categories, Sorenson Communications beat four other nominees. Voting forms were sent via e-mail to subscribers of Deaf Illinois News and were tabulated by a group of neutral judges.
Barry Jensen, Sorenson Communications Outreach Manager for Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, holds the Deaf Illinois Awards, which he accepted on behalf of Sorenson Communications at the Park West Theater, in Chicago, on Apr. 7.
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Mark Call, Sorenson VRS Northwest Outreach Manager, takes his job seriously.
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Sorenson Communications understands that its success can be directly traced to the hard work and dedication of its employees and contractors—especially our interpreters, who provide the highest-quality service day after day. Sorenson Communications recently initiated another exciting interpreter-focused event: an Interpreter Roundtable, held in Salt Lake City, Feb. 12 through 14.
Each Sorenson Communications VRS Interpreting Center in the country was represented at the roundtable, with more than 80 interpreters in attendance. Participants met fellow interpreters, attended various presentations, discussed timely issues, asked questions, and learned more about Sorenson Communications. Sorenson Communications vice presidents attended the event to learn more about interpreters.
Other presentations focused on installer/trainers, outreach, product development, regulatory issues, training, operations, and marketing. Important discussions resulted from an open forum, where interpreters asked questions of Sorenson Communications leaders, including Janice Barson, Vice President of Human Resources, Chris Wakeland, Vice President of Interpreting, David Gardner, Product Manager, Chad Bergeson, Sales Operations Manager, and Jason Dunn, Relay Operations Manager.
Attendee Tricia Frank noted: "The opportunity to share and to know that we were being heard was invaluable. In the actions that have taken place since the Roundtable, it is obvious that we were taken seriously and truly 'heard.'"
Jonathon Barad, another participant, reported back to his center, "One thing is for sure: Sorenson VRS is absolutely interpreter-focused."
In addition to making the Roundtable an annual event, Sorenson has instituted six opportunities each year for every center to conduct its own Roundtable discussions. These Roundtable discussions have been scheduled and interpreters are encouraged to attend these local events.
More than 80 interpreters attended the first annual Interpreter Roundtable, held in Salt Lake City in February.
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This spring, a number of new VRS Interpreting Centers have opened, including facilities in Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in Virginia Beach, VA, in Akron and Cincinnati, OH, and in other areas.
Attendance at the Virginia Beach Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center open house, held in March, was indicative of the excitement that has surrounded the opening of a new VRS center. More than 300 guests attended the event! They enjoyed a presentation by Ron Burdett, Vice President of Community Relations for Sorenson Communications, who shared information about VRS, interpreters, and potential cuts to VRS funding by the staff of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Presentations were also given by John Edington, Mid-Atlantic Outreach/Trainer Manager, and Laura Jones, Eastern VRS Regional Director. Guests had the opportunity to tour the new facility and apply for videophones with Sorenson VRS installers.
Good news: Additional Sorenson VRS Interpreting Centers are scheduled to open in coming months!
More than 300 guests recently attended the Virginia Beach Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center open house, where Ron Burdett (center), Vice President of Community Relations for Sorenson Communications, presented information on Sorenson VRS. John Edington, Mid-Atlantic Outreach/Trainer Manager, and Laura Jones, Eastern Sorenson VRS Regional Director, greeted guests as well.
L to R: Eastern region leadership includes Laura Jones, Sorenson Communications Eastern Regional Director, Joshua Pennise, Manager of the Virginia Beach Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, and Rebekah Barkowitz and Michael Canale, both Eastern Regional District Managers.
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We are pleased to recognize the four 2006 Sorenson Communications Regional Interpreters of the Year. Each one goes above and beyond what is expected of them in their positions. Their hard work and commitment enhances the Sorenson VRS experience. Congratulations to each of them!
The Eastern Region Interpreter of the Year is Kathy Prince. Kathy is the first full-time video interpreter in the Columbus, Ohio VRS Interpreting Center. Faced with having her husband and her son serving in Iraq at the same time, Kathy continued to maintain positive outward cheer despite the worry she felt. She spearheads efforts to provide Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification testing—last year she administered 35 RID tests to candidates from all over the country. In addition, she provides mentoring support and coaching services for newer interpreters. Her good nature, concern for others, and VRS skills make her a fantastic mentor and role model for all interpreters.
The Central Region Interpreter of the Year is Geraldine ("Gerry") Richardson. Gerry began working at the Kansas City Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center when it opened in August 2005. She has worked as a video interpreter, served as a member of the in-house training team, and was recently promoted to the position of coordinator of the Video Interpreter-Provisional (VI-P) Mentorship Program for the Kansas City Center. Gerry learned sign language well into her adulthood and was founding president of the Kansas Association of Interpreters. She enjoys scrap booking, reading, and is an active member of her church, where she also interprets. She has three grandchildren and a Brindle/Shih Tzu-looking mutt named Willie. Gerry is truly an asset to the Kansas City center and to the Sorenson VRS team.
Ann Moore receives award from Chris Wakeland, VP of Interpreting Services for Sorenson Communications, at the Baton Rouge Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center.
The Southern Region Interpreter of the Year is Ann Moore, a full-time video relay interpreter in the Baton Rouge Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center. Ann trained in the Austin Sorenson VRS Center, but transferred to Baton Rouge when that center opened in August 2005. She feels her work fits her perfectly. Ann is known for her flexibility and tremendous support of her fellow interpreters. She has become a wonderful role model at the Baton Rouge center through her strong work ethic, concern for others, interpreting skills, and her great sense of humor. Ann's newest hobby is spoiling her two new grandchildren, whom she would love to take on her next vacation. (She said she might even consider taking her husband along.)
Angie Bendzus, from the Albuquerque Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, is the Western Region Interpreter of the Year. As a full-time trilingual video interpreter, Angie has been an integral part of the Sorenson Communications trilingual interpreting team since the program's inception. She is now involved with mentoring future video interpreters in Spanish/ASL interpreting. Angie is the ultimate professional when it comes to her work habits and her interactions with customers and fellow interpreters. Customers, managers, and peers know that they can count on Angie to be there for them when they need her most. Angie continues to interpret full-time in the Albuquerque center with the same professionalism, passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to quality that she had when she started in 2005.
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Will Sorenson Communications Ever Ask for Your Personal Financial Information?
Sorenson Communications will never call you to ask for your personal financial information. Sorenson Communications has learned that certain individuals have been using the Sorenson Video Relay Service (Sorenson VRS) and IP Relay (SIPRelay) Service to conduct scams. Never provide your personal or financial information when you receive a relay service call from someone you do not know. These individuals claim that they are calling on behalf of Sorenson Communications, then ask the deaf individual to provide certain personal or financial information, such as bank account routing information or credit card or social security numbers. For example, one individual scammer has used Sorenson VRS and claimed the deaf individual contacted has won a Sorenson-sponsored "lottery." The scammer deceptively claims that the deaf individual must first pay a "fee" prior to collecting his or her "winnings" and then asks the customer to provide bank account routing information or a credit card number.
If someone contacts you making these claims, it is a scam to steal your money or to commit fraud. Do not provide your personal or financial information to anyone, unless you have initiated the contact or have confirmed that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. If you are unsure, ask for the caller's name, business identity, telephone number, street address, e-mail address, and business license number. Be sure to verify that the company is legitimate by, for example, checking with your local consumer protection office, Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, the National Fraud Information Center, the Federal Trade Commission, or other consumer groups. If you cannot verify that a company is legitimate, do not provide them your information!
If you have been or are being contacted by someone claiming that you have won a prize or lottery sponsored by our company, please immediately alert Sorenson Communications by sending an e-mail to VRScomments@sorenson.com.
For more information about how you can protect yourself against these and other fraudulent practices, please consult the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission, at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/index.shtml, or the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center, at: http://www.ic3.gov/.
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Did you know that you can call Sorenson VRS with your D-Link videophone?
Go to www.sorensonvrs.com/dlink to view the steps to take if you would like to call Sorenson VRS with your D-Link. Now you can use the best Video Relay Service—Sorenson VRS!
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 Sorenson VRS.
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Do you need a Sorenson videophone for your home or office? Do you have DEAF family members or friends who still need to get a videophone? Apply for a FREE Sorenson videophone at www.sorensonvrs.com/apply!
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