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Sorenson VRS Messenger
Newsletter
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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
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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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The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent decision to establish a multi-year reimbursement rate for relay service providers is good news. The move is a major step forward in bringing VRS to increasing numbers of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. The multi-year rate will allow Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS) and other VRS providers to make longer-term investments in VRS. These investments in outreach and education, training of ASL interpreters, and VRS technology will result in an improvement in VRS service, which is the most functionally equivalent telecommunications option for deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers who use ASL to connect with the hearing world.
Today, because of VRS, tens of thousands of VRS consumers place VRS calls in their own language, empowering them to connect with hearing family members, neighbors, physicians, and governmental agencies.
The FCC's decision is an exciting development for Sorenson Communications and the deaf community because it encourages VRS providers to make VRS services available to as many deaf people as possible. We embrace the challenge of improving VRS and increasing access to VRS for all deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals!
At this time, I want to recognize the Video Relay Services Consumer Association (VRSCA) for its part in reaching out to the deaf community to explain the importance of continued VRS funding-and for rallying the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to send comments to the FCC, letting the FCC know their stance on the issue. Thanks VRSCA!
Best wishes for a happy holiday season.
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
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The new Sorenson Communications™ Call Waiting feature for Sorenson VP-200® videophone users gives consumers the ability to manage multiple incoming videophone calls and to better organize personal and professional conversations.
Call Waiting gives VP-200 videophone users who are already involved in a videophone call notification of a second, incoming call and the option to respond to it. The VP-200 videophone user receives a visual notification on the TV screen when a second call comes in. The videophone user can opt to 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.
Because videophone calls often involve an ASL interpreter as well as two calling parties, special etiquette is observed with the new Call Waiting feature. If a VP-200 videophone user is engaged in a call with a SVRS interpreter and is notified by Call Waiting that a new call is coming in, the user should put the current, or first, call on hold only for a few seconds, just long enough to tell the new, second caller their call will be returned as soon as the interpreter-assisted one is terminated.
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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Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI) honored Sorenson Communications' second-generation videophone, the Sorenson VP-200, with the Andrew Saks Engineering Award at the 17th Biennial International TDI Conference in San Mateo, California, on Aug. 25. Every two years, TDI recognizes an outstanding design, electronics, or engineering accomplishment that improves access to telecommunications for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
"We commend Sorenson Communications for coming up with state-of-the-art video technology in its VP-200 videophone that makes its VRS services and peer-to-peer communication functionally equivalent and consumer-friendly for deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans who use sign language," said Claude L. Stout, TDI executive director.
Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola accepted the award and said, "We thank TDI for acknowledging the engineering success of our VP-200 videophone. We believe our videophones are helping many bright and motivated people communicate on their own terms - with anyone and at anytime. The world has become a better place for it."
Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola receives Andrew Saks Engineering Award from Greg Gantt, TDI board member, at the 17th Biennial International TDI Conference.
Leaders from Sorenson Communications convene at the recent TDI Conference, held in San Mateo, California.
L to R: Western Regional Director Terry Tibble; Vice President of Engineering Joe Romriell; President and CEO Pat Nola; Vice President of Community Relations Ron Burdett; and Regulatory Affairs Manager Mike Maddix.
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Recently, many Sorenson Communications interpreters and employees attended the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) 2007 National Conference, held in San Francisco. Sorenson was a sponsor of the event and presented a $25,000 contribution supporting RID and its commitment to providing the highest-quality interpreters in the industry.
L to R: Chris Wakeland, Sorenson Communications Vice President of Interpreting, and John Peebler, Sorenson Communications Marketing Communications Director, present $25,000 check to then-president of Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Angela Jones, at the 2007 RID National Conference "All for One & One for All," held Aug. 3 through 8, in San Francisco.
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Nearly 300 Sorenson Communications leaders — from sales, SVRS operations, SVRS management, and SIPRelay — attended the 2007 National Management Retreat, in Salt Lake City, on Sept. 25 through 28.
The weeklong event featured entertainment, a keynote address from Sorenson Communications President and CEO Pat Nola, several breakout training sessions, and an awards banquet.
"This year's theme, 'Summit: Reaching our Highest Goals,' perfectly addressed how we have reached a higher level of excellence by meeting and conquering challenges," said Vice President of Human Resources Janice Barson. "We were thrilled to recognize these individuals and their achievements."
All photographs from the 2007 National Management Retreat provided by Sandra Rouse.
Regional Manager of the Year
Eric Emmons
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in total Regional Installations/SVRS training
L to R: Pat Nola, President and CEO; Eric Emmons, Central Region Manager; Dave Johnson, Vice President of Sales
Outreach Manager of the Year
Tom Scuderi
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in total Outreach Area Installations/SVRS training
L to R: Pat Nola; Tom Scuderi, Senior Outreach Manager; Dave Johnson
The Rock Award
Brittany Loder
Presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to Department and Company
L to R: Pat Nola; Brittany Loder, Database Administrator; Dave Johnson
Area Specialist of the Year
Donald Robinson
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in total Area Installations
L to R: Dave Johnson; Donald Robinson, Area Specialist; Pat Nola
Customer Service Award
Burbank SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement through Customer Service
L to R: Terry Tibble, Western Regional Director; Kym Karas, Burbank SVRS Operations Coordinator; Jubal Smith, Burbank SVRS Center Manager; Pat Nola; Jon Maher, Burbank SVRS Director; Christine Meade, Western Region District Manager; Chris Wakeland, Vice President of Interpreting
SVRS Large Center of the Year
Kansas City SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and overall contribution
L to R: Jes Julander, Central Regional Director; Lori Clinton, Kansas City SVRS Center Manager ; Pat Nola; Theresa Richard, Kansas City SVRS Center Director; Becky Yadrich, Central Region District Manager; Matthew Borchardt, District Operations Manager; Chris Wakeland
SVRS Mid-Size Center of the Year
Cincinnati SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and overall contribution
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Laura Jones, Eastern Regional Director; Stephanie Criner, Eastern District Manager; Jill Ratliff, Cincinnati SVRS Center Manager; Daniel Scheetz, Cincinnati SVRS Operations Coordinator; Gail Maue, Cincinnati SVRS Center Director; Pat Nola
SVRS Small Center of the Year
Jacksonville SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and Overall Contribution
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Rebecca Smith, Southern Regional Director; Dena Stolp, Southern District Manager; Adriana Moreno Torres, Jacksonville SVRS Operations Coordinator; Debbie Spiker, Jacksonville SVRS Center Manager; Pat Nola
Distinguished Improvement Award
SIPRelay
Presented in recognition of outstanding and consistent improvement
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Jason Dunn, Senior Director of Operations; Karrie Middaugh, SIPRelay Section Manager; Nichol Nunn, SIPRelay Operations Coordinator; Erin Allred, SIPRelay Section Manager; Laura Pass, SIPRelay Section Manager; James LaRose, SIPRelay Director; Richard Simmons, SIPRelay Training Manager
SVRS Golden Eagle Award - Center Achievement
Birmingham SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding performance and sustained contribution
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Rebecca Smith; Dena Stolp; Dean Evans, Birmingham SVRS Center Manager; Adam Stacy, Birmingham SVRS Operations Coordinator; Pat Nola
SVRS Center Operations Coordinator of the Year
Britany Zappitello, San Antonio SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding operational performance
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Julie Zenas, Director of Relay Operations; Sarah Compton, San Antonio SVRS Center Director; Britany Zappitello, San Antonio Operations Coordinator; Jillian Hollis, Southern Region Operations Coordinator; Pat Nola
SVRS Center Manager of the Year
Joshua Pennise, Virginia Beach SVRS Interpreting Center
Presented in recognition of outstanding performance and sustained contribution
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Laura Jones; Rebekah Barkowitz, Eastern District Manager; Joshua Pennise, Virginia Beach SVRS Center Manager;
Pat Nola
SVRS Golden Eagle Award - Individual Achievement
Christine Meade, Western District Manager
Presented in recognition of outstanding performance and sustained contribution
L to R: Chris Wakeland; Terry Tibble; Vanessa Wisbaum, Western District Manager; Christine Meade; Pat Nola
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The Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) presented Sorenson Communications with its Golden Hand Award on Sept. 15 during its biennial conference held in the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah. Ron Burdett, Vice President of Community Relations for Sorenson Communications, accepted the honor on behalf of the company. The Golden Hand Award is UAD's highest honor and is presented to individuals or organizations that have made a substantial contribution to the betterment of Utah's deaf community.
"We are proud to honor Sorenson Communications, a local business that has a strong, supportive presence in the Utah deaf community," said Robert Kerr, UAD president. "We appreciate Sorenson Communications' support of the Deaflympics Expo, the 16th Winter Deaflympics, and its ongoing support of our local community."
UAD was established in 1909 to serve the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing Utahns and is one of the oldest state associations in the United States.
"We appreciate this award from UAD," said Pat Nola, Sorenson Communications president and CEO. "Through our long-time association with them, UAD has helped us better understand the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Both of our organizations are committed to breaking down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing worlds."
Utah Association for the Deaf (UAD) awards Sorenson Communications with its Golden Hand Award.
L to R: Robert Kerr, President of UAD; Trenton Marsh, UAD conference workshop coordinator and UAD Board Chairman; Chelsea Tobin, Miss Deaf America; and Ron Burdett, Sorenson Communications' Vice President of Community Relations, who accepted the honor on behalf of Sorenson Communications.
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On Sept. 29, as part of New York Mets Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day, the New York Mets Baseball Club presented Sorenson Communications with the Spirit Award at Shea Stadium. The honor recognized Sorenson's donation, which bought tickets to that day's game (against the Florida Marlins) for more than 1,000 deaf children from nine New York-area deaf schools, including the Rochester School for the Deaf, Lexington School for the Deaf, and the New York State School for the Deaf (NYSSD). Students from Rochester School for the Deaf and the NYSSD participated in pre-game festivities by signing the national anthem alongside both teams' dugouts. During the seventh-inning stretch, a group of Lexington students stood on the Mets' dugout and signed "Take me out to the ball game." Tickets for the game were also given to Sorenson VRS customers in the New York area. Final score: Mets 13; Marlins 0.
L to R: Representing Sorenson Communications and accepting the New York Mets Spirit Award at Shea Stadium were Cameron Tingey, Eastern Regional Sales Director; Ron Burdett, Vice President of Community Relations; Pat Nola, President and CEO; and Dave Johnson, Vice President of Sales. Also honored (pictured on far right) with the Spirit Award was Todd Tillotson, a New York Mets Stadium Operations Department employee and a key member of the local deaf community.
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The Sorenson Communications Network Operations Center (NOC), located in Salt Lake City, is an important part of the day-to-day operations of SVRS interpreting centers. Composed of a dedicated team that works around the clock, NOC makes sure all SVRS centers are running smoothly, providing customers with the best SVRS experience possible.
The NOC monitors the operational pulse of the SVRS centers by systematically performing tests, running diagnostics, accessing and analyzing data, passing critical information on to response teams, and coordinating information between SVRS centers and the main NOC office.
NOC immediately addresses technical challenges that may arise. Recently, NOC successfully assisted SVRS video interpreters (VIs) in transitioning to new software as well as ensured that the change went smoothly and without any client problems.
Cary Evans, Director of IT Operations for Sorenson Communications, says: "The NOC team continues to make big contributions in coordinating response efforts to keep SVRS centers up and running efficiently. Because of Sorenson's nimble NOC team, challenges are detected and fixed before SVRS Centers even have a chance to report them. NOC has been 100 percent reliable at performing routine daily maintenance on the IT Sorenson systems for the last 22 months."
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Take a look at four new Sorenson Communications videos featuring SVRS consumers who share how SVRS communication is transforming their lives in a variety of ways. To learn how the following individuals are using SVRS, check out their stories at www.sorensonvrs.com/svrsvideos.
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Ryssa is a mainstreamed student and typical teen who uses SVRS to connect with friends.
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Daniel and Alberto use Sorenson VRS® Español to keep in touch with Spanish-speaking family in Mexico and in the United States.
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Joanne uses SVRS with Voice Carry Over (VCO) at work to speak for herself and to accurately communicate names of bacterial organisms and antibiotics.
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Using SVRS with Voice Carry Over (VCO), Tommy made one of the most important calls of his life and purchased an engagement ring.
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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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