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801-287-9403
Technicians are available 24/7. Please hold until a
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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 VP videophone and you need to communicate on the go, use Sorenson IP Relay! Using a personal computer or a mobile device, you can contact anyone anywhere with Sorenson IP Relay.
Sorenson IP Relay (siprelay) 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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This fall has been an exciting time for us at Sorenson Communications as we have chartered new paths and hit many first-time company milestones. Some of the positive news includes the filing of comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by Sorenson Communications and other Video Relay Service (VRS) providers advocating a "price cap" approach to setting rates, the launch of the new Sorenson VP-200™ videophone, the formation of the Sorenson Consumer Policy Board (SCPB), the openings of 27 additional VRS interpreting centers, and the installation of the first videophone booths in an international airport-the Salt Lake City International Airport.
In filing comments with the FCC, Sorenson Communications and other VRS providers united to urge the governmental agency to adopt a simplified, predictable, and fair methodology for setting VRS rates. Sorenson Communications and the other providers emphasized the importance of providers having the resources to provide VRS access for all deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language to communicate and to make sure resources are in place to train more interpreters and make improvements to the technology.
The new Sorenson VP-200 is considered the most deaf-friendly videophone on the market. The Sorenson VP-200 was introduced in late August and is now being installed in select regions. (We appreciate your patience in waiting for this product!) For more information on the VP-200, visit www.sorensonvrs.com/vp-200.
Breaking down communication barriers is one of the charges of our new SCPB. Consisting of deaf leaders, the board will, among other tasks, review important issues raised by the FCC. As mentioned, one of the current critical issues is VRS rate methodology, or the manner in which the FCC determines how the VRS rate should be set. The SCPB will need your help to ensure the future of VRS by creating a stable VRS rate for the future. For more information, visit www.vrsca.org.
In addition, Sorenson Communications also announced the opening of 27 new Sorenson Video Relay Service® (VRS) interpreting centers in major cities throughout the United States. From Birmingham, AL, to Virginia Beach, VA, our new centers offer exceptional career opportunities to skilled interpreters, including flexible work shifts. The result is that we can better serve the needs of the deaf community through Sorenson VRS.
And, more recently, the introduction of Sorenson's free videophone booths at the Salt Lake City International Airport marks a historic first. This is the first time videophone booths have been placed in a public airport for use by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language to communicate. These videophones will allow travelers-especially athletes and fans coming to Utah for the Deaflympics in February, 2007-to place calls in their native language.
The driving force behind Sorenson Communications continues to be developing leading service offerings and cutting-edge technology for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Thank you for your continued support.
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
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Kian-Guan Au
Market Specialist, Product Management
Sorenson Communications
Meet our market specialist at Sorenson Communications' headquarters. His name is Kian-Guan Au, but most people who know him call him by his nickname, "AU," which is pronounced simply as the two letters A-U.
AU recently came to our Salt Lake City offices from upstate New York, where he worked as an installer and an installation manager. We recently talked with AU about his work.
How would you describe your job as market specialist?
Prior to my current position, I was the VP-200 beta coordinator. Now, as market specialist on the product management team, my primary responsibilities are to represent the deaf community to the product management and engineering groups. I also represent Sorenson Communications to the deaf community, do market research, and meet with deaf people to understand what they think of our products. My goal is to make sure that Sorenson Communications' products and services meet the needs of the deaf community. I also have product management responsibilities with the separate service, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
What are some of the most exciting aspects of your job?
I like meeting many different deaf and hard-of-hearing people and sharing ideas and experiences with them. I find it very rewarding to learn about the needs of various individuals.
What will users like about the new VP-200?
The Sorenson VP-200 videophone, Sorenson Communications' second-generation videophone, makes it even easier for deaf and hearing individuals to easily communicate with each other using videophone technology. Key deaf-friendly features include high video quality, a new and easy-to-use videophone interface, call history and call identification, and the ability to call both VP-100 and VP-200 videophones.
Like many other satisfied Sorenson videophone users, I am sure you will love using the VP-200. However, please be patient as our sales team begins to roll out the VP-200 in select regions of the United States because it will take a few years to upgrade all of our VP-100 users.
Kian-Guan Au, also known as AU, is Sorenson Communications' market specialist
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Mike Maddix
Manager of Regulatory Affairs
Sorenson Communications
Sorenson VRS is pleased to be the first VRS provider to offer streamlined Emergency 911 VRS service to our customers. We are able to process emergency calls through Sorenson VRS due to our partnership with Intrado, a worldwide leader in telecommunications solutions.
Deaf callers who need to place an emergency call through Sorenson VRS can access the 911 services number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Sorenson VP-100 and VP-200 videophone users who make 911 calls are immediately recognized by the Sorenson VRS system and given prioritized handling. However, please do not place false 911 calls with the hope to have your call answered more quickly. False 911 calls will simply tie up valuable resources for everyone.
Even with this new service, we caution you not to toss out your TTY equipment because TTY calls are still the best means for emergency personnel to quickly identify a person's location. In an emergency, dial 1-9-1-1 using a landline telephone or a TTY to ensure immediate attention and identification of your location. The need for a TTY is especially apparent when an emergency occurs during a power outage which would cause your TV and videophone not to work. In all situations, TTY is still a more reliable way to contact emergency services.
We hope you won't have an emergency. But, if you do, rest assured that Sorenson VRS offers another way for you to contact someone quickly who can help you. Sorenson Communications promises to continue to create innovative and useful solutions for you-like our Emergency 911 VRS service.
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Janice Barson
Vice President of Human Resources
Sorenson Communications
A major awards banquet highlighted the 2006 Annual Sorenson Communications Manager Retreat, held September 5 through September 8 at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. The event also featured workshops, entertainment, and keynote addresses by company leaders, including Sorenson Communications' president and CEO, Pat Nola.
The retreat was kicked off with an evening reception and program. The next day, company employees listened to a report by Pat Nola on the state of Sorenson Communications, followed by a keynote address and a series of workshops. Thursday featured additional workshops and presentations by Sorenson Communications' executives. That evening awards were presented at the closing banquet.
"We would like to thank all of the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to Sorenson Communications and the people we serve," said Pat Nola. "We also want to thank all who presented or participated at the 2006 retreat for helping to make it a great success."
Cameron Tingey (right)
Regional Manager of the Year
In recognition of outstanding achievement in total regional installations
Tom Scuderi (center)
Outreach Manager of the Year
In recognition of outstanding achievement in total area installations
Chad Bergeson (center)
The Rock Award
In recognition of outstanding contribution to his department and to the company
Stephanie Harris (center), received on behalf of the
San Diego Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
Customer Service Award
In recognition of outstanding achievement through customer service
Stephanie Criner, received on behalf of the
Columbus Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
Outstanding Training Award
In recognition of outstanding achievement in training
Jessie Bauer (center)
Indianapolis Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
Operations Coordinator of the Year
In recognition of outstanding operational performance
Becky Yadrich (center), received on behalf of the
Kansas City Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
Large Interpreting Center of the Year
In recognition of outstanding achievement and overall performance
Yvonne Davila (center), received on behalf of the
Pittsburgh Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
Small Interpreting Center of the Year
In recognition of outstanding achievement and overall performance
Doris Taglialatela (center), received on behalf of the
Colorado Springs Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center
VRS Golden Eagle Award - Center Achievement
In recognition of outstanding performance and sustained contribution
Jason Dunn (center)
VRS Golden Eagle Award - Individual Achievement
In recognition of outstanding performance and sustained contribution
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To learn more about the new Sorenson VP-200 videophone, please visit www.sorensonvrs.com/vp-200. This Web page features ASL video information on the new VP-200.
If you have already have a VP-100 videophone, or you are currently waiting for a VP-100, you are already registered on a list to receive the VP-200. Therefore, there is no need for you to apply again. Sorenson Communications will contact you when the VP-200 becomes available in your area. If you do not already have a VP-100 videophone, you can apply for one at www.sorensonvrs.com/apply.
Sorenson Communications will train new customers on how to use their new VP-200 videophones at the time of installation. This training requires additional time so we hope everyone will be patient.
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Eric B. Johnson
Director of National Expo Events
16th Winter Deaflympics EXPO
expo@2007deaflympics.com
Join us on Friday, February 2, and Saturday, February 3, for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the 16th Winter Deaflympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Come see:
- Internationally-known entertainer Ramesh Mayyappan as he performs Potpourri, an amazing vignette that includes multiple characters.
- If the Shoe Fits... , by Tami Santimyer, as she brings to life all of the characters from Cinderella, each one with a significant twist.
- World-renowned deaf artist Chuck Baird and create your own piece of art.
- The "Deaflympics Experience" keynote address given by past International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) President Jerald M. Jordan.
Register for the FREE Expo at www.sorenson.com/deaflympics/events.
We look forward to seeing you in February, 2007, at the EXPO!
| Ramesh Mayyappan |
Chuck Baird |
Tami Santimyer |
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Cameron Tingey
Regional Sales Manager
Sorenson Communications
Since 2000, National Deaf Academy (NDA), located in Florida, has provided residential mental health care for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, adolescents, and adults-all in an environment that is tailored specifically for sign language users. American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language used on the campus among the staff and the Academy's clients.
Sorenson Communications is proud to support NDA with VP-200 videophones and sponsorship funds to support their efforts to break down communication barriers between the hearing and deaf and hard-of-hearing worlds. NDA clients use Sorenson videophones on campus to contact loved ones to report their progress and daily activities.
"Sorenson Communications is pleased to offer NDA technology to connect their clients with family and friends while on campus," said Ron Burdett, vice president of community relations for the company. "We are committed to assisting organizations that share in our mission to break down communication barriers.
Together, Sorenson Communications and NDA are committed to building bridges between the hearing and deaf and hard-of-hearing worlds to create better communication pathways for everyone.
National Deaf Academy (NDA), located in Mount Dora, FL, provides residential mental health care for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, adolescents, and adults
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Ron Burdett
Vice President of Community Relations
Sorenson Communications
In September 2006, Sorenson Communications announced the formation of the Sorenson Consumer Policy Board (SCPB), a new organization charged with educating, examining, and contributing to leading advocacy and industry topics-all in an effort to aid Sorenson Communications in its commitment to bridge communications between the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities.
The SCPB also reviews important issues raised by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other organizations who contribute to the landscape of the deaf communications industry. Leading deaf advocates Donalda Ammons, Gertrude Scott Galloway, and Lawrence Fleischer collaborate with Sorenson Communications to identify and address vital video relay service issues.
"With the help of these key individuals, the policy board will effectively represent regional communities across the country in important decisions that effect communications for the deaf and hard-of-hearing," said Ron Burdett, vice president of community relations for Sorenson Communications. "Each member of the SCPB was selected based on their credibility and significant leadership efforts within the deaf community."
Watch for updates from the SCPB on www.vrsca.org or in future issues of this newsletter.
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Since last mention in the newsletter, Sorenson Communications has opened 27 additional Sorenson Video Relay Service interpreting (VRS) centers in major cities nationwide-Akron, OH; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Boise, ID; Cincinnati, OH; Columbia, MO; Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, KS; Knoxville, TN; Lexington, KY; Little Rock, AR; Louisville, KY; Lubbock, TX; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Omaha, NE; Portland, ME; Portland, OR; Raleigh, NC; Rochester, NY; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio, TX; Tucson, AZ; Virginia Beach, VA.
One VRS center open house, representative of those being hosted throughout the country, was held September 14, in Kansas City. The open house event that was attended by over 200 participants included a ribbon cutting ceremony, guided tours through the interpreting center, and demonstrations of VRS calls. Additional open houses will be held in the spring when there is warmer weather.
"Opening additional VRS centers is exciting for Sorenson Communications as it helps us provide increased access to VRS," said Pat Nola. "We were delighted so many people visited the new facility in Kansas City and were able to see, first-hand, how our innovative video relay service and videophones serve the needs of the signing deaf and hard-of-hearing community."
The open house of the Kansas City Sorenson VRS interpreting center was attended - and celebrated - by over 200 participants!
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On Nov. 1, Sorenson Communications made history by announcing the first-ever installation of Sorenson videophone booths in an international airport. Now deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) will be able to place free videophone calls from booths located in two baggage claim terminals at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
The innovative videophone booths make communication between the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and the hearing world easier than ever-and will be especially helpful to deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes and fans who will use the airport during the Deaflympics, to be held in Utah, in February.
"In the hearing community, we take for granted the availability of public telephones when we travel," Nola said. "Telephones are an important tool for all travelers needing to solve unexpected problems that may arise and for reassuring family and friends by remaining in communication while on the road."
The videophone booths connect deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to a nationwide network of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters who facilitate conversations for them with hearing individuals by way of a Sorenson VP-200 videophone appliance and the Sorenson Video Relay Service. This video relay service is a breakthrough for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals whose primary language is ASL because it allows them to use their own native language during calls to hearing individuals.
Two new videophone booths, installed in the Salt Lake City International Airport, will be especially helpful to deaf athletes and fans who will pass through the airport during the Deaflympics, in February of 2007
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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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| Come enjoy deaf-friendly entertainment, art projects and exhibitors at the 16th Winter Deaflympics Expo February 2-3, 2007, in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, e-mail expo@2007deaflympics.com.
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