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Looking Forward to 2006
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Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications congratulates you on building communications bridges every day between the deaf and hearing world using Sorenson VRS. Every day that you use video relay service to place a call, you help another hearing person to see the possibilities of a new world where the deaf and hearing can better communicate. Our company supports this change as we renew our daily commitment to create new offerings, improve our services, and provide VRS services to the many deaf individuals who are waiting for them.
Sorenson Communications’ engineers have been hard at work developing a next generation and highly improved videophone for 2006. This videophone will have even more deaf-specific features we know you will enjoy. Not only do we continue to improve our videophone, but we also invest in our Sorenson VRS interpreters.
Our interpreters are nationally recognized as the highest quality interpreters available, and are critical to our company’s quality of service. Sorenson VRS is also updating the training of both current and future interpreters. We appreciate the collaboration of leading interpreter organizations like RID and CIT to
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offer better programs and opportunities for all interpreters. Better interpreting makes for better communications for deaf individuals using sign language to communicate.
We thank you for allowing Sorenson Communications’ outreach, training, and support teams to install and support VP-100 videophones in your homes and at work. Sorenson Communications offers one-on-one training and support for every VP-100 we install; not to mention it’s all free for our customers. Countless letters from our customers commend our interpreters, support team, trainers, and easy-to-use technology. Contact us via e-mail at vrscomments@sorenson.com with your ideas and feedback.
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Sorenson Communications presents RID with a donation to support interpreter training, certification, and testing efforts. L to R: Daphne Craft; Angela Jones (President of RID), Pat Nola, and Chris Wakeland.
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We believe the main mission for Sorenson Communications and other VRS providers is to provide access to video relay service to 100% of all members of the deaf community in America. We have a long way to go to make this happen and we need your help to achieve this goal. 100% access for deaf Americans at home, work, and in public places by 2010 is a target for all VRS providers, and specifically for Sorenson Communications’ employees, contractors, and friends. Together, we can accomplish this goal.
Sorenson Communications is actively engaged in discussions with all VRS providers and the FCC
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about how the government can continue to support the installation and maintenance of videophones through its rules and reimbursement policies. This is a major issue facing the deaf community, and in the future we intend to share our views with you and ask for your comments and support.
Thank you for working with us to build bridges between the deaf and hearing communities using Sorenson VRS. I look forward to continuing to be your VRS provider in the future for your communications needs.
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Interpreters and Technology Designed for You by
Sorenson Communications
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Mark Call
Sorenson VRS Northwest
Outreach Manager
As a Sorenson VRS outreach manager, I have been given a first-hand glimpse into the workings of Sorenson VRS. I have installed many videophones, meeting hundreds of deaf people who tell me that Sorenson VRS has really changed their life. Deaf people express joy as they are able to communicate in their own native American Sign Language (ASL).
Sorenson Video Interpreters are amazing folks who do some heroic tasks in serving the deaf community through Sorenson VRS. With excellent video relay technology by Sorenson Communications, they are able to connect you to the outside world. These men and women are dedicated people who have worked for years to achieve the skills to be able to relay our conversations with Sorenson VRS. We benefit from their efforts and hard work!
You may not know that Sorenson VRS Interpreters are always improving their skills to become more masterful at interpreting for deaf individuals. They
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continue to be trained on the latest VRS updates, video interpreting techniques, and offerings. Sorenson interpreters are available through Sorenson VRS seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and on all holidays! They are committed people and Sorenson VRS wouldn’t exist without them. To share a comment or note of appreciation, please send an e-mail to terpnotes@sorensonvrs.com and I will be sure they hear your words of thanks.
Don’t forget – Sorenson Communications is Connecting You with the Sorenson videophone, Sorenson VRS and Sorenson IP Relay!
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FACTOID
Just like any new technology, once you have it, you can’t imagine life without it. Sorenson VRS customers may think that everyone who is deaf has a videophone and uses VRS, but this isn’t true. It is generally estimated that only 4-8% of potential users of Video Relay Service (VRS) have access to this fledgling technology. VRS has a long way to go to reach all the deaf individuals who could benefit from this communication technology.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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Diana Lewis
Director of Marketing
Sorenson Communications
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Frequently Asked Questions about the www.deafVP.com web site
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Sorenson Communications offers its VRS customers many useful free services in addition to the free Sorenson VP-100 videophone. One of the free services available is the online videophone directory found at www.deafVP.com.
The Web site, www.deafVP.com, makes it easy for you to request the videophone numbers of family members, friends, and business associates who use a Sorenson VP-100. It also is a great way to locate deaf-owned businesses. By posting your name on www.deafVP.com others can request your videophone number. However, you always have the option to decline requests for your videophone number. You control who receives your videophone number.
So what should you know about this online directory? Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the www.deafVP.com site.
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What is the deafVP.com directory and why was it first created?
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The free online directory was first created so that anyone with a Sorenson VP-100 could post their videophone number. Similar to a phone book the online directory makes it possible to look up businesses or individuals who use a Sorenson VP-100 videophone. It was developed by one of Sorenson Communication’s outreach managers who recognized the need for an online directory. Within a few months of its creation thousands of videophone owners were posting their contact information so that videophone numbers could easily be exchanged.
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Why did Sorenson Communications hide the videophone numbers and install the e-mail request process?
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This was done to protect our deaf customers. By creating an easy to use system that put our customers in control of giving out their videophone numbers scam artists, obscene
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callers, and prank callers were not allowed to directly call our deaf customers without submitting an e-mail request. Customers gained greater control over releasing their personal information.
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How does the online directory work?
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To find an individual, simply enter their name or browse the directory by their last name. You can even browse by state or date added. Once you locate the individual’s name, click on the REQUEST VP NUMBER button. Then just type in your name, e-mail address, and any comments. When you click the SUBMIT button it will send an e-mail request to the individual you wish to contact. This individual can then either accept or reject the request. If the individual accepts the request you will receive their videophone number by e-mail.
If you would like to post your name, click on the ADD/MODIFY MY LISTING tab at the top of the homepage and then click on the link Create a Free User Account. Then follow the directions on the page.
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How can I protect myself from scams and obscene or prank videophone calls?
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Unfortunately, scam artists still target our deaf customers on a daily basis. As soon as Sorenson Communications becomes aware of a scam our company blocks the e-mail address of the sender. However, scam artists operate under many e-mail addresses and it is difficult to block all offending addresses.
Also, several individuals have tried to place obscene or prank calls by requesting videophone numbers. The best way to protect yourself from these types of calls is to never reply to an e-mail request for your videophone number if you do not know the individual who is requesting the number. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you do not reply to any scam artists who want you to e-mail them back or to send them money. Simply deny the request for the videophone number or delete the e-mail.
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Can I remove myself from the directory?
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You can always remove yourself from the directory – you control your listing. Go to http://www.deafvp.com/remove_me.php to delete your name from the directory.
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ASK THE EXPERTS
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Mike Maddix
Product Manager
Sorenson Communications
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Sorenson VRS No Longer Offers Call Backs
Until recently, Sorenson VRS offered a service to Sorenson VP-100 videophone users allowing them to hang up and receive a “call back” when their turn arrived. The call back service was popular among users, so you may wonder why Sorenson VRS would cease to offer the option. The call back feature has been eliminated because of recent rules governing all Video Relay Service (VRS) providers.
VRS is subject to rules and regulations that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposes. Sorenson VRS, a service provided by Sorenson Communications, supports and complies with all rulings from the Federal Communications Commission.
On July 19th, 2005, the FCC announced that all VRS providers must stop “calling back” when a user hangs up before a VRS call is placed. VRS providers were given until January 1st, 2006 to implement this new rule from the FCC.
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Although the call back option was popular, Sorenson VRS must be in compliance with the FCC rules and cease the practice of call backs. By complying with the FCC, Sorenson VRS can continue to provide our excellent VRS services to you!
Sorenson VRS interpreters will no longer call you back when you hang up while waiting for an interpreter. To place a Sorenson VRS call you must wait until the next available video interpreter is able to answer your call. To help keep your wait times down, Sorenson Communications continues to open additional VRS Interpreting Centers across the country — employing excellent interpreters to take your VRS call.
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INTERPRETER HIGHLIGHTS
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Chris Wakeland
Vice President of Interpreting
Sorenson Communications
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Michael
Sorenson VRS Interpreter
Michael is an actor, performer, writer, producer, promoter and interpreter. The hearing son of deaf parents, Michael is a founder and active member of Half-N-Half; a deaf-centric performance combining ASL, music, and storytelling. He has performed nationally with Half-N-Half and on his own in Copenhagen, Sydney, and San Juan.
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Why did you become an interpreter with Sorenson VRS?
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I started training for this job when I was five years old while answering and making calls for my deaf parents. What drew me to Sorenson VRS was the opportunity to have steady work, a regular paycheck, and a shorter commute.
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What do you like most about video relay interpreting?
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Even though I have been interpreting professionally for 25 years, I still feel challenged every day. Working in VRS has greatly improved my interpreting skills as I have to think faster and predict what may be coming next. I also enjoy working at a Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center because of the family-type atmosphere among interpreters. It feels like we all have a stake in the company.
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Kathleen
Sorenson VRS Interpreter
Kathleen describes herself as “a desperate housewife” — grateful to have a career that I can weave into my busy life as a wife and the mother of three.” She joined Sorenson VRS as a part-time employee one year ago.
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Why did you become an interpreter with Sorenson VRS?
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I responded to a personal call made by the interpreter manager at a local Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center. She accommodated my schedule in order to make training possible. I had been interpreting for eight years in the community and was apprehensive at first. However, Sorenson VRS has a very supportive environment.
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What do you like most about video relay interpreting?
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I like the challenge. Doing VRS work has really raised the bar of my interpreting skills.
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No “GA” or “SK” required!
Sorenson IP Relay™ (siprelay) is a free text-based relay service that works with either your mobile device such as a Sidekick, BlackBerry®, Treo™, iPAQ, or computer. Any wireless or Internet connection will get you to siprelay, while you’re at home or on the go. Communication is much faster and easier than using the TTY/TDD—whether you’re checking your bank account, changing a doctor appointment, or calling a friend. Communicate quickly and naturally without having to use “GA” or “SK”.
Did we mention that Sorenson IP Relay is free?
Visit www.siprelay.com to find out more.
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IN THE NEWS
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Lisa Harrison Tate
Public Relations Manager
Sorenson Communications
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Deaf Student Art Contest Winners
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Sorenson Communications recently announced the winners of the first deaf student art contest. The theme for the art contest was, “Hand Art—Communicating with Sign Language.” The contest, designed to challenge deaf students across the country to express their feelings about communicating with sign language through art, resulted in over 100 original art entries. Each piece of art reflects the unique personalities of these deaf artists.
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Sorenson Communications will display the winning pieces at our corporate headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. These pieces of art truly reflect a powerful message about the use of sign language.
Congratulations to the winners and all of the talented artists who contributed to the contest.
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1st Place: We Are Proud of ASL
Lily M., 12
Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
Washington, DC
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Runner-up: Our Language - ASL
Franco M., 9
Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
Washington, DC
Honorable Mention: People’s Hands and Eyes
Marisa K., 10
Texas School for the Deaf
Austin, TX
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1st Place: Deaf Perspective
Stephanie T., 13
Illinois School for the Deaf
Jacksonville, IL
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Runner-up: Sorenson: Our Hero
Dakota R., 14
Illinois School for the Deaf
Jacksonville, IL
Honorable Mention: Grandpa, Mom and I All Touch the Sky
Jessi Z., 12
Jean Massieu School for the Deaf
Salt Lake City, UT
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1st Place: ASL of Animals
Tyler W., 16
Indiana School for the Deaf
Indianapolis, IN
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Runner-up: Dance with Me
Kendra F., 17
South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind
Spartanburg, SC
Honorable Mention: Colorful Friends
Anthony D., 15 Robert S., 18 Emily Lou C., 15
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind
Staunton, VA
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Eric Johnson
National Events Manager
Sorenson Communications
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Sorenson Communications Across the Country
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Detroit Association of the Deaf Men’s Softball Team
Sorenson VRS is a proud sponsor of the 2005 Detroit Association of the Deaf Men’s softball team. We wish DAD the best of luck in the coming months as they compete at the state and region levels.
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Sorenson VRS at Seattle’s 2005 DeafNation Expo
Attendees of the DeafNation Expo in Seattle entered to win a big screen TV and other giveaways at the Sorenson VRS booth. Thanks to Seattle’s deaf community for its hospitality during the event.
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Clerc Classic
January 12–14, Riverside, CA
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Western States Basketball Classic
February 1–6, Vancouver, WA
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DeafNation Expo
February 11, Phoenix, AZ
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Academic Bowl
March 2–5, Santa Fe, NM
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Northwest Association of the Deaf Basketball Tournament
March 9–11, Salt Lake City, UT
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AIDB/Regional Center VP-100 workshop
January 26, Mobile, AL
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Academic Bowl
February 16–19, Jackson, MS
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Academic Bowl
February 23–26, Bloomfield Hills, MI
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DeafNation Expo
March 18, Orlando, FL
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Academic Bowl
March 16–19, Manchester, NH
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