Sorenson Communications is pleased to offer a new convenient relay service - Sorenson IP Relay (siprelay)! Sorenson IP Relay (www.siprelay.com) is a free service that enables you to place a text-based relay call from your personal computer (PC) and/or mobile device to any standard telephone user in the US.

With Sorenson IP Relay you are not required to use the “Go Ahead” (GA) or “Stop Keying” (SK) commands to complete sentences or end the conversation. All you need to do is select the “Enter” key and a Sorenson CA will adapt to your preferences and relay the conversation.

Currently, Sorenson IP Relay is available seven days a week from 6 am to midnight MST. To see more about the many convenient and helpful uses of Sorenson IP Relay, see the full ASL video at www.siprelay.com under the company section.

Jeff, 34
College Professor

Problem: One day my daughter was sick and I needed to inform her school.

Solution: Instead of having to depend on others to make the call and considering that my wife was unavailable, I used Sorenson IP Relay to contact the school and inform them of her absence. It was really easy and convenient!

Fact: Sorenson IP Relay is a quick and easy way to place text-based calls. All you need to use the service is an Internet connection and a PC or mobile device enabled with AOL® Instant Messenger (AIM®). Simply log on to www.siprelay.com and connect with a highly trained Sorenson Communication Assistant (CA) who will relay your conversation.

Sarah, 22
College Student

Problem: I rely on my mobile device throughout the day when I am not near a computer and need to contact friends and family.

Solution: My mobile communications are simplified with Sorenson IP Relay to help me can communicate while I’m on the go. I can contact my professors about assignments, and can rely on friends and family as needed.

Fact: Benefits of using Sorenson IP Relay include being able to place a relay call to anyone from anywhere with your mobile device or at any computer with Internet access.

Jennifer B. – Administrative Assistant and Customer Service Specialist, Sorenson VRS Headquarters, Salt Lake City Jennifer has worked at Sorenson VRS Headquarters in Salt Lake City for over a year and a half. Presently working towards a public relations degree, Jennifer compiles reports and helps organize the schedule for Chris Wakeland, the vice president of interpreting at Sorenson Communications. Jennifer handles details which allow our vice president to focus on the fast growth of our new interpreting centers and other interpreting related issues. Adding to her responsibilities as the vice president’s assistant, Jennifer answers comments from VRS users competently and professionally. After reviewing comments from consumers, Jennifer compiles an annual report that is filed with the FCC.

Gino G. – Interpreter Manager/Trainer, Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, Phoenix Gino has been with the Phoenix Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center since November 2004. An Arizona native, Gino has been assisting, mentoring and educating interpreters for more than ten years. He holds various certifications including Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), Conditional Legal Interpreting Permit-Relay (CLIP-R) and American Sign Language Teachers’ Association. Currently working on a Master’s degree, Gino completed his bachelor’s degree in business management.

As our manager/trainer for the Phoenix Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, Gino meets regularly with our interpreters to provide feedback that help them progress as video interpreters. Gino, a third generation deaf family member, possesses rich experience in the interpreting field, offering our interpreters a unique perspective that helps them to provide better interpreting services.

Jessie B. – Operations Coordinator, Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, Indianapolis A recent addition to the Indianapolis Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, Jessie joins Sorenson VRS with a wealth of experience that greatly benefits our interpreting staff. Her background includes working for a relay provider as a customer service representative and working for the Indiana School for the Deaf. A native of Indiana and mother of two, Jessie received her bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet in sociology and criminology. Her background and communication style make her an excellent individual to interface with customers and Sorenson VRS interpreters. Jessie works with the interpreter staff to create flexible schedules for the interpreters so they can continue to work in the local community. As operations coordinator, Jessie contributes to companywide initiatives to make both interpreters and customers happy.

Greg M. – Operations Coordinator, Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center, Boston Greg joined our team at the Boston Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center in June 2005. Having already completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from RIT, Greg is presently a part-time student at Salem State College working towards an MBA. As the Boston operations coordinator, Greg makes sure that the center is running smoothly. He provides our interpreters with the understanding of the scheduling system, policies, payroll and other human resource issues. Another important role that Greg maintains as operations coordinator is to help interpreters balance their work between Sorenson VRS and community interpreting.

Jennifer, Gino, Jessica, and Greg are three of the many deaf employees who make contributions that affect all Sorenson VRS interpreters. With help from these individuals, our interpreters enjoy an environment that is deaf-centric which allows them to improve their skills. Our top-notch interpreting services benefit from these four Sorenson Communications employees as do all Sorenson VRS consumers.

Every bride comes to their wedding with traditional items given to them from family and friends. For Liz Rentner, the circle of friends she relied on to make her wedding day happen increased to national proportions. Liz, the bride, is an independent business woman who is also deaf. Mike, the groom, was leaving to serve in the Marines overseas, which made this union less traditional than the average marriage.

Liz’s fiancé, Major Mike Rentner of the Third Battalion, 25th Marines Corps, was called for service in Iraq and getting married before he left was not possible. There was not enough time to plan the many details to prepare for a wedding. Major Rentner left Liz to join his Battalion in the Mojave Desert to train for Iraq without any wedding plans in place.

When Mike arrived, Liz sent him a text-message expressing of her desire to get married before his departure to Iraq. “I was smart enough to jump at her request,” Mike said. This is when the obstacles to getting married started to arise. Mike knew he could not leave the desert to marry Liz; however, he had an idea. Liz has a Sorenson VP-100 videophone which she uses to contact her friends, family and business associates daily. The solution became clear. Liz and Mike would get married through a Sorenson VP-100 videophone.

Liz began searching Austin, Texas for a marriage official, also appealing waiting periods and getting the marriage paperwork finished. At the same time, Mike was looking for a video teleconferencing console (VTC)

at the base in the Mojave Desert. Word spread of Mike’s story and the commanding general approved the use of the VTC for his wedding. The general’s request initiated a chain of support from marine and Sorenson VRS video technicians to make this special video relay call happen. Across the country, a team of expert technicians made it possible to connect Mike’s VTC in the desert to Liz’s VP-100 in Austin despite high level firewalls.

Pastor Seeger, a local preacher who has a deaf wife and ministers to the deaf, was the perfect fit for this special couple. Seeger’s son was also serving overseas in the Marine Corps at the exact location in Iraq where Mike was heading. Fifteen days after Mike left Texas, he was able to marry Liz using the Sorenson VP-100. “It was a special day that we will never forget,” said Liz. “We plan to have a formal wedding on January 25, 2006 that will commemorate our one year anniversary!” Liz adds.

With the help of today’s technology and savvy technicians, the Rentners proved that anything is possible with a little help from your friends. “I can’t say enough to thank the video technicians at Sorenson [Communications] and the Marine Corps, and all the people along the way who did just the right things to make our wedding happen. Technology and the people who make it work have made our lives richer,” said Mike. Major Rentner is expected home in October.

Interpreter Highlights

Jess H. has been interpreting since 1998 and has been working with Sorenson VRS since October 2004. Jess was the first full-time interpreter for one of the Sorenson VRS Interpreting Centers. She is currently team-teaching a community course for interpreters studying for the new knowledge portion of the NAD-RID NIC test.

Q: Where did you get interpreting experience before coming to Sorenson VRS?
A: I learned sign language during high school. An interpreter that I knew encouraged me to enter the field. Prior to working with Sorenson VRS, I worked as a freelance interpreter and traveled often for interpreting jobs.

Q: What do you do when you are not interpreting for Sorenson VRS?
A: I spend my free time with my two young sons, travel, and run half marathons.

Alicia R. has been interpreting professionally for 22 years. She started as an independent contractor for Sorenson VRS and was the first full-time interpreter for the Sorenson VRS Interpreting Center where she currently works.

Q: Where did you get interpreting experience before coming to Sorenson VRS?
A: I started to learn sign language from a neighbor in high school. I began taking classes at community based agencies and spent an enjoyable year at Gallaudet as a part of the visiting interpreter program. My interpreting skills are a result of spending time with deaf friends.

Q: What do you do when you are not interpreting for Sorenson VRS?
A: I continue to find time to interpret in the community in a variety of settings. My niece and nephews take up the majority of my free time.

Q: What do these two interpreters have in common?
A: They both have experience interpreting for cruises in the Caribbean!

Sorenson Video Relay Service® (VRS) Technical Support is a group of dedicated and talented individuals assigned with the task of supporting Sorenson VRS customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Their only resolve is total customer satisfaction through innovative approaches, dynamic collaboration, and serving each unique customer with courtesy and respect.

E-mails, Sorenson VP-100 videophone, and TTY calls are the most popular method of contact by Sorenson VRS customers. Customers who call Sorenson VRS and have issues, such as poor video or jerky motions, are always referred to Tech Support by the video interpreter for assistance. In the support process, customers are also educated about proper lighting and background to ensure a successful video connection for VRS calls. No question is left unanswered.

The Tech Support team handles thousands of support calls per month, the number just keeps growing. Smiles are an important part of the job and customer satisfaction average marks are always high!

One customer wrote the following excerpt recently “the [Sorenson] technical support was wonderful, friendly, and basically made sure technical support was true to every sense of the word. Very warm and receptive, [he was] at ease with questions and concerns.

He didn’t have this attitude like, ‘Ugh, I have to do this for the umpteenth time.’ It was as if I was treated as THE consumer and my VP concerns were addressed and followed through clearly.”

Contacting Technical Support
Our Technical Support team would love to help you with your problem. We have a great knowledgebase for self-help that will get your problems fixed quickly.

You can contact Sorenson VRS Tech Support at:

E-mail:
vrssupport@sorenson.com
VP or EnVision SL: 801.287.9403
TTY: 866.877.9826
Web site:
www.sorensonvrs.com/support

Support Feedback:
If you had a wonderful experience, a suggestion, or just want to say something about our team we welcome any feedback you may have. Please use this URL to submit your feedback:
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/support_survey

The Veteran and the Rookie:
Clay C, has been with Sorenson VRS Tech Support since day one. The shaman of all answers, he helps the team and loves what he is doing. David B, a recent addition was working as a VP-100 videophone trainer before becoming full-time support staff member. He loves the camaraderie and team support at Sorenson VRS.

Sorenson Communications Serves Katrina Victims

Deaf Evacuees in San Antonio
(Sorenson VRS Installer)
Back Row L to R:Brian McCathen; Marc R; Bruce Johnson; Harvey Comeaux
Front Row L to R:Louis Taylor; Kassandra Doyle; Warren Allen; Da’Quincy Doyle (Kassandra’s son)

As the gulf coast is dealing with the effects from the devastation of hurricane Katrina, Sorenson Communications is working to support the deaf victims in the Louisiana and Mississippi region. The company has installed several Sorenson VP-100 videophones in key locations, offered local support, and matched employee-based contributions to the Red Cross.

Sorenson VP-100 videophones are available to hurricane Katrina victims at the Austin Convention Center, Kelly USA in San Antonio, the Louisiana School of the Deaf, and the Catholic Deaf Center in Baton Rouge. With Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) enabled by these videophones deaf individuals are able to place video relay calls to loved ones, friends, and business colleges.

Because the Sorenson VRS has many interpreting centers located in the Gulf region, local interpreters have been able to facilitate video relay calls for the deaf evacuees. Sorenson VRS installers and outreach managers have also made meaningful associations with deaf evacuees at various Red Cross shelters. “Seeing what these people have lost and their strong spirit to overcome has really affected me. I won’t ever forget them,” said Marc R., Sorenson VRS Installer in Texas.

Many Sorenson Communications’ employees contributed a portion of their salaries to the Red Cross fund, which were matched by the company; doubling the contribution to the Red Cross. To donate to the hurricane Katrina relief efforts, please go to www.redcross.org.

Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS), a service provided by Sorenson Communications, is establishing a collection of artwork by deaf and hard-of-hearing student artists from around the U.S. The theme for the art collection is: “Hand Art - Communicating with Sign Language.”

Over $4,500 in Cash Prizes will be donated to deaf or hard-of-hearing schools.

Three categories of entries: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

• One first prize of $750 will go to the winning school in each category (Elementary School, Middle School, High School).
• One runner-up prize of $500 will go to the second place school in each category (Elementary School, Middle School, High School).
• One honorable mention prize of $250 will go to the third place school in each category (Elementary School, Middle School, High School).
• The artist(s) of each winning entry will receive one $50 gift certificate from Target. Group entries will receive one gift certificate.

The winning entries will be announced in a press release on Monday, December 5, 2005 and the winning artwork will be displayed at Sorenson Communications corporate offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the Sorenson Communications Web site (www.sorenson.com), and in the Sorenson VRS Messenger corporate newsletter.

Mail artwork to:
Sorenson Communications
Public Relations Department
4192 South Riverboat Road
Ste 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Here's How to Enter Art Contest:

• Schools may enter either individual or group artwork submissions for any of the school categories: Elementary School, Middle School and High School.
• Entries must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, November 1, 2005.
• Each submission must include a completed entry form to the right.
• Submitted artwork WILL NOT be returned. Students participating in the competition must agree that all artwork submitted will become the property of Sorenson Communications for the purposes of public display.
• An independent panel of judges will evaluate entries according to the following general criteria: originality, content, creativity, style, perception, and artistic interpretation of Deaf Culture.
• All submitting artists or teams of artists must be either deaf or hard-of-hearing students.
• Entries must be the original work of the artist or team of artists, and collaborations among deaf students are encouraged.
• All two-dimensional artwork in any medium will be accepted, including paintings, photographs, drawings and graphic art, etc.
• Artwork must have a minimum size of 8” and maximum size of 36” measured diagonally, and may weigh no more than 15 pounds.
• Sorenson Communications reserves the right to publish photos of submitted artwork on the Web. The selected winning artwork may be considered for use in marketing and promotional efforts of Sorenson Communications, which may include public display on press releases and other printed promotional materials, as well as a variety of merchandise such as posters, reprints, t-shirts, mugs, brochures and tote bags.

ARTWORK CONTEST ENTRY FORM

Theme: “Hand Art - Communicating with Sign Language.”

First Name

Last Name

Age

E-mail

Name of School

School Address

City

State

Zip

E-mail of Teacher or Advisor

Title of Artwork

Note: If group entry, each participant must submit an entry form.

Deaf Adventure Camp provided by Ohio Deaf Services Center
Donald R., Sorenson VRS trainer for the state of Ohio was on hand to help educate camp attendees on Sorenson Video Relay Service features. The camp hosted over 60 deaf and hard-of-hearing kids over the course of one week.

CODA Conference
Billy C., Austin Interpreting Center Director presents free Sorenson VP-100’s at the 2005 National CODA Conference in Las Vegas. Attendees placed calls throughout the conference using the exclusive Sorenson VP-100 videophone set up at the Sorenson VRS exhibit booth.