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Sorenson VRS Messenger
Newsletter
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Videophone
801-287-9403
TTY
866-877-9826 Available M—F 10:00 am to
7:00 pm EST
Phone
866-496-6111
Web
sorensonvrs.com/support
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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)!
SIPRelay is a free service that enables deaf individuals to place text-based relay calls from their personal computer (PC) or mobile device to any standard telephone user in the U.S. 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 SIPRelay is an Internet connection and a PC or mobile device enabled with AOL® Instant Messenger (AIM®).
Simply send an instant message to "SIPRelay" using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM®) or go to www.siprelay.com to place a call. Also try SIPRelay™ Mobile for BlackBerry® smartphones. Users can place wireless calls from their call history list and from their BlackBerry smartphones’ address book.
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Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a historic ruling, which benefits the deaf community in two important areas.
First, the FCC announced that it will begin requiring all VRS providers to offer what is called "enhanced" 911 or E911 VRS services. Providers are required to obtain the initial physical location where service is to be used, provide an easy way to update their location information if it changes, prioritize emergency calls, and route all emergency calls to the appropriate emergency personnel and transmit the call-back number and registered location of the caller, the name of the VRS provider, and the identification number of the VRS provider's interpreter.
Because your safety is of the utmost importance, Sorenson Communications® has always made developing 911 and E911 VRS services a priority. 911 services are also important to FCC Chairman Martin. Chairman Martin challenged Sorenson Communications to take the lead in solving the issues with 911, so that VRS users could have access to emergency services. Sorenson met that challenge!
All 911 calls placed to Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) are immediately prioritized ahead of all other calls and professional interpreters, trained in 911 call handling, process the calls right away. We also partnered with Intrado, an experienced third-party provider of 911 support services, to ensure that Sorenson VRS 911 calls are quickly connected to the appropriate 911 Emergency Call Center, also known as a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP).
SVRS 911 services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year. Over the past two years, Sorenson Communications has processed more 911 emergency VRS calls than the rest of the VRS industry combined! I want to thank you for trusting Sorenson with your most important calls. We promise to continue to lead the way in offering enhanced or E911 VRS services to the entire deaf community.
Second, the FCC stated that it will adopt a numbering system that will enable all VRS providers to assign 10-digit telephone numbers to relay users. This will make it possible for you to be reached by your hearing contacts through just one "real" 10-digit number, a process that is "functionally equivalent" to the way hearing individuals receive telephone calls.
Additionally, the FCC indicated that VRS providers may offer users toll-free numbers, such as the DirectVP™ numbers provided by Sorenson, and these toll-free numbers will work in the same way as the 10-digit telephone numbers. DirectVP numbers, which are "real numbers," simplify and streamline the process for hearing callers to contact deaf individuals who use SVRS. Hearing callers can contact deaf individuals directly through just one number—and all calls placed via the new DirectVP numbers are free of charge!
For more information on how you can get a functionally equivalent DirectVP number, please visit www.sorensonvrs.com/directVP today.
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
"Sorenson VRS (SVRS) already offers all its users a reliable and easy way to place 911 VRS calls 24/7. Simply dial '911' with your Sorenson videophone remote control and your call will be answered in seconds.
Additionally, SVRS will begin offering 'enhanced' or E911 VRS services. In order to take advantage of this new free service, which even further streamlines these critical calls, users must register the location of the videophone that they use. Contact SVRS at www.sorensonvrs.com/moving or call 800-659-4810 to verify your current street address if you wish to receive enhanced or E911 VRS services in the future."
-Mike Maddix, Regulatory Affairs Manager
Sorenson Communications
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Because VRS calls are routed over the Internet, you should be aware that using your Sorenson videophone to place an emergency call to 911 is subject to certain limitations and risks by comparison to traditional 911 services. For example, you may not be able to place a 911 call with a Sorenson videophone if a broadband or power outage occurs, or your broadband or ISP service has been terminated. For a more detailed description of these limitations and risks, please visit Sorenson's Web site at: www.sorenson.com/disclaimer.
For additional information about 10-digit numbers and emergency call handling procedures, see the FCC Consumer Advisory at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit.html.
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Sorenson Communications is pleased to announce that deaf and hard-of-hearing SIPRelay users can now receive calls from hearing associates on their computers or mobile devices while using AOL Instant Messenger ™ (AIM®).
Hearing callers can contact deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by dialing the toll free number 1-866-SIPRelay (1-866-747-7352) on a standard telephone. Once connected, the deaf or hard-of-hearing person provides the Communications Assistant (CA) with the deaf individual's AIM Screen Name. The CA then connects to the deaf individual and relays the call through text-based messages. The CA speaks the deaf SIPRelay user's response to the hearing individual. SIPRelay calls are quickly relayed through one of Sorenson's professional CAs, who are available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
SIPRelay users can create an "away" message on AIM, which alerts callers to the fact that he or she is still connected to AIM, but is currently unavailable or away from the device. Hearing callers can then leave a message, which the deaf individual will receive the next time he or she is available.
All that is needed to use SIPRelay is a computer with an Internet connection or a mobile device with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).
To let hearing family, friends, and associates know about this new way they can be contacted, SIPRelay users can print and distribute SIPRelay Contact Cards. These can be easily downloaded and printed by visiting www.sorensonvrs.com/siprelay/contactcard.php.
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Sorenson Communications' new SVRS VP Moving Program makes it easy for those with Sorenson videophones to resume using SVRS at their new location after a move. The program's goal is to ensure minimal SVRS disruption to customers while they relocate.
"We want to make the continued availability of SVRS hassle-free for our customers," says Dave Johnson, Vice President of Outreach for Sorenson Communications. "We are dedicated to helping our customers minimize the frustration that can sometimes come with moving." Customers will not need to replace their VP because they have moved to a new location, Johnson says.
"Getting my VP-200 reconnected to Sorenson VRS was so easy," notes Dawn Murphy, a Sorenson VRS user who moved from Houston to Dallas. "Once I had requested help, I was contacted immediately and within a day or two my videophone was up and working."
An online SVRS Moving Program form may be completed by visiting www.sorensonvrs.com/moving or customers can call the SVRS Moving Program help desk at 1-800-659-4810. The help desk is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, excluding holidays. Additional information on the SVRS Moving Program may be requested by e-mailing movinghelp@sorenson.com.
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Deborah Peterson and Stephanie Clark play key roles in overseeing Sorenson Communications' professional development training—Deborah as Western Region Professional Development Trainer and Stephanie as her counterpart for the Eastern Region. These two seasoned professionals, members of a larger professional development team, hold master's degrees in educational disciplines and credentials as Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Peterson and Clark are instrumental in elevating the overall skill level and professionalism of Sorenson Video Interpreters (VIs). Through pre-screening tactics and diagnostic assessment, they provide support in hiring at VRS centers. They also implement programs and training initiatives to further enhance VI skills.
Peterson and Clark took on the challenge of finding a standardized way of assessing VI skill levels to determine whether candidates possess the required skills to mentor and train other VIs. They developed a standardized rubric for routinely screening VI candidates. "This new rubric tool will help managers decide whether new candidates have the skills we are looking for," said Peterson, adding that mangers will be trained on interpreting the results. "The VIs will then have their own individual personal development plan for training with recommended workshops they may need."
Peterson says the development of an interactive video program has helped in assessing VIs as well. "It is a great tool for testing their skills and accuracy in a 'live' interpreting setting that is standardized across all candidates," she said.
These trainers' greatest sense of accomplishment is seeing the quality of the programs and Sorenson VRS customers' experiences continually improve. "I'm glad I can provide training and feedback to VIs so the deaf community has qualified, high-quality VIs," says Clark. "Sorenson has provided a great opportunity for me—a vision and the resources to take already highly qualified interpreters and further strengthen their skills," says Peterson.
 Deborah Peterson Western Region Professional Development Trainer |
 Stephanie Clark Eastern Region Professional Development Trainer |
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Last year, Sorenson Communications was a sponsor of the first-ever, week-long training for trilingual interpreters through providing instructors and sponsoring participants. This year, Sorenson Communications again sponsored the second annual trilingual interpreter training, which took place July 20 through 25, in Big Spring, Texas.
Participants proficient in ASL, English, and Spanish traveled from across the nation, Canada, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico to attend this specialized training. "For many of us, we are the only practicing trilingual interpreters in our communities. It is a luxury if there are more than two or three trilingual interpreters in a city," said Sarah Compton, a Sorenson VRS interpreter and an instructor at the training.
The trilingual interpreter training focused on developing stronger interpreting skills working within ASL, Spanish, and English and improving language proficiency skills within all three languages. The training also included discussions on challenges trilingual interpreters face, such as cultural differences within the greater Spanish community and regionalisms within spoken Spanish.
"We recognize the eyes of the interpreting world are watching to see what we do with the discoveries we made, the instruction we received, and the invitation we accepted to move our trilingual interpreting profession forward," says Compton.
To respond to the increasing need for trilingual interpreters, Sorenson Communications, the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and the Texas Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) are partnering in their efforts to offer one-of-a-kind training annually. This training will help trilingual interpreters prepare for the Texas Trilingual Interpreting certification exam that will be released in early 2009. More than 40 participants, proficient in ASL, English, and Spanish, attended this year's Texas Trilingual Training, held in Big Spring, Texas.
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Check out the new SVRS Web site at www.sorensonvrs.com! This newly updated Web site still has all the information you need, including how to apply for a VP-200® and how to use SVRS. But there is also new information on the latest SVRS features, including DirectVP numbers, Contact Cards, SignMail, and more. In addition, you can watch dozens of ASL videos, apply for a job, and get information in Spanish. The new Web site features more photos, graphics, and videos to make it easier for you to find the information you need, such as facts, news, and announcements. You will also find updated legal documents on the Web site, including the Privacy Policy, 911 Disclaimer, Relay User Agreement, and Sorenson Videophone (VP-200 and VP-100®) Service and Product Agreement.
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On June 27, Sorenson Communications celebrated the 40th Anniversary Reunion of Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), the world's largest technological college for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Sorenson VRS hosted a reception in a large, white tent located in front of RIT's Lyndon Baines Johnson Building.
Guests at NTID's 40th Anniversary Reunion enjoyed food, activities, and entertainment, which included a juggler, magician, and caricaturist, who drew pictures of guests.
Sorenson Communications distributed tiger-eared headbands. These Sorenson Communications interpreters became RIT "tigers" for the afternoon. L to R: Sherry Lentilucci, Lisa Zalar, Virgil Greenfield
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On June 1, Sorenson Communications kicked off a summer fitness program, challenging employees to eat more nutritiously and "Walk to Disneyland," the equivalent of 680 miles from the Sorenson Communications headquarters, in Salt Lake City, to Disneyland, in Anaheim, Calif., over a three-month period.
"The 'Walk to Disneyland' fitness challenge was a fun and successful endeavor," says Chellena Tomlinson, Benefits Manager. "As a result of the interest and participation, Sorenson Communications will continue to provide more wellness programs in the future."
Sorenson Communications employees collectively walked approximately 260,307 miles. Not only that—Sorenson Communications employees walked the distance between Salt Lake City (Sorenson Communications headquarters), to Sydney, Australia, and back again the equivalent of 16 times!
Daniel Amores, a part-time VRS Interpreter, met the mileage requirement of walking 680 miles first and became the overall winner. Congratulations Daniel!
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Before she had SVRS, Jordana didn't make phone calls. Now, Jordana, who is mainstreamed in a public elementary school, uses both SVRS and SVRS with Voice Carry Over (VCO) to place multiple calls each day to family and friends. "They know it is me when they hear my voice," she says. Visit www.sorensonvrs.com/successstories to view her story and learn how Sorenson Communications is successfully connecting other SVRS users, one person at a time.
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On Feb. 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will stop broadcasting over-the-air analog television signals and will begin only broadcasting over-the-air digital television (DTV) signals.
Following are answers to important questions on the change to digital TV.
Will Sorenson VRS be affected by the DTV conversion?
No. You do not need to worry about your Sorenson VRS service. The DTV transition will not affect Sorenson videophones and their ability to display the highest-quality video on any television set. If you use your television only for Sorenson VRS—not for watching television programming—you will not need to change the way you are using the equipment.
Will I need to get a DTV converter box?
You only need to get a DTV converter box if you want to watch TV. (Remember, the change does not impact Sorenson VRS.) If you want to watch TV and you are currently watching an analog television that is not hooked up to pay television services (provided by a cable, satellite, or a telephone company), you will need to get a DTV converter box. If you have an older, non-digital TV that uses rabbit ears or an antenna to get reception (and do not pay a monthly fee), you will likely need to get a DTV converter box.
How can I continue to get free TV service?
You will not have to buy a new television to continue to get free television programming. All you have to do is buy a DTV converter box. You can get up to two $40 coupons to offset the cost to obtain a DTV converter box. To apply for a coupon see https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx. In addition, there are some excellent resources, including ASL videos the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has prepared, to help you to know more about this topic. They include:
The FCC also has many text-based resources about DTV that can be viewed at http://www.dtv.gov/.
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Sorenson Communications will never call you to ask for your personal financial information. Sorenson Communications has learned that certain individuals have been sending e-mails claiming to be associated with Sorenson Communications or 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 with 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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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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