Messenger
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Company Message
Each day, deaf individuals share their stories with us about the impact the Sorenson VP-200 videophone and Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) has had on their lives. They tell us that SVRS technologies have empowered them and their families, friends and business associates to communicate with each other-in real time. These stories are heart-warming. They inspire us. We are assured of our goal:
Sorenson Communications' mission is to offer the highest-quality communication products and services to all deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.The past several weeks have been a critical time for the future of VRS. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is setting a new compensation rate that will determine the future of VRS. Tens of thousands of you have contacted the FCC to express your wishes. Your actions have made an impact, and we thank you.
Sorenson Communications continues to communicate with the FCC and provide information to them that will assist them in their decision. But there is still much that needs to be done! If you have not yet let the FCC know your opinion on the future of VRS, be sure to contact them. You can link to the FCC website and stay informed by visiting this website: www.sorensonvrs.com/savevrs
And thank you for supporting Sorenson Communications.
Pat Nola
President and CEO
Sorenson Communications
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Happy 20th Anniversary ADA!
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. The roots of the ADA can be traced back to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and, even further, to the Declaration of Independence. This visionary piece of legislation has benefitted millions of Americans and continues to improve conditions for an estimated 53,000,000 Americans today.
Sorenson Communications looks forward to the challenge and opportunity of continuing to create technology and provide services that fulfill the ADA mandates of functional equivalency and innovative technologies for deaf individuals. We hope that you will join us on this journey.
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Did You Know? Forty-two Percent of Sorenson Employees
are Deaf
Recently, several Sorenson Communications employees were interviewed about what they enjoyed most about their jobs. Click on the video above to see what they have to say.
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Safe with Sorenson: VRS Trainer Profile
Meet one of Sorenson Communications' Southern California SVRS trainers. View the video to learn why he loves his work and to see his unique approach to getting to installation appointments on time.
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Now Available: New and Improved Sorenson Video Center App for iPhone®
Sorenson Communications recently launched an application on the iTunes® App Store that empowers Sorenson users to access the Sorenson Video Center, including SignMail®, from an iPhone® or an iPod® touch. Now SVRS users can access a new and improved app that offers viewing for iPad® as well.
The new application provides support for:
The new Video Center App is available from the iTunes® App Store on iPhone® and iPod® touch at www.itunes.com/appstore. More information is available on the Sorenson Communications website at www.sorensonvrs.com/vcip.
The Video Center App contains a video tutorial to help users get started as well as answer questions they might have when using the Video Center App. Enjoy!
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Using VRS in the Workplace
VRS empowers deaf and hard-of-hearing workers to communicate in real time with hearing customers, vendors and associates located in other areas. View the video above to see how owners of a Baskin-Robbins franchise have found success using SVRS. To apply for a videophone for your business, visit www.sorensonvrs.com/application.
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Western Region RID Conference Scheduled for Salt Lake City
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) will hold its Region V (Western) conference in Salt Lake City, June 16 through 20. The VRS Interpreting Institute (VRSII) is a major sponsor of the event. RID is the only American organization that offers national certification for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. RID's philosophy focuses on creating excellence in interpreting and transliteration services to ensure effective communication between deaf and hard-of-hearing and hearing people. More than 2,000 interpreters received their national certification from RID in 2009. To maintain certification, interpreters must continually increase their interpreting knowledge by attending conferences and educational workshops, such as the Salt Lake City conference.
"More than 80 percent of the conference will be conducted solely in sign language, possibly a first for regional conferences," says Holly Nelson, VRSII faculty member and co-chair of the RID conference. "We are hoping that this conference will become a model for the rest of the RID regions." Nelson says that the Utah RID chapter has been conducting its meetings in ASL for the past several years so the Utah host chapter is very comfortable with the new conference format.
In addition to workshops for interpreters, the Salt Lake City conference will offer events at a reduced price for members of the deaf community. Tickets may be purchased for the keynote address and the conference banquet, which includes deaf entertainment. For more information on this event, visit www.utrid.org/regionv.
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VRSII Offers Curriculum Infusion Program
The exploding growth of VRS has impacted the interpreting profession in ways that few could have anticipated. VRS has caused increased demand for interpreters who are able to interpret a broad range of topics, such as medical, legal and business-related matters. As a result, educators in Interpreter Education Programs (IEPs) are finding it necessary to adjust curriculum to stay abreast of changing industry requirements. The VRS Interpreting Institute (VRSII), located in the corporate offices at Sorenson Communications, is offering the Curriculum Infusion Program to assist in these efforts.
The Curriculum Infusion Program will provide new lesson materials, developed in a VRS setting, that may be incorporated into IEP program's educational materials. There is no cost to IEP educators who participate in the program. Two sets of classes are scheduled: July 13 through 15; and Oct. 8 through 10. Class attendees will leave the program with enhanced lesson plans for the coming school year. Educators wishing to attend the IEP Curriculum Infusion Program must register by July 1. For more information, visit www.vrsii.com.
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Want SVRS Equipment?
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!
When you select Sorenson as your default provider of VRS or IP Relay, Sorenson will help you choose a 10-digit telephone number for use with that service. To select Sorenson as your default provider, call 800-659-4810. Your new number will be portable to another provider. To properly route 911 calls to local emergency service providers, Sorenson must have your correct street address. You can update your address on your Sorenson videophone or by calling 800-659-4810 or visiting www.sorensonvrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of this address information. For more information about 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS or IP Relay services to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website at: www.sorenson.com/disclaimer.
