Press Releases

December 1, 2016 Sorenson Communications Announces Newest Videophone for Deaf Callers – the ntouch VP2

Washington, D.C. – (Dec. 1, 2016) Sorenson Communications, LLC, the company that revolutionized communication for people who are Deaf, announces its newest innovation: the ntouch® VP2 videophone. With updated technology, the new videophone offers Deaf callers a host of new features, including 1080 high-definition video quality, an even brighter LightRing® with customizable colors and Group Call, which allows a caller to include up to four people in one videophone call. As with all previous Sorenson videophones, the new ntouch VP2 was specifically designed for use by Deaf people.

In addition to a sleek new design and a simplified remote control, the ntouch VP2 includes:

  • An auto-focus camera for even better video clarity
  • Wi-Fi capability
  • Integrated Bluetooth®
  • A new look and feel with a redesigned user interface
  • Screensaver options

“We are pleased to introduce the much-anticipated ntouch VP2,” notes Scott K. Sorensen, CEO of Sorenson Communications. “With the Deaf community’s feedback, our engineers re-imagined the videophone using the most current technology to provide the best-possible Video Relay Service experience for our valued Sorenson customers.”

Ann Marie Oester, an ntouch VP2 beta tester, says, “I like all of the features of the new VP, especially the new remote control and auto-focus. I like the Wi-Fi and being able to connect where I am. The Bluetooth keyboard lets me share text with the interpreter. With Group Call, everyone can talk together – friends from Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Kansas. It doesn’t matter where we are, we can all see each other. I really like that! And I appreciate Sorenson incorporating features based on my and other customers’ comments.”

Sorenson will unveil the ntouch VP2 tonight at a launch event near Gallaudet University, the world’s premier university for people who are Deaf.

To learn more about the ntouch VP2, visit www.svrs.com/vp2.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP and the ntouch® VP2 videophones, designed especially for use by Deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

Disclaimer
If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.

November 21, 2016 The Salt Lake Tribune Names Sorenson Communications a Winner of the Utah 2016 Top Workplaces Award

SALT LAKE CITY – (Nov. 21, 2016) Sorenson Communications, LLC has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Salt Lake Tribune. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution and connection.

The Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) division of Sorenson Communications, the leading provider of Video Relay Service for Deaf people who use sign language to communicate, employs more than 400 workers in Utah and more than 5,000 nationwide.

Last summer, all Utah-based Sorenson employees were invited to participate in a WorkplaceDynamics employee feedback survey. WorkplaceDynamics administered the survey and created the list of top-ranking organizations.

“We are honored to be named a Top Workplace in Utah,” says Scott Sorensen, CEO of Sorenson Communications. “Receiving this award is especially meaningful as it is a direct result of valued employees’ honest feedback. We are receiving this honor because of them.”

Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics, notes, “The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. Oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits. To be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. Time and time again, our research has proven that what is most important to employees is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it is going to get there and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

Chad Bergeson, Sorenson director of human resources, says, “We are very pleased to be named a winner. Sorenson is committed to continually improving its workplace, and these results will help us identify our strengths and guide us into areas for improvement.”

About Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by Deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

About WorkplaceDynamics, LLC
Headquartered in Exton, Pa., WorkplaceDynamics specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in over 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces™ campaign – a program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. WorkplaceDynamics also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. WorkplaceDynamics is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business.

Disclaimer
If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.

September 30, 2016 Gallaudet University Names Room after Beloved Deaf Community Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Sept. 30, 2016) Last night, Gallaudet University honored Ronald C. Burdett for his many contributions to the Deaf community by naming a campus room after the alumnus – the “Ron Burdett, ‘70, Seminar Room.” Academic leaders, colleagues and community members were on hand to congratulate Burdett, a prominent member of the Deaf community and Sorenson Communications, LLC vice president of community relations.

Gallaudet President Roberta J. Cordano said, “Ron is an inspiration to us all. With this dedication, we honor his many accomplishments as an educator and administrator, including his years as a senior leader responsible for outreach with Sorenson. Ron embodies advocacy, equality, and inclusion and is and has long been a role model for our emerging deaf and hard of hearing leaders.”

Sorenson Communications, LLC Chief Executive Officer Scott Sorensen noted, “Ron’s contributions to the Deaf community are expansive – in his academic career, in his advocacy for functional equivalence in communication technologies and in the charitable work he has performed in each community in which he has lived. We are so proud of him. He has made all the difference at Sorenson, and we are honored to have him as a friend and colleague.”

Over the past decade, Burdett built and maintained positive relationships with key organizations within the Deaf community, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other government and Deaf agencies to ensure that Sorenson Video Relay Services® (SVRS®) met the necessary FCC mandates to benefit the Deaf community. Burdett attended more than 350 community gatherings in more than 150 cities – some in rural towns, some in populated areas. He shared important information about new communication technologies and services at Deaf-sponsored expos, schools, town halls and in peoples’ homes.

Burdett graduated from Gallaudet with a degree in computer studies and a minor in business administration. He later earned a master’s degree in special education and rehabilitation from California State University, Northridge. After graduating from Gallaudet, Burdett worked for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Stanford University and Ohlone College, in Fremont, Calif. At Ohlone, he was dean of deaf studies and special services. Burdett served as president of the California Association Post-Education of the Disabled, which oversaw 107 community colleges, eight California state universities and three universities of California.

After retiring from Ohlone in May 2004, Burdett moved to St. George, Utah, where he became director of the Southern Utah Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Program under the state Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.

In 2006, Burdett joined Sorenson Communications, LLC. “I have many stories about how being able to communicate in our own native language – American Sign Language, has made our lives better. I have loved it. I am so lucky!” he says.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by Deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Disclaimer
If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.

March 23, 2016 Sorenson Holdings, LLC Announces Changes in Executive Leadership

SALT LAKE CITY – (March 23, 2016) Yesterday, Sorenson Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Sorenson Communications® and CaptionCall®, announced its board of managers has appointed Scott Sorensen as acting chief executive officer (CEO) of both companies. Sorensen recently served as chief financial officer (CFO) of both companies and chief operating officer (COO) of Sorenson Communications. As CEO, Sorensen succeeds Pat Nola, who is leaving the company to pursue personal interests.

“There is no better person to lead the company at this time than Scott Sorensen,” said James V. Continenza, chairman of the board of managers of the company. “In Scott, we have a proven leader with deep operational and financial experience who can lead the company in this time of transition and growth. As chairman, I look forward to being actively engaged with Sorenson and CaptionCall and supporting Scott in his new role.”

“I am honored and excited to lead Sorenson and CaptionCall – two companies that have truly revolutionized communication services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Pat Nola has put together two phenomenal organizations with a workforce of creative, dedicated and talented people who make a difference daily in the lives of our customers. I am thrilled to build on the base that Pat prepared and work with the board and management team to take us to the next level,” said Sorensen.

Sorensen, 54, holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Utah (1986) and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School (1990). Sorensen has held the position of CFO of the company since August 2007. Previously, Sorensen was CFO of Headwaters, Inc., from October 2005 to August 2007. Prior to joining Headwaters, Sorensen was the vice president and CFO of Hillenbrand Industries, Inc., a manufacturer and provider of products and services for the health care and funeral services industries, from March 2001 until October 2005. Earlier in his career, Sorensen worked at McKinsey & Company, Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC and Huntsman International, LLC.

Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication products and services for the deaf. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® or Android™ tablet into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

CaptionCall CaptionCall® (www.captioncall.com) is another innovative solution from Sorenson Communications, the worldwide leader in telecommunication relay services. Sorenson has been offering technology and services for assistive communications since 1995. CaptionCall is a revolutionary phone for anyone with hearing loss. CaptionCall offers amplification and superb sound quality while displaying smooth-scrolling captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen. It enables people to use the phone again with confidence.

Disclaimer
If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.

March 15, 2016 Sorenson Communications’ Deaf History Month Profiles Today’s Leaders

SALT LAKE CITY (March 15, 2016) — Today, Sorenson Communications launched its online “Deaf History Month” celebration at www.svrs.com/dhm_march_2016. The online information and entertainment, focused on the Deaf community and produced by Sorenson, is available at no cost to anyone who has access to a computer.

This year, Sorenson, the leading provider of Video Relay Service (VRS) for deaf people who use sign language to communicate, will spotlight Deaf leaders. They include Howard Rosenblum, National Association of the Deaf CEO, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Deaf President Now movement leader, and Eric LeFors, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) head coach and Deaf Digest’s 2013 Coach of the Year. In addition, Deaf History Month will feature Jomar Figueroa, FSDB student-athlete and Junior NAD leader, and a special “Deaf Perspective” featuring Linsay Darnall, Jr., owner of Darnall Consulting and co-founder of the Nebraska Deaf Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.

“Each March, Sorenson posts an online Deaf History Month celebration. And each September, we post an online Deaf Awareness Month celebration. These websites present insight into Deaf stories, folklore, culture, history and American Sign Language as well as other attributes that uniquely define the Deaf experience,” notes Ron Burdett, Sorenson vice president of community relations. “This year, we think viewers will find the stories of Deaf leaders – and how they are changing the world, informative and inspiring.”

Last year’s Deaf History Month website featured stories about audism and Deaf artists. That site can be viewed at www.svrs.com/dhm_march_2015.

In 2010, Sorenson launched its first online celebration of Deaf Awareness Month by presenting a variety of videos that featured deaf leaders who promoted causes and whose contributions were significant in the arts, athletics and communication. The 2010 Sorenson Communications Deaf Awareness Month celebration can be viewed by visiting www.svrs.com/aware2010.

Past Deaf Awareness Month celebrations can be accessed by visiting the following websites:

About Sorenson Communications

Sorenson Communications® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

Disclaimer

If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.

January 11, 2016 Nearly 4,700 ASL Interpreters Attend Sorenson Communications-Sponsored Workshops

SALT LAKE CITY – (Jan. 11, 2016) In 2015, Sorenson Communications® sponsored more than 700 interpreting workshops that were attended by nearly 4,700 American Sign Language (ASL) video interpreters (VIs). Continuing Education Units (CEUs) were awarded to those who qualified, totaling more than 12,000 contact hours of instruction.

The largest employer of ASL interpreters in the U.S., Sorenson offers trainings to provide opportunities for Sorenson employees to hone their skills and stay abreast of the latest training while earning CEUs needed to maintain professional certification status. CEUs enable VIs to continue to work as professional ASL interpreters, either through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or a state certifying agency, such as the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters.

“In an effort to deliver the best technology and interpreting experience to our customers, Sorenson provides a variety of training, educational and professional development opportunities for interpreters employed by the company,” notes Chris Wakeland, Sorenson Communications vice president of interpreting. “By offering training to enhance their skills, we are not only bolstering our interpreters’ growth and development, but also supporting the communication needs of our deaf VRS customers.”

Sorenson is the leading Video Relay Service (VRS) provider for people who are deaf and who use sign language to communicate.

In 2016, Sorenson will begin offering more webinar-based workshops. VIs will be able to join trainings from anywhere there is an internet connection and then participate with fellow Sorenson VIs, who perform the same work in one of Sorenson’s 100-plus interpreting centers located throughout the country. Other professional development opportunities for Sorenson interpreters will continue to include e-learning and distance-based educational opportunities.

Amy Kalmus, Sorenson Communications director of professional development and training, says, “Since most ASL interpreters perform both VRS and community interpreting work, when we enhance the skills of interpreters who work for Sorenson, we are also providing more adept ASL interpreters for local communities.”

About Sorenson Communications

Sorenson Communications® (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communications products and services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s offerings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the Sorenson ntouch® VP videophone, designed especially for use by deaf individuals; ntouch® PC, software that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile devices.

Disclaimer

If you choose Sorenson as your default provider, you can port your existing 10-digit number to Sorenson from another provider or Sorenson can provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. If you later change your default provider, you can port your number to that provider. When selecting Sorenson, you must provide to Sorenson the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call, so that Sorenson can properly route any 911 calls you may make. If you move or change your location, you must notify Sorenson immediately. You can update your Registered Location from your Sorenson videophone by calling 800-659-4810 or by visiting www.svrs.com/moving. Sorenson will confirm receipt of your Registered Location information. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. For more information on the process of obtaining 10-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/disclaimer. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit www.svrs.com/tollfree.