Press Releases

SALT LAKE CITY – (Nov. 20, 2018) Today, Sorenson Communications, LLC announced Sorenson Reflex Video (SRV), a new technology that dramatically reduces communication interruptions and improves video quality on calls using Sorenson Video Relay Service^® (SVRS^®) – the service that empowers Deaf and hearing callers to converse, each in their preferred language – American Sign Language (ASL) or spoken English or Spanish.

SVRS callers with weak internet connectivity occasionally experience internet conditions that cause video data “loss” between sending and receiving Sorenson videophones (VPs) or ntouch^® devices. SRV identifies and resends the lost data to the receiving VP, resulting in a clearer and more dependable video experience for SVRS callers.

“Sorenson Reflex Video provides an error resilience mechanism that enables recovery of lost media data, providing callers with the best video possible under adverse network conditions. With SRV, callers will enjoy a smoother, more stable connection that is clearer throughout each call,” notes Isaac Roach, Sorenson vice president of engineering. “Clear communication is the best communication. Sorenson Reflex Video is another example of how we’re always innovating for our community.”

SRV is included in Sorenson’s latest ntouch versions 1.3 for ntouch VP2 and on 8.6 on ntouch for iOS, Android™, Mac^® and PC. To experience the best video quality in the industry, visit the app store. For more information, visit www.sorensonvrs.com/ntouchfeatures.

Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication products and services for the Deaf. The company’s offerings include SVRS^®, the highest-quality video interpreting service; the 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; and ntouch Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via tablet and mobile devices. Sorenson, Sorenson Communications, LLC and their subsidiaries and affiliates are unrelated to, and unaffiliated with, Sorenson Media, Inc.

SALT LAKE CITY – (Oct. 19, 2018) Utah-based Sorenson Holdings, LLC (“Sorenson”) today announced that it intends to pursue a new senior secured loan financing for the purpose of refinancing certain debt of Sorenson and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sorenson Communications, LLC (“SCL”), which may include Sorenson’s Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021, SCL’s Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2020 and the loans outstanding under SCL’s First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2014, as amended. There can be no assurance that the refinancing will be completed or as to its timing.

For further information, please contact:

Ann Bardsley
Director of Public Relations
Sorenson Holdings, LLC
801-287-9897
[email protected]

Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication products and services for the Deaf. The company’s offerings include SVRS^®, the highest-quality video interpreting service; the 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; and ntouch Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via tablet and mobile devices. Sorenson, Sorenson Communications, LLC and their subsidiaries and affiliates are unrelated to, and unaffiliated with, Sorenson Media, Inc.

CaptionCall, LLC
CaptionCall, LLC (www.captioncall.com) is another innovative solution from Sorenson Holdings, 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 experiencing hearing loss that keeps them from using the phone effectively. CaptionCall offers amplification and superb sound quality while displaying smooth-scrolling captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen. CaptionCall helps people with hearing loss stay socially connected for a longer, happier, healthier life.

Cautionary Statement
This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute a prospectus or any offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). No indebtedness incurred in connection with the refinancing referred to above will be registered under the Securities Act.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may include “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the terms ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will’’ or ‘‘should’’ or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and include statements regarding Sorenson’s intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, Sorenson’s results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which it operates. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Readers are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that Sorenson’s actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if Sorenson’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which Sorenson operates are consistent with the forward looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on forward looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

SALT LAKE CITY – (Aug. 24, 2018) Utah-based Sorenson Communications, LLC has named MJ Bienvenu, world-renowned American Sign Language (ASL) educator and Gallaudet professor, a “Friend of Sorenson Communications.” The award was presented to Bienvenu for her many years of passionate leadership and dedicated work in and on behalf of the Deaf community. Bienvenu received the honor after her keynote presentation at a Sorenson management meeting recently held in Salt Lake City.

“Since Sorenson’s founding, MJ has supported our efforts to provide innovative communication technologies and quality ASL interpreting for Deaf people,” noted Chris Wakeland, Sorenson’s Chief People Officer. “We are indebted to MJ for her many years of support, guidance and friendship.”

Bienvenu reflected on historical methods of communication between Deaf and hearing people and noted that those methods – writing, faxing and using teletypewriters – relied on English, a second language for most Deaf people.

That changed in 2003, Bienvenu said, with the introduction of the Sorenson videophone and Sorenson Video Relay Service^® (SVRS^®). For the first time, Video Relay Service (VRS) connected Deaf and hearing callers in real-time and gave each the option of conversing in their preferred language – ASL and spoken English or spoken Spanish. This was a “tipping point” in the Deaf world – “a dream finally realized,” she said.

Bienvenu reported that over the years, technologies, sponsorships and organizations – many of them offered by Sorenson – have benefitted the Deaf community. However, challenges still exist. She inspired the leaders to respond to the need for federal regulation, continued innovation in Deaf technologies, fluency and flexibility among VRS and community interpreters, the use of Certified Deaf Interpreters, increased number of Deaf executives and the growth of Sorenson Community Interpreting Services – all while working in a “Deaf way.”

Bienvenu inspired and renewed excitement among the Sorenson leaders. “Growth is forever,” she said, and with success, the realization of these goals will lead to greater independence, access, equity and equality for all people.

Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication products and services for the Deaf. The company’s offerings include SVRS^®, the highest-quality video interpreting service; the 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; and ntouch Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via tablet and mobile devices.

SALT LAKE CITY – (May 25, 2018) Today, the Board of Directors of Sorenson Holdings, LLC and its operating entities, SVRS and CaptionCall, announced the appointment of R. Scott Wood as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wood has served as Sorenson Holdings’ legal counsel since May 2015. He will succeed current CEO Scott K. Sorensen, who will leave the company on May 31 to pursue new career opportunities.

“Scott Sorensen and the executive team have placed the company in its strongest position ever – financially, operationally and strategically,” noted Wood. “I am honored to assume this new role.”

Since May 2015 and as Sorenson Holdings legal counsel, Wood has directed all legal matters for the company, including corporate structuring and financing, intellectual property strategy and protection, regulatory compliance, employee and labor matters, litigation and dispute resolution and has coordinated Board relations.

From 2009 to 2014, Wood was general counsel at Holiday Retirement, then the nation’s largest supplier of independent living services, with more than 300 locations, 13,000 employees, 42,000 residents and more than $1.2 billion in annual revenues. Prior to Holiday Retirement, as general counsel, Wood took Golfsmith, a nationwide golf and tennis retailer, through an initial public offering on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Earlier in his career, Wood was in private practice in Salt Lake City and was associate general counsel at Franklin Covey Co.

“The Board is thrilled that Scott Wood will become Sorenson’s new Chief Executive Officer. We’ve selected a strong leader at a time when Sorenson is in a very strong position,” said Chairman of the Board Jim Continenza. “Scott is uniquely positioned to understand and drive the company’s growth strategy, its regulatory compliance and lead the team to ensure Sorenson’s success in the future.”

Wood said, “I joined Sorenson because I wanted to be part of a mission-driven company, one that provides valuable services and industry-leading products that improve people’s lives. We will continue to focus on strong business fundamentals and operational excellence as we honor our commitment to deliver world-class service to our customers.”

In addition, the Board also named Grant A. Beckmann Chief Operating Officer of SVRS and Jason P. Dunn as Chief Operating Officer of CaptionCall.

Since 2010, Beckmann has led product development teams in launching the ntouch^® and ntouch VP2 videophones as well as ntouch software for iOS^®, Mac^®, Windows^® and Android™. Beckmann and his teams have worked passionately to ensure advances in technology are used to enhance the overall SVRS experience for both customers and interpreters.

Dunn joined SVRS in 2004 and has, since then, directed operations for SVRS, SIPRelay, SVRS Canada and CaptionCall. Dunn has been responsible for hiring, training and managing thousands of employees to ensure the companies deliver the nation’s highest-quality communication services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Sorenson Communications, LLC
Sorenson Communications, LLC (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication products and services for the Deaf. The company’s offerings include SVRS^®, the highest-quality video interpreting service; the 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; and ntouch Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via tablet and mobile devices.

CaptionCall, LLC
CaptionCall, LLC (www.captioncall.com) is another innovative solution from Sorenson Holdings, 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 experiencing hearing loss that keeps them from using the phone effectively. CaptionCall offers amplification and superb sound quality while displaying smooth-scrolling captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen. CaptionCall helps people with hearing loss stay socially connected for a longer, happier, healthier life.

The trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

SVRS centers support real-time communication between Deaf people who use sign language and hearing people

SALT LAKE CITY (March 15, 2018) — Today, Sorenson Communications, LLC announced the opening of a new Sorenson Video Relay Service^® (SVRS^®) interpreting center in St. Augustine, Fla. As the leading provider of Video Relay Service (VRS), Sorenson operates more than 100 SVRS interpreting centers in major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Opening the St. Augustine center provides increased access to professional interpreters who relay conversations between Deaf and hearing people, each in their preferred language – either American Sign Language (ASL) or spoken English or spoken Spanish,” notes Laura Hartness, SVRS vice president of interpreting. “Opening this center is another way Sorenson shows its commitment to the Deaf community.”

Lance Pickett, SVRS marketing vice president, adds, “Sorenson Communications is dedicated to providing the best-possible SVRS experience for Deaf and hearing callers. Each SVRS interpreting center is staffed with the highest-quality interpreters —professionals who are dedicated to providing excellent interpreting for every call.”

SVRS empowers Deaf people who use ASL to place video relay calls with hearing people, 24/7, through a qualified ASL interpreter. To place a relay call, a Deaf caller uses a videophone, a mobile device or computer, a high-speed internet connection and a standard TV. When a Deaf caller calls a hearing person, an ASL interpreter, located in an interpreting center, appears on the screen. The Deaf caller signs to the interpreter, who is fluent in ASL and spoken English. The interpreter then speaks the message to the hearing recipient. The hearing caller responds and the interpreter signs the message back to the Deaf person, thus “relaying” the conversation between them.

SVRS, a service paid for by the U.S. government’s Telecommunications Relay Service fund, closely simulates a conversation between two hearing people, something the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) calls “functional equivalency.” Title IV of the ADA mandates access to functionally-equivalent communication for Deaf people.The content could not be found.

SALT LAKE CITY – (Feb. 7, 2018) Last year, Sorenson Communications, LLC sponsored educational programs that were attended by more than 5,000 American Sign Language (ASL) community and video interpreters (VIs). Those who qualified and attended were awarded 1,321 continuing education units (CEUs), totaling 13,221 contact hours of instruction. CEUs enable interpreters 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.

Since many ASL interpreters perform both VRS and community interpreting work, when Sorenson interpreters’ skills are strengthened, so is the overall quality of community interpreting. In 2017, Sorenson offered a variety of programs to keep pace with the most current training. These programs included community events, webinars, self-paced eLearning activities, mentoring experiences and community and internal workshops.

Stephanie Criner, VRS professional training and development education director, notes, “Sorenson Communications is committed to lifelong learning and growth for the entire interpreting industry. As the largest private employer of sign language interpreters in the U.S., we provide training opportunities that are unparalleled in our industry.”

Last year, Sorenson sponsored 13 community workshops, open to both Sorenson and community interpreters, which raised funds for local Deaf organizations. Nearly 400 webinars and workshops were provided to Sorenson interpreters. In addition, many Sorenson video interpreters participated in Sorenson’s Language Mentoring Program, which pairs VIs with a Deaf interpreter/ASL coach to refine interpreting skills. This year a new, group mentoring approach was offered that brought together small groups of interpreters from the U.S. and Canada to participate in focused ASL dialogues on specialized topics, such as banking, Social Security, sports and weather.

“As the largest private employer of ASL interpreters in the U.S., Sorenson is committed to supporting the communication needs of the Deaf community,” notes Laura Hartness, Sorenson Communications vice president of interpreting. “To provide accurate and meaningful interpretation for our Deaf SVRS customers, we offer Sorenson video and community interpreters opportunities to receive training, education and professional development while simultaneously earning required CEUs to maintain their professional certification status.”The content could not be found.