Press Releases

October 29, 2021 Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall Congratulate Rosenworcel, Sohn on Nominations

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 29, 2021) — Today, Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall congratulate Jessica Rosenworcel on her designation to chair the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Gigi Sohn on her nomination as commissioner. Sorenson and CaptionCall, Indeo brand companies, are the leading providers of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services, Video Relay Service (VRS), and telephone captioning service. Sorenson and CaptionCall honor them for the firsts they each represent – namely Rosenworcel as the first woman to chair the FCC and Sohn as the first openly LGBTIQ+ FCC commissioner.

“We are excited to continue working with Chairwoman Rosenworcel and we look forward to working with Gigi Sohn on advancing the promise of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to support millions of Americans who are Deaf or who are experiencing hearing loss,” said Scott Wood, CEO of Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall. “Recent years have seen significant advances in communication services, but there are improvements to be made in advancing accessibility to these services. FCC leadership will continue to play a critical role ensuring that the relay industry is able to innovate to provide functional equivalency in communication and making these services available to all Americans who need them.”

The FCC regulates relay services which make it possible for millions of people with hearing loss or who are Deaf to connect with anyone on a phone. These vital communication resources include Sorenson’s Video Relay Service (VRS) and CaptionCall’s Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS).

“We’re thrilled to be part of a new era of accessibility for all people and are excited to continue to work with the FCC to deliver on our mission of connecting people through critical communication services – regardless of ability, language, or culture,” noted Wood.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC 

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications, an Indeo brand, was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

About CaptionCall, LLC

CaptionCall, an Indeo brand, is the industry leader in the provision of captioned-telephone service that is available at no-cost to anyone who has hearing loss that necessitates the use of captions to use the phone. While hearing loss affects millions of people for many different reasons – age, illness, injury, loud working conditions, and military service – it doesn’t have to limit the quality of their phone conversations. With CaptionCall, it’s easy to communicate confidently with friends, family, and colleagues.

CaptionCall uses advanced voice recognition technology, a transcription service, and human captioning agents to quickly provide written captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen. The CaptionCall phone works like a traditional telephone – callers simply dial and answer calls, as usual, and speak and listen using a phone handset. CaptionCall users see captions of what callers say. Apps for iOS and Android are also available.

All eligible customers receive Red Carpet Service that includes professional installation, product training, and friendly customer support, enabling people everywhere to get more from their phone conversations — and more from life.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications, CaptionCall

[email protected]

October 22, 2021 Sorenson Communications to Provide ASL Interpretation for FaceTime Calls

SALT LAKE CITY – (Oct. 22, 2021) Today, Utah-based Sorenson Communications announced it will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation to connect Deaf and hearing people through Apple’s FaceTime. With the release of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, and the upcoming release of macOS Monterey, Deaf people can use FaceTime links to access an ASL interpreter in real time for their conversations. 

“Sorenson continues its commitment to providing functionally equivalent, accessible communication technologies for all people,” notes Sorenson CEO Scott Wood. “Video calling in today’s world is everywhere – and it is for everyone, including Deaf people who use ASL. Communicating in one’s natural language – spoken or signed – is a powerful way we connect with one another.” The process of accessing an ASL interpreter is similar to Video Relay Service (VRS), but with some slight differences. Although VRS calls are paid for by a federally funded program, interpreted calls through FaceTimeare not currently compensated by the FCC. Regardless, adds Wood, “Sorenson is pleased to lead out in this area and extend our rich tradition of offering customers current technology options.”

Sorenson’s announcement follows the release of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 software, which Apple made available earlier this fall. Apple users have the option to invite people, including those using Android and Windows devices, into a FaceTime call using a web link that can be shared through messages, email, social networks, or calendar invites, and used to request an ASL interpreter. The option to use Sorenson to access an ASL interpreter for FaceTime calls is available now. Visit sorenson.com/facetime for details. 

Providing ASL interpreting using FaceTime is another in a series of innovative communication solutions from Sorenson, the leading provider of VRS for Deaf people who use sign language to communicate. With Sorenson Relay and the introduction of the first videophone designed for Deaf users in 2003, Sorenson revolutionized communication between Deaf and hearing callers, giving them the option to converse in real time – anytime, anywhere – each in their natural language, ASL or spoken English or Spanish. 

Since then, Sorenson re-imagined communications by introducing a host of features as well as four new generations of more powerful, more capable videophones designed by and specifically for people who are Deaf, all with the goal of bridging languages and cultures through innovative communication technologies. 

Lance Pickett, Sorenson vice president of marketing, says, “These updates are a meaningful step toward universal and inclusive accommodations that allow everyone, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, to build genuine relationships with each other through communication.”  

About Sorenson Communications

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications, an Indeo brand, was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters in the world, Sorenson endeavors to provide each person with an exceptional communication experience. 

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

Contact

Georganne Hassell

Communications and Public Relations Manager

Sorenson Communications

[email protected]

September 20, 2021 Sorenson Named Among Best-In-State Employers

SALT LAKE CITY  (Sept. 20, 2021) Sorenson Communications, a language service and technology company specializing in connecting people through sign language and captioning services, has been named a Best-In-State Employer 2021 by Forbes and Statista. Sorenson is the parent company of CaptionCall and Sign Language Interactions.

Sorenson was identified as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers this year in an independent survey based on a sample of approximately 80,000 Americans working for U.S.-based companies with more than 500 employees. Across 25 industry sectors, 1,330 employer brands were ranked among the top employers.

“We are honored to be named as a Best-in-State Employer, thanks to our employees,” says Sorenson Chief Executive Officer Scott Wood. “Our amazing teams make Sorenson such an incredible place to work. They bring deep dedication to our mission of empowering independence and serve our customers with pride.”

The evaluation was based on responses from employees who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employees were also asked to evaluate other employers in their respective industries and state that stood out either positively or negatively. Additionally, employees provided feedback on company image, salary, working conditions, and potential for development.

Sorenson continues to be recognized for its commitment to creating a diverse and engaging work environment that promotes inclusion and equity. In 2020, Indeo was recognized as a Best Employer for Women and as a Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes and Statista, based on employee surveys. Employees provided responses on topics including parental leave, family support, flexibility, discrimination, career/representation, and pay equity. Indeo was also chosen for these awards based on diversity indicators related to corporate structure and the company’s proactive communication highlighting a diverse and inclusive environment.

For more information about the survey, visit https://www.forbes.com/best-employers-by-state/. For more information about open positions at Sorenson, CaptionCall, or Sign Language Interactions, visit https://sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/about/careers/ or https://captioncall.com/careers and https://signlanguageinteractions.com/join-the-team/.

About Sorenson

Technologies that Empower Independence

Sorenson empowers all people to connect confidently and independently. We bridge languages, continents, and cultures through innovative communication technologies. Our international brands include Sorenson CommunicationsCaptionCall, and Sign Language Interactions.

We connect life, one conversation at a time.

July 26, 2021 Sorenson Communications Receives Sales and Marketing Technology Award

SALT LAKE CITY, July 26, 2021 — Today, Sorenson Communications was named one of two Large Organizations of the Year in the Business Intelligence Group’s 2021 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards program, also known as The Sammys. The Sammy’s honor institutions and products helping to solve the challenges companies have connecting and collaborating with prospects and customers.

“Sorenson is thrilled to be recognized for our distinctive marketing and outreach efforts,” says Sorenson Communications Chief Executive Officer Scott Wood. “We strive to build authentic connections with our customers so we can learn how best to support them with our services and technologies.”

Sorenson is the world leader in developing Deaf-centric communication technology and providing sign language interpreting services. Understanding the dynamics of multi-linguistics and cross-cultural interactions are key to Sorenson’s unique approach to customer engagement.

“Through our high-quality, carefully developed campaigns, we aim to be the go-to resource for our audience – whether it is about our services and products or Deaf culture,” says Lance Pickett, vice president of marketing for Sorenson. “In addition to the extensive original content we provide customers, we are proud to partner with Deaf influencers and content creators to showcase the beautiful culture we are passionate about.”

Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer, Business Intelligence Group, says, “We are proud to reward and recognize Sorenson Communications for their innovation and dedication to helping both the organization using their technology and the ultimate consumer. “It was clear to our judges that their efforts will improve how we all connect with the brands we love for years to come.”

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. 

Sorenson Communications was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest private employer of Deaf people and sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as Lumina and ntouch®  videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall

801-287-9400

[email protected]

May 14, 2021 Sorenson Communications Offers Custom, Comprehensive Solutions Ecosystem of integrated services, products that makes connections simple, secure

SALT LAKE CITY (May 14, 2021) – Because relationships – in any setting – are everything, Sorenson Communications brings together the highest-quality American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation with the most advanced video relay technology to create communication options that are secure, reliable, and easy to use.

Sorenson’s suite of services and products ensures video relay communication between the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities is seamless, whether over video in virtual meetings or through a video relay call. [AB1] 

“Reliability and comprehensiveness are core to how Sorenson does business,” says Sorenson Chief Executive Officer Scott Wood. “We do this by developing the most secured, reliable, and innovative platforms and services designed by and for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. In an effort to adhere to the highest standards in the industry, we also provide ongoing education and training for our interpreters so that communication between Deaf and hearing people is the best relay experience possible.”

The Sorenson Ecosystem supports Federal Relay communication needs anytime, anywhere with Video Relay Service (VRS).  Deaf employees can place and receive calls whether they are at home or in the office. Sorenson Relay also offers:

  • Lumina, Sorenson’s newest videophone
  • Encryption, privacy, and built-in security
  • Highest-quality VRS interpreting 24/7
  • Smooth transition to Sorenson Relay with no service interruption
  • No-charge installation and service VRS equipment (hardware and/or apps) for qualified Deaf individuals
  • Separate work and personal accounts
  • Deaf and hearing customer care support  

Sorenson Interpreting provides solutions for ASL interpretation outside of VRS calls, including:

  • On-site, in-person interpreting
  • Over-video VRI Interpreting through Zoom, Teams, and other platforms
  • Confidentiality, privacy, and security, including encrypted over-video/VRI communications
  • Highest-quality ASL interpreting in-person and over video
  • Pricing available for custom services not provided through VRS relay
  • Deaf consumer support number and team members

For employees who are hard-of-hearing and require captions to use the telephone, CaptionCall makes communication easy by providing:

  • No charge installation and service of captioned telephone service for qualified hard-of-hearing employees
  • Confidential, secure, private, and encrypted communication
  • Touchscreen display
  • Apple® iOS and Android® apps available
  • Captioning available in English and Spanish

To learn more about Sorenson solutions, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/government.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

Android is a trademark of Google LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall

801-287-9400

[email protected]

May 12, 2021 Sorenson Communications Launches Most Advanced Videophone – Lumina – to Elevate Connections

SALT LAKE CITY (May 12, 2021) – Today, Sorenson Communications, the leading provider of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services and Video Relay Service (VRS) announced the launch of its new videophone – Lumina. As with all Sorenson technology, Lumina is specifically built for Deaf communication and brings together unmatched clarity, cutting-edge innovation, and exceptional design.

“From the start, Sorenson has been there to support relationships through our Deaf-centric technology,” says Sorenson Communications Chief Executive Officer Scott Wood. “We are excited to continue that legacy with Lumina by providing our customers with the most advanced technology and world-class ASL interpreting.”

As Sorenson’s latest offering, Lumina joins an ecosystem of services and products that support connections between Deaf and hearing people.

Lumina offers an even sleeker design, along with these features:

  • 1080p high-definition video with 30 fps
  • Enhanced lowlight and backlight performance
  • Increased LightRing® brightness
  • Greater Wi-Fi capability
  • Updated interface
  • USB A and USB-C 3.0 connectors
  • Increased Bluetooth® range
  • Ergonomic remote control

Lumina also includes game-changing features from the ntouch® VP2 like Wavello, Group Call, Enhanced SignMail, and more. Sorenson’s ecosystem integrates its services and products to offer a seamless experience with highly trained ASL interpreters. Sorenson’s solutions include in-person interpreting, VRS interpretation, or interpreting over video through virtual meeting platforms.

With Sorenson Relay and the introduction of the Sorenson VP-100® videophone in 2003, Sorenson revolutionized communication between Deaf and hearing callers, giving them the option to converse in real time – anytime, anywhere – each in their natural language, ASL or spoken English or Spanish. Since then, Sorenson has continued to re-imagine communication by introducing a host of features as well as five next-generation videophones, each specifically designed by and for people who are Deaf. For more technical information on the Lumina videophone, please visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/lumina.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall

801-287-9400

[email protected]

May 3, 2021 Sorenson Communications Invites Celebration – and Inclusion – of ASL Interpreters

May 5 is Sign Language Interpreter Appreciation Day

SALT LAKE CITY (May 3, 2021) – This year, the world saw American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters deliver essential communication services at press briefings, the Superbowl, the Oscars, the presidential inauguration, and – for the first time – during President Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress last week. These are snapshots of the importance of communication inclusion. But they are also glimpses into crucial connections that happen every day and everywhere – especially where it’s needed most: between people.

“Interpreters are integral to communication between Deaf and hearing people,” notes Scott Wood, CEO of Sorenson Communications, the leading provider of relay, on-site, and in-person interpreting services. “As the largest employer of sign language interpreters in the world, we celebrate interpreters and their dedication to rapid, effective, essential communication, and understanding – not only on May 5, Interpreter Appreciation Day – but every day of the year. We thank all interpreters for their efforts to inform, explain, and facilitate connections between people who are Deaf and hearing so that fundamental communication – real sharing of ideas, thoughts, and feelings can occur, not by accident, but through language.”

Many Americans are not aware that communication access is a basic human right. The 1990 landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates Deaf and hard-of-hearing people have equal access to the same communication that hearing people have. The ADA also requires businesses that serve the public and government agencies to provide qualified sign language interpreters for most situations – at schools, job interviews, and critical medical events. 

Especially important to the dissemination of public information are Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) who, working in tandem with hearing ASL interpreters, bring unique linguistic, cultural, and historical knowledge to their interpretation.

As part of their work, many sign language interpreters interpret phone calls – millions of connections – through the FCC-regulated telephone relay system.

Says Laura Hartness, senior vice president of operations for Sorenson, “This year, with much of the world in lock-down and at greater risk for isolation and depression, our interpreters were, as always, open for business 24/7/365, even though many, too, were experiencing their own pandemic-related challenges. The pandemic forced these interpreters to adjust, which included embracing a wide variety of video communication platforms, all while moving to home offices where they could safely continue to process record numbers of calls.” 

In an ongoing effort to provide the highest-quality sign language interpreting for the Deaf and hearing communities, Sorenson offers interpreters many opportunities for educational and professional development. Last year, because of the pandemic, Sorenson pivoted from offering traditional, in-person trainings to, instead, providing remote, instructor-led programs. Under the oversight of Sorenson’s Interpreter Education Professional Development Department, more than 6,000 interpreters received a combined 28,000 hours of instruction.

To learn more about the services Sorenson Interpreting provides, visit https://sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/services/interpreting/

For more information about Sorenson Relay, visit https://sorenson2021es.wpengine.com/services/relay/

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

The trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall

801-287-9400

[email protected]

April 29, 2021 Sorenson Communications, CaptionCall Honored with 2021 Silver Stevie Award for Most Exemplary Employer in COVID-19 Response Category

For release: April 29, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY – (April 29, 2021) – Today, Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall were named as winners of a Silver Stevie® Award in the COVID-19 Response category in the 19th Annual American Business Awards®.

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to the health and safety of our customers and employees,” says Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall Chief Executive Officer Scott Wood. “The pandemic presented many unique challenges over the past year, but we quickly pulled together to simultaneously provide essential communication services to our customers while we safeguarded our teams.”

The American Business Awards are considered the premier business recognition program in the United States. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. 

More than 3,800 nominations – a record number – from organizations of all sizes and in every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories. Nominated in the COVID-19 Response category for Most Exemplary Employer, Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall received one out of two silver awards presented. More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

In early March 2020, Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall recognized the severity of COVID-19 and acted swiftly to protect its more than 10,000 employees, while still providing essential communication services for people with hearing and speech disabilities. The company enabled 95 percent of its headquarters staff to work from home, along with the majority of its operations team. The IT and engineering teams worked quickly to get new systems configured and deployed and provided technical support to employees working remotely. Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall also added more than 1,000 jobs in 2020 and continued to strive for the safety of its employees while nurturing its unique company culture.

“What a fantastic demonstration of leadership, innovation, and growth during a time of tumult,” notes one of the judges, whose comments were anonymous. “Sorenson Communications took care of its customer population as well as its employees in a meaningful way and likely created heightened customer and employee loyalty.”

Says Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher: “The American economy continues to show its resilience, and as we’re poised on the beginning of what should be a phenomenal period of growth, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of a wide range of organizations and people over the past 18 months.  This year’s Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people.”

About CaptionCall, LLC

CaptionCall (www.captioncall.com) is the industry leader in the provision of captioned-telephone service that is available at no-cost to anyone who has hearing loss that necessitates the use of captions to use the phone. While hearing loss affects millions of people for many different reasons – age, illness, injury, loud working conditions, and military service – it doesn’t have to limit the quality of their phone conversations. With CaptionCall, it’s easy to communicate confidently with friends, family, and colleagues.

CaptionCall uses advanced voice recognition technology, a transcription service, and human captioning agents to quickly provide written captions of what callers say on a large, easy-to-read screen. The CaptionCall phone works like a traditional telephone – callers simply dial and answer calls, as usual, and speak and listen using a phone handset. CaptionCall users see captions of what callers say.

All eligible customers receive Red Carpet Service that includes professional installation, product training, and friendly customer support, enabling people everywhere to get more from their phone conversations — and more from life.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest employer of sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch® videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit www.sorenson.com.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Director of Public Relations

Sorenson Communications and CaptionCall

801-287-9400

[email protected]

February 2, 2021 Despite Pandemic Limitations, Sorenson Communications Offered Record-number of Remote Learning Opportunities for Sign Language Interpreters

In 2020, more than 6,000 interpreters received a combined 28,000 hours of instruction

SALT LAKE CITY – (Feb. 2, 2021) Last year, the Sorenson Communications Interpreter Education and Professional Development (IEPD) department pivoted from offering traditional, in-person trainings to sign language interpreters to, instead, providing remote, instructor-led programs. The trainings provide continuing education units (CEUs), which are required for sign language interpreters to maintain professional credentialing.  

“Sorenson is committed to ensuring interpreters have the tools and resources they need to deliver the best interpreting experiences for our customers,” notes Scott Wood, CEO of Sorenson Communications, the leading provider of  communication solutions for people who are Deaf. “Despite the challenges, last year was unmatched in terms of phenomenal interpreter-training accomplishments!”

Sorenson interpreters participated remotely by attending trainings about more than 100 topics related to improving interpreting skills, self-care, social justice, and the impacts of power and privilege in their work. Interpreters chose from more than 1,000 eLearning, educational webinars, small group language, and interpreting mentoring opportunities.

Sorenson’s focus on education is both internal and community-based. Sorenson partners with more than 80 interpreter education programs (IEPs) that provide interpreting students with an introduction to becoming an interpreter as well as the opportunity to discuss the work of interpreting with professionals prior to graduation. While many college programs were limited in 2020 because of the pandemic, Sorenson’s Synergy Program stepped in to close the gap by providing over 1,500 hours of webinars, mentoring sessions, and remote practicum observations to more than 500 interpreting students!

Sorenson provided a “conference replacement” for more than 100 heritage language users who are bilingual children of one or more signing Deaf parents. Also known as Codas, the participants received more than 2,000 hours of instruction that supported their work and unique learning approaches.  

In addition, Sorenson adapted an in-person training to a remote month-long course for advancing Deaf interpreters through Sorenson’s Deaf Interpreter Academy (DIA). The five-week remote course offered more than 28 workshops and mock interpreting experiences to over 50 Deaf interpreters. DIA’s goal is to raise awareness and share best practices for working with Deaf interpreters.

“The lessons learned in 2020 will drive us forward in 2021! Our goal is to continue to be the leader in delivering top-quality interpreting to our relay and community consumers. We do that by providing interpreters educational opportunities to continue their life-long learning,” notes Stephanie Criner, executive director of Sorenson’s IEPD team.

About Sorenson Communications, LLC

Connecting Life. Sorenson Communications (sorenson2021es.wpengine.com) was founded on the principle that communication and being understood is fundamental to the human experience. Inspired by this belief and the core values of our communities, we develop the most trusted communication offerings, including Sorenson Relay, the highest-quality video interpreting service, and Sorenson Interpreting, which matches qualified sign language interpreters to specific assignment needs. As the largest private employer of Deaf people and sign language interpreters, Sorenson endeavors to provide each customer with an exceptional communication experience.

Sorenson offers innovative, Deaf-specific communication products, such as ntouch®  videophones and ntouch software applications that connect PC, Mac®, and mobile device users to Sorenson Relay. For more information, visit sorenson2021es.wpengine.com.

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.

Press Contact

Ann Bardsley

Sorenson Communications

801-287-9400

[email protected]