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Expand product portfolio for Deaf people, diversify through one-to-many language translation services, invest in AI-driven technology for automated sign language translation

SALT LAKE CITY – (Jan. 28, 2025) Sorenson, the no. 1 global provider of communications solutions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing and one of the largest language translation companies, today announced the company’s growth strategy for 2025. Paget L. Alves, who was named CEO in December 2024, summarized the company’s top three growth strategies: 1) expand Sorenson’s product portfolio for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing 2) diversify its business to deliver one-to-many language translation services and 3) invest in AI-driven technology to develop automated sign language translation.

“In keeping with our long history of introducing transformative technology, today, through the acquisitions of OmniBridge and Hand Talk, we are combining two elements of the AI-technology puzzle required to make automated sign language translation a reality,” said Alves. “We will fill a significant gap for Deaf people by giving them access to tools and applications that enable them to communicate no matter the time of day or location. Simultaneously, we are diversifying our translation services portfolio by offering one-to-many language services that can instantly translate a single speaker into many languages to enable multi-lingual and multi-national demand from corporations, universities, conferences and large gatherings.”

These investments strengthen Sorenson’s position as the no. 1 communications solutions provider to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing, while establishing the company as a leader in both AI-driven automated sign language and innovative language translation technology.

Like all people, the Deaf community requires access to real-time communications 24/7. Sorenson is the leading provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) for the Deaf and the largest private employer of sign language interpreters. Sorenson’s mission in the provision of VRS is to create true functional equivalence for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities when it comes to communications. The logistical and economic realities of providing these services 24/7 and in all life circumstances creates limitations. Accordingly, Sorenson’s goal in leveraging AI-driven technology is to bridge those limitations to drive true functional equivalence for users of its services at all hours, times and locations.

“As a Deaf person and senior executive at Sorenson, I see firsthand the unprecedented opportunities to advance the services we deliver to our communities,” said Wendy Adams, Chief Relationship Officer at Sorenson. “Our Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, employees and partners provide essential feedback that helps us to constantly evolve by addressing the issues they are facing. Our community faces several unmet needs ranging from emergencies when VRS is unavailable to downtime in between live interpreter access. These next-generation AI investments address the economic impossibilities of providing live interpreter services 24-hours a day and will improve our customers’ quality of life and their communications experience.”

A major focus for Alves is to continue a long-established track record in which Sorenson is a preferred employer that sets the standard for the communications industry. Sorenson is the largest private employer of sign language interpreters and a significant employer of Deaf professionals and the Children of Deaf Adults (coda). The company continually invests in the tools and platforms that enable its sign language interpreters to harness technology advances to generate ease and efficiency in a very demanding professional environment.

Since its founding, Sorenson has been dedicated to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. The company has an extensive track record of investing in new technologies to ensure that there is no technology divide for its customers. The VRS industry was enabled by Sorenson’s invention of the videophone. Sorenson will continue its tradition of responsible development of innovative products and services. The company is committed to leveraging AI-driven technologies that responsibly serve its customers, employees and lead in the market.

Announcement in ASL

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FCC rules permit you to port your telephone number to the VRS provider of your choice. If you request a new number, Sorenson will provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. To ensure proper routing of 911 calls, it is important that you provide, and update in the event it changes, the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call. You can update your Registered Location in your device settings or by calling (866) 756-6729. To learn how to update on your device visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/vrs/manage-account/. 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. Hearing point-to-point video users will not be able to place emergency calls. For more information on the process of obtaining ten-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson.com/legal. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/toll-free-numbers/

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Combination of market-leading AI-driven sign language recognition and generation will transform options and services available to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people

SALT LAKE CITY – (January 28, 2025) Sorenson, the no. 1 global provider of communications solutions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing and one of the largest language translation companies, today announced the acquisition of OmniBridge, an Intel internal venture, and Hand Talk, a leader in AI/machine-learning (ML)-based sign language translation, to accelerate company innovation in AI-driven automated sign language translation.

“OmniBridge is an AI-driven sign language translation technology that enables bi-directional, real-time conversations between people who use American Sign Language (ASL) and those who speak English, and Hand Talk is a pioneer in using AI and ML to generate automated sign language translations through digital avatars,” said Paget L. Alves, CEO of Sorenson. “Together, these acquisitions provide Sorenson with complementary capabilities and qualified teams to continue our work in building innovative, AI-driven products that fill critical communications gaps for our customers.”

“As a Deaf person and co-founder of OmniBridge, I know the importance of bridging the gap between signed and spoken language,” said Adam Munder, General Manager of OmniBridge. “OmniBridge uses the power of AI-driven machine-learning technology to create more inclusive experiences where conversations can be fully understood regardless of the person’s hearing abilities, particularly in situations or locations where access to interpreters is not possible.”

“The joining of Hand Talk and Sorenson blends cutting-edge technology and tremendous industry experience,” said Ronaldo Tenorio, CEO of Hand Talk. “Our coming together creates important options in removing communication barriers for the world’s Deaf community."

Sorenson is uniquely positioned to further develop this technology. To effectively develop automated sign language translation, it is imperative to understand how to complement the interpreter’s role in serving the Deaf community. Sorenson is the leading provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) and the largest private employer of sign language interpreters. “We are committed to the essential role of human interpretation and will continue to invest in our interpreters,” said Alves.

New AI language technologies hold the possibility of dramatically impacting how businesses operate, offering opportunities to enhance customer and employee experiences, drive efficiencies and scale in ways previously unimaginable.

Announcement in ASL

Announcement in BSL

FCC rules you to port your telephone number to the VRS provider of your choice. If you request a new number, Sorenson will provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. To ensure proper routing of 911 calls, it is important that you provide, and update in the event it changes, the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call. You can update your Registered Location in your device settings or by calling . To learn how to update on your device visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/vrs/manage-account/. 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. Hearing point-to-point video users will not be able to place emergency calls. For more information on the process of obtaining ten-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson’s VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson’s website: sorenson.com/legal. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/toll-free-numbers/

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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London, UK – (January 7, 2024): The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has partnered with SignVideo by Sorenson to provide a vital communication lifeline for Deaf individuals in the UK. This groundbreaking partnership aims to ensure that Deaf individuals can report animal cruelty and connect with the RSPCA directly, using British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters in real-time.

“We are honored to partner with the RSPCA to ensure Deaf individuals in the UK have communication access that can contribute to animal welfare," said Matthew King, General Manager of Sorenson in the UK. “This partnership aligns with our mission to provide accessible communication solutions and connect people beyond words in every situation.”

Deaf individuals can video call the RSPCA’s emergency line to report animal suffering, cruelty, or neglect via the SignVideo app or on the RSPCA website by selecting “British Sign Language Support.” This service is available 365 days of the year. Between April and September this line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. GMT. Between October and March, the line is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. GMT.

Sakura Anderson, Head of Operational Partnerships at the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA is an inclusive charity, there for every kind of animal and person, and we are delighted that our partnership with Sorenson enables Deaf people to report cruelty and neglect to us.

“Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and we want the RSPCA to be a truly inclusive organisation that values accessibility in all its forms, including communication. British Sign language opens a vital channel for those who rely on it to report cruelty and access the advice and services they need.”

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About SignVideo by Sorenson 

Predominantly a BSL-led organisation dedicated to high quality, customer-focused services and standards, SignVideo delivers BSL interpreting 24/7 for Deaf and Deaf-Blind BSL users through Video Relay Service (VRS) solutions commissioned by public and private sectors which include, government, National Health Service, councils, banks, helplines, and telecommunications providers across the UK.

In 2020, SignVideo joined Sorenson, one of the world’s leading language services providers. Across all business lines, Sorenson connects more than 140 million conversations each year through a full suite of language services. Sorenson combines patented technology with human-centric solutions to deliver call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services.

Sorenson strives to increase equity and accessibility for underrepresented people through communication solutions for all. For more information on how we advance human connection, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com. 

About the RSPCA 

The RSPCA has a long and proud history at the forefront of animal welfare in England, Wales, and internationally. For nearly 200 years, the RSPCA has been there for animals, and remains steadfastly dedicated to this cause, and encouraging everyone to create a better world for every kind. The RSPCA’s mission is to make sure that all animals have a good life, by rescuing and caring for those in need, by speaking on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.To find out more about how you can join the RSPCA’s million-strong movement for animals visit: www.rspca.org.uk/200.

RSPCA Press Contact 

Lucy Cooper 
National Press Officer 
+44 300 123 0207
[email protected]

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Available in Spanish

Robust initiatives support interpreter development across the U.S. and Canada

SALT LAKE CITY – (Dec. 17, 2024) – Sorenson, the world's largest private employer of sign language interpreters, announced that in 2024, the company provided an impressive 30,000 hours of no-cost instruction to more than 4,000 interpreters, both within Sorenson and to emerging professional interpreters in the community. Additionally, Sorenson successfully conducted more than 700 training sessions covering 120 diverse topics. These trainings ranged from onboarding programs for interpreter new hires to advanced workshops on ethical decision-making, self-care strategies, and linguistic mastery in multilingual environments.

“This year, our education and professional development team outdid themselves and set new standards in interpreter education and professional growth,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson. “Our goal is to equip interpreters across the entire interpreting community with the skills they need to provide outstanding service to Deaf people in diverse and high-stakes settings including Video Relay Service (VRS), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), and Community Interpreting.”

To that end, Sorenson provides a variety of initiatives and specialized programs to upskill interpreters, including culturally relevant training, teaching best practices in Deaf-hearing interpreter teaming techniques and by offering a resourceful online interpreter trainer repository, as well as skill-building resources for interpreters, trainers, and community members. These initiatives, aimed at raising the overall quality of interpreting, ultimately benefit the Deaf community while  advancing interpreters’ career paths.

The Sorenson Deaf Interpreter Academy (DIA) supports these goals, offering professional-level training designed to develop and enhance unique skills and knowledge for Deaf interpreters. In 2024, DIA supported more than 100 Deaf interpreters through monthly training and cohort programs.

As part of a wholistic approach to advancing interpreter development, Sorenson maintains key partnerships with interpreter training programs at colleges and universities across the United States. Sorenson’s Synergy Program, which offers a variety of year-round customized learning opportunities for both academic faculty and interpreting students, reinforces the development of future interpreters by offering observation and webinar opportunities as well as Sorenson resources for faculty and professional development. Over the past 12 months, Synergy provided more than 200 webinars to more than 900 interpreting students from over 98 different college and university programs.

“This year, Sorenson also expanded experiential learning opportunities for ASL/English interpreters by providing real-life, scenario-based practice in deliberate practice labs and mock interpreting scenarios,” noted Sorenson Senior Vice President of Global Interpreting Services Laura Jones. “Since the pandemic in 2020, when education experienced a seismic shift to remote formats, these real-life, scenario-based experiential opportunities have been instrumental in fostering interpreter growth and expertise. Ultimately, this type of training for new and veteran interpreters benefits communication and understanding for everyone.”

Sorenson’s unwavering commitment to advancing inclusivity and professional development within the interpreting community is central to its mission. Sorenson is planning another year of meaningful training and development in 2025 and is ready to build on the momentum of 2024 to meet the evolving needs of the Deaf communities it serves.

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About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Available in Spanish

Sorenson has been recognized alongside brands such as Adobe, Amazon, Disney, Samsung, and others for groundbreaking technology that profoundly impacts consumers, industries, and society

SALT LAKE CITY – (Nov. 19, 2024) Sorenson, a global leader in communication solutions, is honored to announce that its groundbreaking AI-powered language solution for events, Sorenson Forum, was named to Fast Company’s 2024 Next Big Things in Tech in the Enterprise award category. 

This year, a panel of judges evaluated over 1,300 applications to select the top 138 honorees. 

Sorenson Forum is revolutionizing real-time communication by providing remote simultaneous interpreting and captioning across 25 languages and 45 dialects.  “This innovative solution empowers organizations to create fully inclusive, accessible events that bridge language barriers and connect multilingual language audiences in real time.” 

“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company for our work to develop cutting-edge language solutions,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson, which connects more than 140 million conversations across all business lines each year. “Sorenson Forum is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our dedication to creating a more inclusive world.” 

Sorenson Forum is designed to be user-friendly and accessible. Participants can easily join a session and select their preferred language, and the platform will automatically produce interpreted audio, captions, and transcripts in real time. Whether it’s a global conference, a multinational team meeting, or a classroom setting, Sorenson Forum ensures that everyone can participate and understand. 

“Sorenson Forum represents a significant leap forward in making real-time communication accessible to a global audience,” explained Ryan Sullivan, Chief Product Officer of Sorenson. “This innovative tool, with its intuitive design, user-friendly interface, and powerful AI model, paves the way for a more connected world.” 

Sullivan believes that accessibility goes beyond technical prowess — it’s about user experience. Unlike other multilingual tools, Sorenson Forum offers a more seamless experience for meeting hosts. Participation is effortless, with users simply joining a session using a PIN or QR code displayed by the host.  And unlike other multilingual CART or interpretation tools, Sorenson Forum eliminates cost and complexity for both organizers and participants. Organizers simply share a link to a virtual meeting room, accessible on any browser, iOS, or Android device. 

“In today’s globalized environment, communication transcends language barriers, empowering individuals to participate, learn, and thrive,” Sullivan said. “Sorenson is proud to be at the forefront of this technology.” 

Sorenson Forum will be officially unveiled at the Language Lounge, a media-only event on Jan. 7, during CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This immersive experience will showcase the power of Sorenson’s language solutions and provide tech media with a firsthand look at the future of communication. The Language Lounge is a by-invitation-only event offering a rare, hands-on experience that will include:

• Real-time demos: See Sorenson’s newest translation tools in action.
• Exclusive access: Meet Sorenson CPO Ryan Sullivan and uncover exclusive insights behind our innovations.
• Intrigue and connection: Enjoy cocktails, conversation, and the latest in tech to break language barriers.

Announcement in ASL

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Available in Spanish

Paget Alves, Chairman of the Board, assumes CEO role; Jorge Rodriguez transitions to Board Advisor

SALT LAKE CITY – (Nov. 13, 2024) – Sorenson is pleased to announce Paget Alves — current Chairman of the Board — will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jorge Rodriguez, who has led Sorenson since 2021, will transition from CEO to Board Advisor, a role that will leverage his strong relationships and Sorenson’s shared advocacy with consumer and community groups. As Chairman, Alves has been instrumental in guiding Sorenson’s strategic direction, championing innovation, and deepening the company’s dedication to customer values and operational success.  

Sorenson, the world’s leading provider of communication tools for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing people, connects more than 140 million conversations across all business lines each year. For more than two decades, Sorenson has focused on driving innovative and functionally equivalent communication technologies for Deaf, DeafBlind, veteran, and hard-of-hearing communities. Under Alves’ leadership, Sorenson will remain unwavering in its support of these groups.  

“Serving as Sorenson’s CEO has been an extraordinary journey, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together,” shared Rodriguez. “Paget’s leadership approach aligns closely with our culture of service, collaboration and impact, ensuring Sorenson continues to thrive and build on our established momentum.” 

Alves, incoming CEO, added, “Jorge’s three-year roadmap for Sorenson—driving R&D and technology enhancements, exploring M&A opportunities, and strengthening our partnerships has positioned us well for the future. My focus is now on continuing Sorenson’s mission to deliver transformative communication tools for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. We will remain steadfast in driving innovation and operational excellence to serve these communities and beyond.” 

Alves spent over 30 years as an operating executive in the telecommunications industry, most recently as Chief Sales Officer of Sprint Corporation, after working as President of the company’s Business Markets Group. He is also a director of Assurant, Inc., Synchrony Financial, Yum! Brands, Inc., and Ariel Alternatives—Sorenson’s parent company. In 2023, Savoy magazine recognized Alves among Savoy’s Most Influential Black Corporate Directors. He received a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations and a J.D. from Cornell University. 

Announcement in ASL

Announcement in BSL

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Maria Lensing to guide teams in digital transformation

SALT LAKE CITY – (Oct. 1, 2024) Today, Sorenson announced the appointment of Maria Lensing as Chief Information and Technology Officer (CTO), a role in which she leads the company’s technology vision and strategy, and the engineering and IT teams. This role is critical in aligning technology innovations to the company’s business objectives and to drive the company’s digital transformation — all to provide communication accessibility and inclusion for more people and communities.

“We welcome Maria to our executive team and, given her extensive experience on our Board of Directors, we look forward to her insightful contributions,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, the world’s leading provider of communication tools for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing people. “Maria’s vision will support our goals of delivering cutting-edge technology. She will also offer invaluable guidance on tech governance, cyber risk management and data and AI initiatives.”

Lensing, who co-authored a 2024 book about embracing varied perspectives to create an inclusive and informed culture, noted, “Joining Sorenson is meaningful for me as the impact of the company’s mission and technology is extremely powerful. I am thrilled to oversee the development and furthering of technologies that enrich the human experience.” 

Prior to her role at Sorenson, Lensing served as the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Walgreens, where, among many other executive responsibilities, she oversaw the company’s Digital Transformation and led the development of the Technology operating model. Prior to her position at Walgreens, Lensing was Chief Technology Officer at McKesson, where she was responsible for developing the company’s technology stack vision, strategy, and architectures. She was also critical to the acceleration of technology solutions to support vaccine distribution in the United States, earning the award of “CTO of the Year” by Tech Titans in 2021. Before McKesson, Maria served in various business and technical executive roles over the span of 11 years at AT&T. 

 “I am passionate about empowering teams to deliver at their highest quality, fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation, championing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives, and amplifying the impact of Hispanic technology leaders,” added Lensing, who has received multiple awards and honors from different institutions and publications, including World 50 Next Women, Latino Leaders Magazine Most Influential Latina, and Super Woman in Business by the Dallas Business Journal.

Lensing earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and Master of Science in engineering management from Christian Brothers University (CBU). She completed her executive education at Harvard Business School and is a boardroom certified Qualified Technology Expert (QTE).

Announcement in ASL

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

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Available in Spanish

Home competitions to feature “The Star-Spangled Banner” in American Sign Language

SALT LAKE CITY – (Aug. 27, 2024) Today, Sorenson, the world’s leading provider of communication tools for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing people, and BYU Athletics, a member of the Big 12 Conference, announced they are teaming up to provide live American Sign Language (ASL) performances of the national anthem preceding all BYU football home games, which will begin with the August 31st

game against Southern Illinois. In addition, the national anthem will be signed in ASL at all home basketball and baseball games during the 2024-2025 season.

“We join with BYU to support one of America’s most beloved sports traditions – the presentation of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ – in sign language,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, a company which uses language intelligence to weave accessibility and understanding across global communities. “Many sports events do not incorporate accommodations into their games.  We are here to change that by creating a culture of belonging on and off the field.”

This season, during BYU football pre-game activities on the field, a Deaf performer will sign the anthem, with video being displayed on the video board for fans in LaVell Edwards Stadium to see.

“We are thrilled to include an ASL performance of the national anthem as part of the BYU pre-game experience for our fans,” said Anna Metcalf, BYU assistant athletic director for marketing and fan experience. “This partnership provides us the opportunity to enhance the fan experience through increased accessibility. We are proud to partner with Utah-based Sorenson to provide these communication solutions at our football, men’s basketball and baseball games.”

The video ASL performance will show the ease of integrating language interpretation into any setting. Including communication access for all people fosters greater connection and demonstrates commitment to real and meaningful inclusion and belonging initiatives which benefit everyone.

“We encourage all schools to incorporate similar measures to create campuses that provide a sense of belonging,” Rodriguez said. “Sorenson is here to support various options for integrating accessible experiences.”

One of the largest employers of Deaf people, Sorenson connects more than 140 million conversations each year by offering a full suite of language services – caption and video relay services, over-video and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, real-time event captioning services, and post-production language services. To learn more about the range of services Sorenson offers, visit sorenson.com

Announcement in ASL

About BYU

Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University is located in Provo, Utah. The campus is home to 33,000+ undergraduate students, pursuing degrees in 186 majors. Athletically, the Cougars compete in 21 sports. They have won 12 NCAA titles all-time, claimed 302 conference championships; and have been home to 1,405 All-Americans, 1 Heisman Trophy winner and 84 Olympians.

BYU press contact

Jon McBride
Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Media Strategy
BYU Athletics
(801) 866-4932
[email protected]

About Sorenson

Sorenson is one of the world’s leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility through communication solutions for all. We provide call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the 140 million conversations we facilitate annually— Sorenson improves lives through interpreted emergency and health services. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we strive to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Nathaniel Free
Senior Manager of PR & Brand
Sorenson
+1 (801) 287-9400
[email protected]

View in ASL

Available in Spanish

SALT LAKE CITY – (July 30, 2024) – Sorenson, the world’s leading provider of communication tools for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing people, has, for the second consecutive year, been recognized as a top-scoring company on the 2024 Disability Equality Index®. Disability Equality Index is the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs and is used by more than 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500.  

“We are honored by this recognition,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which uses language intelligence to weave accessibility and understanding across global communities. “This award recognizes our leadership in employee engagement, inclusion policies, and our work  to engender a rich, diverse, and inclusive corporate culture. This work is an ongoing effort, and is at the heart of our mission of accessibility.”  

For over 20 years, Sorenson has hired people with all abilities and today, continues to offer a variety of accommodation and support services to ensure that employees can participate fully in the workplace. 

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people – or 16 percent of the global population – experience a significant disability. Disability crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion. 

Announcement in ASL

About the Disability Equality Index: