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About Ariel Alternatives

Ariel Alternatives, LLC, is a private asset management firm affiliated with Ariel Investments, LLC. The firm’s inaugural fund closed with $1.45 billion in committed capital from limited partners and co-investors and seeks to scale sustainable, market-leading businesses in high-growth sectors serving Fortune 500 enterprises. Ariel Alternatives pursues a “demand-driven” investment strategy, targeting businesses that are “employers of choice” with market-leading positions that can deliver meaningful innovation and value to customers.

About Sorenson Communications

As the leading language services provider, Sorenson combines innovative, patented technology with world-class sign language interpreters to deliver clear, seamless communication for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing communities. The company offers a portfolio of solutions that includes Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom and the Lumina Video Phone. For people who are Hard of hearing, CaptionCall provides the clarity and confidence to stay connected. Sorenson’s business solutions include Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-Demand VRI and on-site interpreting. Sorenson Forum helps enterprises make communication more accessible for employees and customers. Sorenson’s AI Sign Language Translation capabilities enable real-time communication between users of sign languages and users of spoken languages in everyday interactions where an interpreter may not be available, making sign language access available in more places and moments. Each year, Sorenson enables hundreds of millions of conversations for our customers’ unique communication needs. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives and is committed to operating responsibly by actively managing and reducing its environmental impact. To learn more, visit www.sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

Sorenson Communications Named to Forbes Accessibility 200

For Second Consecutive Year, Sorenson Communications Named to Forbes Accessibility 200 List, Reinforcing Its Longstanding Commitment to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Communities

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – May 19, 2026 – Sorenson Communications, a leading provider of accessible communication services for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing communities, today announced it has been named to the second annual Forbes Accessibility 200 list. The prestigious recognition highlights organizations around the world that are driving innovation and advancing accessibility through products, services, and technologies that improve the lives of people with disabilities.

The Forbes Accessibility 200 list was compiled with the assistance of a 12-member expert advisory board from around the world and includes the top 200 global impact-makers in accessibility related fields like communication, mobility, education, software, consumer products, robotics, sports and recreation, travel, the workplace, entertainment and more. Listees represent 23 different countries on six continents, and they are presented alphabetically rather than ranked.

Sorenson’s recognition on the list reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing accessible communication through innovative consumer solutions for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing communities. Sorenson’s commitment to accessible communication extends from consumer solutions to enterprise services which help organizations create workplaces where employees have the communication access and support they need to succeed.

“Accessibility has evolved from a legal mandate to a bustling frontier of innovation, impact and profit,” says Alan Schwarz, Forbes Assistant Managing Editor. “From juggernaut companies to lone entrepreneurs, accessibility innovation inspires new features, products and services that transform how people with disabilities, and often the wider world, communicate, travel, learn, work, play sports, and so much more. It’s now beyond the ‘right thing to do,’ it’s integral to a smart business.”

Sorenson Communications continues to lead the industry with accessible communication offerings that serve both consumers and organizations, including Video Relay Service (VRS), Virtual Sign Language Interpreting (VRI), in-person sign language interpreting, captioning services, AI Sign Language Translation, and other innovative technologies designed to expand accessibility across the workplace, education, healthcare and everyday life.

“Being recognized on the Forbes Accessibility 200 list is a great honor for Sorenson and a testament to the passion and innovation of our team,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson Communications. “Accessibility is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to creating innovative technologies and services for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing communities we serve.”

View announcement in ASL

Please visit www.sorenson.com to learn how you, your loved ones or your organization can support people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of hearing with accessible communication solutions.

Press Contact:

Ann Norman

About Sorenson Communications

To learn more, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

Sorenson Communications Unveils AI Sign Language Translation (AST) Proofs-of-Concept

AI Sign Language Translation Enables AI Powered, Real-Time Generation and Understanding of Signed Languages

Boston, MA — April 16, 2026 — Sorenson Communications, the global market leader in accessibility communication solutions for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing people, today unveiled two innovative, AI Sign Language Translation (AST) Proofs of Concept (POCs). These POCs are designed to enable frequent, everyday interactions where a live sign language interpreter is not practical or available.

The first proof of concept uses AST to convert content that is either a pre-recorded video or a text document into American Sign Language (ASL) using a natural, human looking, avatar. Captions alone often do not convey full meaning or nuance for ASL communicators, and interpreter recorded videos are expensive and inconsistently provided. With Sorenson’s breakthrough POC, translations into sign language, video content becomes quickly and easily available for Deaf people. It also helps enterprises create true functional equivalency for Deaf employees.

The second proof of concept is an AI Sign Language Translation platform that recognizes ASL and translates it into English text in real time to enable two-way conversations between a non-signing user and an ASL signer. The result is a fluid, back-and-forth interaction that does not require a human interpreter. Short, Deaf-hearing interactions happen frequently in retail establishments, restaurants, airports, hotel check-in desks and anywhere customer service is needed that may not have ASL interpreters immediately available. AST can reduce wait times, improve service quality and support better, accessible customer engagement for everyone.

"AST removes one of the biggest barriers Deaf consumers face in everyday service interactions and allows them to understand and express themselves naturally in their own preferred language," said Kaj van de Loo, AST General Manager at Sorenson. "From retail counters to support desks and self-service kiosks, internal communications for employees and corporate training programs, AST enables clear, quick translations that empower Deaf people and helps service teams deliver quick solutions to valuable customers."

Sorenson’s latest technological advances showcase how easily and cost effectively enterprises can embed accessibility directly into both employee and customer experiences and help organizations serve broader audiences and deliver better service.

Please visit https://sorenson.link/ast to view videos of the POCs and learn how your organization can participate in Sorenson’s AST Proof of Concept program.

View this announcement in ASL

Press Contact:

Ann Norman

About Sorenson Communications

As the leading language services provider, Sorenson combines innovative, patented technology with world-class sign language interpreters to deliver clear, seamless communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of hearing communities. The company offers a portfolio of solutions that includes Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom, and the Lumina Video Phone. For people who are Hard of hearing, CaptionCall provides the clarity and confidence to stay connected. Sorenson’s business solutions include Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-Demand VRI, on-site interpreting, and Sorenson Forum, helps enterprises make communication more accessible for employees and customers. Sorenson’s AI Sign Language Translation capabilities enable real-time, communication between users of sign languages and users of spoken languages in everyday interactions where an interpreter may not be available and it makes sign language access available in more places and moments. Each year, Sorenson enables hundreds of millions of conversations for our customers’ unique communication needs. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives and is committed to operating responsibly by actively managing and reducing its environmental impact.

To learn more, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

A Billion Conversations and Counting: Sorenson Communications Marks Major Milestones in Accessible Communication

Sorenson Reaches One Billion Conversations as Access and Usage Hit New Highs for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of hearing Communities

Salt Lake City, UT — March 25, 2026 — Sorenson Communications announced today that it has facilitated more than one billion conversations to date. The historic milestone underscores Sorenson’s longstanding commitment to expanding communication access for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of hearing communities. Today, Sorenson’s services operate at national scale, delivering reliability, innovation, and measurable impact across the United States.

Since 2022, Sorenson’s customer engagement has extended well beyond technology. Outreach teams have completed more than one million residential visits and individual touchpoints, connecting users with the right solutions and support. Sorenson’s customer care organization has also helped deliver best-in-class services, handling more than three million support calls since 2022, including outbound calls that reflect Sorenson’s commitment to proactive, personal support and high-quality accessible communication.

“These milestones represent far more than numbers,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson. “They reflect real people, real connections, and our unwavering purpose: breaking down communication barriers for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of hearing people everywhere.”

As Sorenson continues to grow, the company remains focused on innovation, community partnership, and service excellence, because accessible communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people is not optional; it’s essential.

View this announcement in ASL

Press Contact:

Ann Norman

About Sorenson

As the leading language services provider, Sorenson Communications combines innovative, patented technology with world-class sign language interpreters to deliver clear, seamless communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of hearing communities. The company offers a portfolio of solutions that includes Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom, and the Lumina Video Phone. For people who are Hard of hearing, CaptionCall provides the clarity and confidence to stay connected. Sorenson’s business solutions include Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-Demand VRI, on-site interpreting, and Sorenson Forum, helping enterprises make communication more accessible for employees and customers. Each year, Sorenson enables hundreds of millions of conversations with tools designed for customers’ unique communication needs. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives and is committed to operating responsibly by actively managing and reducing its environmental impact.

To learn more, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

Sorenson Communications Interpreter Academy Ignites 2025 With Breakthrough Growth, Innovation and Impact

Sorenson Interpreter Academy Delivers a Breakthrough Year of Growth and Innovation in 2025

Salt Lake City, UT — February 24, 2026 — Sorenson Communications’ Interpreter Academy marked a milestone year in 2025. The Sorenson Interpreter Academy (SIA) delivered unprecedented levels of no-cost, high-quality professional development to their team of ASL interpreters throughout the US and Canada. Through a robust portfolio of training initiatives serving Sorenson interpreters, the Interpreter Academy strengthened skills, confidence, and service quality across ASL interpreting environments.

In 2025, approximately 5,000 interpreters participated in SIA programming, engaging in nearly 41,000 hours of instruction across more than 1,100 sessions at no cost to interpreters. These efforts underscore Sorenson’s continued investment in interpreter excellence, accessibility, and customer experience.

“Sorenson is committed to advancing the interpreting profession by investing in people, innovation, and access to high-quality education and professional development,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson Communications. “We have the best ASL Interpreters in the industry, and we are proud of the service they deliver to the Deaf and DeafBlind communities we serve.”

Throughout the year, SIA launched and expanded several innovative projects designed to meet interpreters at every stage of their professional journey. New training Practice Labs were introduced with excellent results, and over 1,000 interpreters participated across 87 sessions. SIA Practice Labs are interactive 1-hour remote sessions designed to help interpreters master targeted skills through real-time simulation and collaborative problem-solving. Moving away from traditional lecture-based formats, these specialized sessions provide essential “hands-up” experience for immediate professional integration.

In 2025, SIA’s Continuing Education program expanded its offerings through coordinated, series-based learning modules that combined training, practice, individualized coaching, and group mentoring. These integrated experiences strengthened skill development, professional confidence, certification readiness, and overall service quality. Through the Interpreter Professional Pathways (IPP) program, SIA supported interpreters in states requiring licensure by providing targeted training tracks that build the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve certification.

“The impact we saw in 2025 reflects our dedication to empowering interpreters and elevating the experiences of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-hearing communities we serve,” said Laura Jones, Head of Operations at Sorenson Communications. “I am excited to continue investments that expand training and professional development opportunities that showcase our commitment to providing the best support for Sorenson’s valued interpreting team.”

As the leading VRS company, Sorenson continues to drive the ASL interpreting industry forward by advancing professional standards that help Sorenson’s interpreters deliver the highest quality interpreting services. In 2026, SIA remains focused on expanding opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to deliver meaningful, no-cost learning experiences that support interpreter growth and excellence. With the industry’s largest and most capable interpreter workforce, Sorenson continues its commitment to providing accessible communication for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

View this announcement in ASL

Press Contact:

Ann Norman
[email protected]

About Sorenson

As the leading language-services provider, Sorenson integrates patented technology with professional sign language interpreters to ensure the highest quality, functionally equivalent communication for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities we serve. Our product portfolio for individuals includes CaptionCall, Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom and Lumina Video Phone, and our Enterprise solutions for businesses includes Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-demand VRI and on-site interpreting. Sorenson enables and facilitates over 140 million conversations annually. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we endeavor to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

Clint Slusher Joins Sorenson Communications as Chief Financial Officer

Veteran Operating and Finance Executive Clint Slusher Brings Three Decades of Growth, Transformation, and Financial Leadership to Sorenson Communications

Salt Lake City, UT — January 21, 2026 — Clint Slusher, a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale business units and high-growth private-equity backed companies, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Sorenson Communications. With this appointment, Clint continues to be recognized for his ability to build, scale, and transform organizations for sustained, profitable growth.

Before joining Sorenson, Clint held senior leadership roles across high-growth and large-scale organizations, most recently as CFO and Head of Human Resources at Mercury Broadband. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade at Sprint in senior executive roles. Clint is known for guiding complex businesses through periods of transformation, overseeing enterprise-wide operations, and driving initiatives that improve performance, profitability, and long-term growth.

“Clint brings a rare combination of operational discipline, financial rigor, and people-first leadership,” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson Communications. “He has an exceptional ability to scale organizations responsibly while maintaining clear visibility into performance, risk, and long-term value creation. His experience leading complex, innovative businesses makes him an invaluable leader as we continue to grow and invest in the future.”

Clint holds a BA in Economics and MBA in Finance from the University of Missouri and is a graduate of Duke’s Executive Leadership Program.

With a career defined by disciplined execution, data-driven decision-making, and talent development, at Sorenson, Clint will help the company navigate complexity, scale responsibly, and deliver sustainable operational and financial performance.

View this announcement in ASL

Press Contact:

Ann Norman

About Sorenson

Sorenson Appoints Kaj van de Loo as General Manager of Advanced Sign Technology

Sorenson Strengthens Commitment to AI-Powered, Functionally Equivalent Accessibility Communications with Appointment of Kaj van de Loo

Salt Lake City, UT — December 9, 2025 — Sorenson announced today that Kaj van de Loo has joined the company as General Manager of Advanced Sign Technology (AST), reporting directly to CEO Paget Alves.

Advanced Sign-language Technology (AST) is a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence platform that combines computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing to recognize, interpret, and generate sign language in real time. By leveraging AI-driven algorithms and adaptive models, AST delivers highly accurate, context-aware communication solutions that bridge the gap between Deaf individuals and hearing communities. Sorenson’s commitment to AST reinforces the company’s mission to break down language barriers, enhance communication accessibility, and ensure functionally equivalent interactions in both personal and professional settings.

Kaj brings decades of experience driving product innovation, operational transformation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption across global enterprise software organizations. He joins Sorenson from his consulting and advisory practice, where he partnered with enterprise SaaS companies and their investors to advance product strategy, modernize technical architectures, and align organizations around AI-enabled business outcomes. His work consistently aided companies embed AI into core products and improve performance across all operational functions.

Before launching his advisory practice, Kaj held key executive roles at UserTesting, where he was Chief Product and Technology Officer and Chief Innovation Officer. During his tenure there, he led a comprehensive multi-year transformation of the company’s product and technology organizations. Kaj introduced a modern product strategy, elevated global product and engineering capabilities, and championed the strategic value of UserTesting’s data. These efforts resulted in the creation of a dedicated data and machine learning platform, and the launch of Machine Learning, AI, and Large Language Models (LLM) powered features.

Prior to that, Kaj held senior leadership roles at SAP, Oracle, and several high-growth startups, earning recognition as a top technology leader who builds high-performing global teams, leads major transformations and delivers impactful products.

“Kaj brings the perfect blend of strategic vision and hands on innovation to Sorenson,” said CEO Paget Alves. “His track record of building transformative technologies will help propel Sorenson’s AST into its next chapter of growth and impact. I am honored to welcome Kaj to Sorenson."

In his role as General Manager of AST at Sorenson, Kaj will lead the overall strategy for AST, product direction, and business execution as Sorenson accelerates its investment in advanced AI-powered sign language recognition and generation technologies as part of Sorenson’s continued mission to provide cutting edge, accessible communication for all.

View this announcement in ASL

Press Contact:

Ann Norman

About Sorenson

As the leading language-services provider, Sorenson integrates patented technology with professional sign language interpreters to ensure the highest quality functionally equivalent communication for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities we serve. Our product portfolio for individuals includes CaptionCall, Video Relay Service (VRS), VRS for Zoom and Lumina Video Phone, and our Enterprise solutions for businesses includes Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), On-demand VRI and on-site interpreting. Sorenson enables and facilitates over 140 million conversations annually. Sorenson is a portfolio company of Ariel Alternatives, and we endeavor to manage and minimize our environmental impact. To learn more, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

20-year Industry Veteran Sign Language Interactions is Now Launching Sorenson Interpreting

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SALT LAKE CITY – (March 28, 2023) Today, Sign Language Interactions (SLi) Limited, a Sorenson company in the United Kingdom, announced it is launching in England and Wales under Sorenson Interpreting, and later this year in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which will facilitate its mission to support human connections through in-person and video interpreting. The launch under the Sorenson brand marks two decades that SLi, SignVideo, and Sorenson have served the interpreting needs of Deaf and hearing people in the U.K. – with a combined 60 years of interpreting experience. In addition to service expansion, the company will continue to provide Video Relay Service (VRS) and community interpreting across the U.K. “Our mission-driven values of accessibility and impact that the Sorenson brand represents inspire us to deliver crucial language services to all customers everywhere, including England and Wales,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, the leading provider of British Sign Language (BSL) services in the United Kingdom and the leading provider of language services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities in the United States. “This commitment infuses the entire Sorenson organization. We are thrilled to now offer our services in the U.K. under the Sorenson brand. Together, we will continue to remove language barriers.” In November, SLi announced its transition to the Sorenson brand, which was refreshed last summer to reflect the global need for human connection and the network of communication services the company offers. SignVideo will now operate as SignVideo by Sorenson. “Our brand refresh journey has been exciting, rigorous, and thorough. We have met with many teams, researched our customers and our products, and carved out the identity of our company,” said Sorenson CMO Camila Casale. “What we have created is a stunning visual brand that will take Sorenson to the next level. We are ready to promote our bold new brand in the U.K. and to the rest of the world as we Connect Beyond Words.”

Prior to the Sorenson rebrand and during the previous twenty years, SLi and SignVideo helped pioneer the development and delivery of instant British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video interpreting across the U.K. and provided face-to-face interpreting in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their combined advocacy advanced BSL/English interpreting and led to even greater standards of service delivery and access to communication between Deaf and hearing people. This same dedication remains intact now with the transition to the Sorenson name.

Sorenson Interpreting can be booked through the new Sorenson U.K. website with bookings beginning April 3, 2023, at www.sorenson.co.uk

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Sorenson press contacts

U.K.

Semhar Beyene Director of Marketing Sorenson U.K. (044) 3333-447-712 [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]

Sorenson Earns Coveted Spot on Newsweek’s List of “America’s Greatest Workplaces in 2025”

Prestigious national workplace ranking highlights Sorenson’s innovation-driven leadership in employee satisfaction, workplace culture and technology SALT LAKE CITY – (September 3, 2025) – Sorenson, the global leader in accessible communication services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, and one of the world’s largest employers of sign language interpreters and Deaf people today announced it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in 2025. This honor reflects Sorenson’s strong performance across key indicators of workplace satisfaction, including compensation practices, work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and technology innovation. “Our people are the core of everything we do at Sorenson, and this recognition affirms the culture Sorenson has worked hard to build. “It’s especially meaningful to be recognized as a top U.S. employer since we are America’s largest employer of sign language interpreters.” said Paget Alves, CEO of Sorenson. “We collaborate closely with our interpreters and Deaf employees to continuously enhance the tools that support and empower them to excel, because when their tools evolve, so does their ability to lead the world in what they do best.” As the largest employer of sign language interpreters and one of the top employers of Deaf professionals in the U.S., Sorenson continues to set the standard for employment practices. In 2024 alone, the company provided more than 30,000 hours of professional development for interpreters and conducted over 700 employee training sessions across 120 topics. Sorenson champions career advancement through peer support networks and mentorship initiatives. The company also offers its employees a robust wellness program covering both physical and mental health services that include things like EAP resources for vicarious trauma counseling, spa services and reimbursements for specialized, ergonomic office furniture that helps interpreters maintain their physical health. In addition to America’s Greatest Workplace recognition, Sorenson has been named to four more sub-categories by Newsweek, including:

Newsweek’s awards, powered by the independent research firm Plant-A Insights, is based on a rigorous evaluation of more than 4.9 million employee reviews and over 400,000 confidential interviews. U.S. companies were assessed on over 15 key performance indicators including compensation, professional development, corporate values, and transparency. Employers engaged in unfair workplace practices were automatically disqualified from inclusion on any list. To learn more about Sorenson’s career opportunities and inclusive workplace culture, visit https://sorenson.com/company/careers/.

View 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 or es.sorenson.com.

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

Ann Norman Dir of Government Affairs & Public Relations +1 (801) 317‑7789 [email protected]

Sorenson Welcomes Pipier Bewlay as Chief Human Resources Officer