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.












































SALT LAKE CITY – (July 29, 2025) – Sorenson Communications, a leader in inclusive communication services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pipier Bewlay as the company’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
With decades in entrepreneurial leadership and human resources executive experience, Pipier Bewlay brings a strong record of building inclusive and productive workplaces. Pipier has the unique ability to align workplace cultures with business goals, lead and manage large teams with complex needs, and develop HR strategies that serve both the company and its employees.
Prior to joining Sorenson, Bewlay held senior HR roles at Bridge Investment Group Holdings, Inc. and Imagine Learning, Inc. where she was instrumental in M&A, reducing spending through thoughtful consolidations, facilitating operational efficiency, and maintaining employee engagement.
“Pipier is a visionary leader who brings expansive expertise and passion for people-first leadership,” said Paget Alves – CEO of Sorenson Communications. “Her commitment to fostering inclusive and effective work environments aligns perfectly with our mission to connect and enrich communication for the Deaf and Hard of hearing communities we serve. I am beyond thrilled to welcome her to our executive team.”
Her appointment underscores Sorenson’s continued investment in its employees, and its commitment to being an employer of choice in the accessibility and technology sectors.