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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
+1 (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.

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

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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:

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Collaboration aims to improve real-time communication and assistance

LONDON – (May 21, 2024) SignVideo by Sorenson, the market leader in delivering on-demand video interpreting and community interpreting to the Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) community in the United Kingdom (UK), today announced it is providing sign language interpretation for the distinguished Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), founded in 1787 and today, the arbiter of laws relating to cricket globally and owner of Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“We are ecstatic to partner with Marylebone Cricket Club in creating social impact by removing language barriers for Deaf cricket fans in the UK. Our partnership provides communication access that is intended to enrich the experience for users of BSL,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, parent company of SignVideo, which offers interpreting services in the UK. “This means Deaf and hearing fan journeys will be very similar – an exciting breakthrough in creating equivalent participation.”  Whether Deaf people want to call to buy tickets for upcoming matches or discuss a membership package, SignVideo’s BSL video relay service, effective immediately, will offer Deaf people options to contact MCC the same way as hearing counterparts.

MCC staff and stewards will also be able to communicate on the spot with a Deaf person through an on-demand video BSL interpreter via a mobile or tablet device. This video remote interpreting service is especially useful when an interpreter is needed immediately, such as for ad-hoc Deaf spectators visiting on match days or for communicating with the ticket office or MCC club on non-match days.

Stuart Dunlop, Sustainability and Accessibility Manager, MCC, said: “Partnering with SignVideo is a very important step for MCC, as we continue to look into ways of ensuring that Lord’s is a Ground for all.

“We are very pleased to become the first cricket venue to partner with SignVideo, whose service will make it easier for members of the BSL community to communicate with the Club’s staff. We hope this partnership will open up the experience of Lord’s to those who previously may not have considered visiting,” Dunlop noted.

Founded in 2004 to advance equality of Deaf and hearing communities, SignVideo introduced the first videophone to Deaf people in the UK, providing instant access to BSL/English interpreting through video conferencing. Today, SignVideo by Sorenson’s services include online video and face-to-face BSL and Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting 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, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. Learn more about SignVideo by Sorenson. To learn more about the full range of services Sorenson offers, visit sorenson.com

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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 DeafBlind 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 sorenson.com/es.

About Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

There are few clubs in the world that have made as big an impact on any sport as MCC has made on cricket. From its iconic ground in north-west London, MCC has led the game for over 200 years and helped take it from a national pastime to a global obsession.

At our heart is Lord’s, the Home of Cricket. Taking care over every detail, we’re dedicated to growing its reputation as the most celebrated and admired venue in cricket. Everything we do is for the good of the game; from working with local communities to growing cricket’s global influence.

Founded in 1787, MCC is recognised as the sole authority on the game’s Laws. There are approximately 18,350 Full and 6,000 Associate Members of MCC.

Marylebone Cricket Club Press Contact

Seb Maxam
MCC Communications Officer
Lord’s Ground
(794) 871-5327
[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.

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

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SALT LAKE CITY – (May 15, 2024) – Sorenson, the leading provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities around the world, has secured a coveted spot on Fortune’s 2024 list of America’s Most Innovative Companies for the second consecutive year. This prestigious award, announced by Fortune and Statista Inc., recognizes the most innovative companies in the United States across various industries.

“We are honored to once again rank with America’s top companies in innovation,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which facilitates over 140 million conversations across all business lines each year. “By pioneering next-gen accessibility technology, we offer meaningful services that fundamentally enhance human connectivity, one conversation at a time.”

Sorenson’s recognition reflects its commitment to excellence across three key areas: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture. Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, conducted a rigorous evaluation process to determine the winners.

• Employee and industry expert insights: Statista deployed online surveys to assess Sorenson’s internal innovation culture and employee perspectives on process innovation. Additionally, industry experts – including recruiters, management consultants, and patent attorneys – provided their viewpoints on Sorenson’s product and external process innovation.
• Intellectual property analysis: To evaluate Sorenson’s intellectual property portfolio, Statista partnered with LexisNexis PatentSight. This platform analyzed the quantity and value of Sorenson’s patents, providing a data-driven assessment of innovation in product development.

By combining employee feedback, industry expert opinions, and a deep dive into intellectual property, Statista identified the 200 most innovative companies in the U.S., with Sorenson proudly ranking among them.

“Sorenson’s culture thrives on innovation,” said Ryan Sullivan, Sorenson’s Chief Product Officer. “This recognition is a direct result of our team’s dedication to developing products that empower inclusive communication. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how innovation unlocks potential and strengthens communities.”

This recognition underscores Sorenson’s dedication to continuous improvement and a commitment to developing solutions that empower millions to connect and communicate.

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.

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

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Businesses and organizations can now connect with Deaf users in real time, directly in Teams and Zoom with Sorenson Express for VRI

SALT LAKE CITY – (February 6, 2024) Sorenson, the leading provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities around the world, today launched Sorenson Express, integrations for Microsoft Teams and Zoom Video Communications, Inc.  Sorenson Express is an on-demand American Sign Language (ASL), Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) service for businesses that use Microsoft Teams or Zoom in their enterprises. Sorenson Express for VRI seamlessly integrates interpreters as active video participants into Microsoft Teams or Zoom video meetings and can integrate an ASL interpreter into video meetings on-demand.

Sorenson Express is the first B2B, ASL interpreting service to provide an integrated app experience with Teams and Zoom. The costs associated with Sorenson Express for VRI are undertaken by the business, not for the employee or consumer. This demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and workplace parity for Deaf, hard-of-hearing employees and customers on behalf of employers and businesses. Sorenson remains focused on advancing technology that advances workplace and market parity.

“At Sorenson, we are dedicated to delivering innovative, accessible and inclusive language services that give people the option to communicate in their preferred language and to form genuine connections,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which connects some 140 million conversations each year. “We are excited to extend our mission to make video calls more accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals with our innovative products and services. As a leading global language services provider, we are proud to drive this important effort and anticipate further collaboration with Microsoft, Zoom and other video communications platforms that will find Sorenson Express critical for their organizations.”

Sorenson Express for VRI helps businesses facilitate smoother remote meetings for Deaf professionals, enhance communication between Deaf and hearing colleagues, and support stronger relationship-building within teams. Key benefits of using Sorenson Express include:

• Convenience: Hassle-free way to access interpreters at a moment’s notice
• Inclusivity: Expands communication opportunities between signed and spoken languages
• Accessibility: Sorenson Express can bridge gaps whenever there’s a sudden need for an interpreter that wasn’t possible to schedule.
• Cost Efficiency: On-demand ASL interpreters provide greater workplace parity for Deaf employees and greater market parity for Deaf consumers.
• Multilingual Capabilities: Sorenson Express provides interpreting between ASL and both English and Spanish.
• Robust Workforce & Suppliers: The integration of Sorenson Express with Microsoft Teams and Zoom supports businesses in their efforts to promote inclusivity and embrace the wide-ranging skills and perspectives that Deaf employees bring to the workplace.

Download Microsoft Teams

Download Zoom

To use the Sorenson app, you  need  a Sorenson account. Get Sorenson Express for your business by signing up here.

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.

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

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LONDON – (February 21, 2024) Sorenson, the leading provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing communities around the world, today announced Sign Language Interactions, SignVideo, and Sorenson Interpreting have been named as suppliers for the Language Services Framework “Non-Spoken Language Interpreting” for NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC).

“We’re incredibly proud of being chosen by the NHS to provide quality language services to local authority councils, schools, police forces, fire and rescue services, and charities across the U.K.,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson. “This appointment represents a significant achievement for Sign Language Interactions, SignVideo, and Sorenson Interpreting, and exemplifies NHS’s commitment to effectively addressing language barriers and fostering an inclusive environment.”

The framework agreement, which commenced on January 2, 2024, and is set to expire on January 1, 2028, is a national framework available to all Procurement in Partnership Hubs, the wider NHS, and public sector entities like schools, police forces, and Third Sector Organizations. The appointment is a significant step toward enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of language services across the U.K.

“Joining the NOE CPC framework marks a significant step towards ensuring equal access and communication for Deaf people across the UK,” said Matthew King, General Manager of Sorenson in the U.K. “Through SignVideo, Sorenson Interpreting, and Sign Language Interactions we will continue to connect lives and enrich the human experience.”

One of the framework’s unique features is its accessibility to various organisations. Membership in the NOE CPC is not a prerequisite for utilizing the services offered. Organisations can directly request the award of work to suppliers through Sorenson UK Sales at [email protected] or reach out to Ruth Burns, the Supplier Relationship Manager at NOE CPC at [email protected] or by phone at (114) 212-7561.

Announcement in ASL

Announcement in BSL

About NOE CPC

Established in 2007, and wholly owned by the NHS, NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) provides collaborative and bespoke procurement solutions to the NHS and other public sector organizations.

Through category expertise and harnessing our collective buying power, NOE CPC delivers award-winning, compliant and innovative procurement solutions which save the NHS money. In addition to procurement expertise, NOE CPC provides tailored support, legal events and training to the public sector. For the NHS, by the NHS.

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.

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

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Salt Lake City – (Aug. 16, 2023) – Sorenson, a leading global language services provider of communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people, is pleased to announce the inclusion of technology and telecommunications veteran and Sorenson Chief Executive Officer Jorge Rodriguez on the esteemed 2024 HITEC 100 list which honors the most influential and distinguished Hispanic professionals in technology.

Annually, HITEC recognizes the achievements and contributions of the top U.S.-based Hispanic technology executives with the goal of celebrating their impactful leadership and inspiring others looking to build careers in technology. HITEC’s vision is to accelerate the power and impact of Hispanic technology leaders, achieving lasting equity from the classroom to the boardroom. Last year, Rodriguez was named Sorenson’s first Latino CEO.

“I continue to be inspired by the impact and achievements of these Latinx tech leaders,” said HITEC Board Member and Awards Committee Chair Alvaro Celis. “On behalf of the HITEC Board of Directors and the awards committee members, a most heartfelt congratulations to the HITEC 100 awardees. We look forward to celebrating you.”

Rodriguez, who is expanding Sorenson’s accessible and inclusive services to new communities and countries, has more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry, and Rodriguez served as president and CEO of multiple América Móvil companies, including Claro Enterprise Solutions and Telvista, Inc. He is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the tech industry and is committed to using technology to improve the lives of people around the world.

“I am honored to be named to the HITEC 100 list,” said Rodriguez. “I am committed to using technology to make a positive and sustainable impact in the world, and I am proud to be a part of HITEC’s mission.”

The 2024 HITEC 100 Award recipients include some of the world’s most respected Hispanic leaders from global Fortune 100 firms, including CEOs, CIOs, CTOs and leaders in technology disciplines. Forty-nine percent of this year’s HITEC 100 Award recipients are Latinas, and recipients come from 19 unique countries from throughout Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Recipients are leaders from 63 different companies and 36 percent are being recognized with the HITEC 100 Award for the first time.

“I am so proud to see the accomplishments of our Hispanic Technology Executives that are driving change and innovation in their organizations,” said HITEC Board Chair Rosa Ramos-Kwok. “The HITEC 100 recipients are ‘el orgullo’ [the pride] of our community.”

Rodriguez holds an M.S. degree in technology from Columbia University, earned an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology, is a graduate of Kenan-Flagler’s (UNC Chapel Hill) Masters Advanced Management Program, and received his B.A. in biology-molecular biology from Colgate University. Mr. Rodriguez serves on external boards, including the Board of Overseers for Columbia University SPS.

HITEC, a premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives, stands devoted to cultivating exceptional careers in the tech industry. With a vision to accelerate the influence and impact of Hispanic technology leaders, HITEC strives for lasting equity, creating opportunities from the classroom to the boardroom.

To view the complete HITEC 100 list, please click here

Announcement in ASL

About HITEC

HITEC is a leading global executive leadership organization, comprising senior business and technology executives, committed to advancing inclusivity within the technology sector. Through its various initiatives and the annual HITEC 100 recognition, the organization strives to empower Hispanic technology leaders, creating a more equitable and inclusive tech industry. For more information, please contact HITEC Programs Director Cristin Aguilera, at [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.

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