Newsroom | Sorenson Communications

SALT LAKE CITY – (May 2, 2023) – Today, American Business Awards® announced Sorenson’s AI-powered phone captioning app, Olelo by Sorenson, has been named the 2023 Gold Stevie® Award winner in this year’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Solution category. The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Tuesday, June 13. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for Olelo by Sorenson,” said Rick Kreifeldt, Chief Technology Officer of Sorenson, the leading provider of accessible and inclusive language services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and diverse communities. “Through cutting-edge artificial intelligence and natural language processing, we have the power to revolutionize the lives of those with hearing loss, providing a communication experience that is not only functionally equivalent but also effortless.” This year, more than 3,700 Stevie Award nominations were submitted for consideration in a wide range of categories. For more than two decades, the Stevies have recognized excellence in business and are widely considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. “What makes Olelo unique is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for Automated Speech Recognition (ASR),” one of the anonymous judges commented. “ASR recognizes speech on two fronts: at the acoustic level, where it ‘listens’ to the sound of a spoken word and produces text corresponding to that sound, and through natural language processing models that provide a contextual framework for analyzing the broader meaning of combinations of words.” Olelo provides real-time captions for phone conversations, making it easier for people with hearing loss and who need captions to use the phone to place and receive calls. By utilizing speech-to-text technology, Olelo transcribes conversations in real-time, allowing users to read along as they listen. The app is designed to work with various phone systems and is available for free on both Apple Store and Google Play. With its simple interface, users can adjust the font size and color of the captions to their preferences and save transcribed conversations for later. Olelo offers a variety of additional benefits. The app is built with one of the fastest speech-to-text recognition software available, ensuring users see words in real-time as they are spoken. In addition, Olelo stores a history of captioned calls on the user’s device for later review. And Olelo is provided at no cost to users as it is supported through a federally funded government program that provides captioned phone service for people with hearing loss who require captions to use the phone. Sorenson’s commitment to innovation in communication technology has been a driving force since its inception twenty years ago. Olelo reinforces Sorenson’s position as a leader in the communication industry, providing cutting-edge solutions that enable people with hearing loss to communicate more confidently and effectively connect with others in a meaningful way. “It is very gratifying for us to be able to recognize the achievements of such a wide variety of organizations, teams, and individuals in the 21st ABAs, and we look forward to bringing them together in New York on June 13 to celebrate with them,” said Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards.

Download Olelo by Sorenson here

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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.

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

Sorenson Brand Strikes Gold! Wins Top Honors in 2023 Hermes Creative Awards for Outstanding Marketing and Branding Campaigns

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SALT LAKE CITY – (May 1, 2023) – Today, Sorenson was recognized as a gold award recipient in the 2023 Hermes Creative Awards competition, in the marketing category of “Branding refresh” for their rigorous six-week rebrand that set a new industry standard for inclusivity. Sorenson was honored for outstanding work while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals. With some 6,500 entries this year, Sorenson’s award is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence.

“It’s truly rewarding to see our passion for human connection recognized in the 2023 Hermes Creative Awards,” said Sorenson Chief Marketing Officer Camila Casale. “Our team is dedicated to crafting compelling and impactful content that not only showcases our accessible communication solutions but also tells the inspiring stories of the individuals and communities we serve. This esteemed recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and elevating our creative strategies to foster deeper connections and drive positive change.”

For two decades, Sorenson has been the leader in delivering accessible communications, technology, and services to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the U.S. and, more recently, in the United Kingdom. Sorenson has revolutionized the way people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing communicate with Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services, video remote American and British Sign Language interpreting, and in-person Sign Language interpreting. Sorenson’s commitment to providing accessible communication services has expanded to include diverse communities around the world, and they now process over 140 million conversations annually.

The Hermes Creative Awards are administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), which consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital media production, and freelance professionals. The AMCP mission supports creative professionals who contribute unique talents to public service and charitable organizations like Sorenson.

“Our brand idea is the driving force behind our new visual communication approach,” explained Casale. “Sorenson is the connective layer that creates an infinite tapestry of connections worldwide, providing a platform to communicate ideas and emotions beyond words. Our logo, inspired by that connective tapestry, is a symbol of our commitment to connection and communication.”

Judges for the Hermes Creative Awards are experienced industry professionals who seek to recognize companies like Sorenson that surpass a high standard of excellence and serve as a benchmark for the industry.

Sorenson is honored to be among this year’s gold award recipients and remains dedicated to providing exceptional communication services and products that enable seamless communication for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and who sign and speak different languages.

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About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Sorenson Executives Win Transformation Leader of the Year, Chief Marketing Officer of the Year

Available in Spanish

SALT LAKE CITY – (April 19, 2023) –This week, the TITAN Business Awards, hosted by International Awards Associate (IAA) named Sorenson CEO Jorge Rodriguez Transformation Leader of the Year and Sorenson Chief Marketing Officer Camila Casale Chief Marketing Officer of the Year. Both executives were Platinum Winners in their respective categories for their individual efforts to expand Sorenson’s accessible and inclusive language services while continuing to be the leading provider of communication services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

The IAA’s TITAN Business Awards are an annual awards program that recognizes outstanding businesses and professionals worldwide. The awards cover a range of categories, including business and corporate communications, marketing, public relations, human resources, and customer service, among others. The TITAN Business Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts — such as Surabhi Shastri (Instagram / Meta), Oliver Dietrich (Mission Mittelstand), and Sudha Ranganathan (LinkedIn) — who evaluated nominees based on their performance and achievements.

“We wish to congratulate the winners and commend them for the stellar works they submitted,” Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of IAA, remarked. “We are proud to be a platform for entrepreneurs and businesses to showcase their works and to honor their excellence in business with recognition.”

Jorge Rodriguez’s Transformation Leader of the Year recognition by the TITAN Business Awards is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to driving transformational change at Sorenson. As CEO, his commitment to empowering individuals and change leadership style has been key to Sorenson’s continued success.

In January 2022, when Rodriguez joined Sorenson, the company’s leadership roles were — and traditionally had been — held by white men. Sorenson’s new majority owners, Ariel Alternatives, LLC, sought to emphasize broader representation and inclusion, and Rodriguez was the driving force for that change. Sorenson is more adaptable, flexible, and agile, able to respond to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape.

“This award recognizes Sorenson’s ongoing commitment to breaking down communication barriers and connecting people,” said Rodriguez, in response to his Titan Business Award in the Executives & Professionals of the Year category. “At Sorenson, we strive to transform the way people communicate, and this recognition is a testament to the incredible work our team has accomplished. We will continue to innovate to drive transformational change, making a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

Casale’s recognition of Chief Marketing Officer of the Year in the category of Marketing acknowledges her passion for innovative communication and marketing solutions with metric-driven growth. In 2022, Casale led a rigorous six-week brand refresh that set a new industry standard for inclusivity.

“This recognition reflects Sorenson’s commitment to delivering innovative communication solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people,” said Casale, “I’m proud to be a part of such a dedicated team and will continue to break down communication barriers to empower individuals.”

About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Fortune Names Sorenson to America’s Most Innovative Companies

Available in Spanish

SALT LAKE CITY – (March 29, 2023) – Sorenson, the leading language services provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people, has been named to Fortune’s prestigious list of America’s Most Innovative Companies. The announcement, made on the multinational business magazine’s website, http://Fortune.com , is presented by Fortune and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award recognizes Sorenson’s innovative activity across three pillars: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture. Each pillar was equally weighted and factored into Sorenson’s total score.

“We are honored to be recognized alongside some of the most innovative companies in the world,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which across all service lines connects more than 140 million conversations annually – in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and United Kingdom. “This recognition is a testament to our culture of innovation where we forge new ideas and think about fresh ways to implement processes and technology. We are committed to innovation in all aspects of our business, from the accessible products and services we offer to the ways we deliver them.”

The award was based on a holistic view of Sorenson’s innovative activity and the following three pillars:

Product innovation: Focused on innovations in R&D, production, sales, and marketing, in the development, the manufacturing and marketing of new products and the diversification of products.
Process innovation: Considers process innovations in production / operations, strategy, planning, controlling and quality assurance.
Innovation culture: Primarily includes the introduction of a corporate culture that promotes creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the creation of scope for innovation to improve employee motivation and increase job satisfaction.

In each of these three areas, Sorenson received a score which was included equally in the final score.

This award follows a series of other prestigious accolades for Sorenson, including being named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers and Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies. Sorenson has also been recognized for its commitment to a culture of belonging, inclusion, and exceptional candidate experience. Additionally, last week, Olelo by Sorenson was recognized by Business Intelligence Group with the Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award.

About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Sorenson Chief Relationship Officer Receives Outstanding Integration Accessibility Award from Deaf in Government

Lance Pickett recognized for commitment to providing accessible communications and technology services to enable connections

SALT LAKE CITY – (March 28, 2023) Sorenson, the global leader in accessible language services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people, today announced that Chief Relationship Officer (CRO) Lance Pickett has received the Outstanding Integration Accessibility Award from Deaf in Government (DIG), a non-profit advocacy organization that supports local, state, and federal employees who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Pickett received the honor earlier this month at the 38th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability, organized by the Center on Disability Studies in partnership with DIG.

The award recognizes leaders who advance DIG’s mission of supporting government employees who seek to overcome communication barriers, resolve accessibility issues, and promote a fully supportive work environment through networking and fostering professional growth.

“Lance has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting the Deaf community and to creating an environment that enhances communication between friends, co-workers, and families,” said Cham Le, DIG President. “I look forward to continuing to work with Lance to help our members benefit from Sorenson’s next-generation technologies and platforms.”

Pickett joined Sorenson in 2003 as a Director of Technical Support, advancing steadily to a Vice President of Corporate Marketing role. In April of 2022, he was appointed Chief Relationship Officer, becoming Sorenson’s first Deaf C-level executive, and playing a critical leadership role in meeting people who are Deaf to evaluate their needs and wants and to collect customer feedback. Pickett also supports community events and works to improve customer retention and strengthen Sorenson’s long-term customer value proposition.

“Lance exemplifies Sorenson’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson. “His leadership, insights, and experience are essential to defining and executing our business strategy and advancing our vision of delivering seamless communication to underserved communities.”

Deaf in Government and Sorenson have a longstanding collaborative relationship aimed at expanding access to communication tools and creating a work environment that fosters professional growth among workers at all levels of government. To that end, Sorenson was recently awarded a General Services Administration contract, which entitles the company to sell selected accessible language services to federal, state, and local government and non-profit entities.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Deaf in Government,” said Pickett. “It’s a privilege to work with Cham and his team, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure accessibility for Deaf employees at every level of government.”

About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

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

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Available in Spanish

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 press contacts

U.S.

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

Sorenson for Zoom is the First ASL Video Relay Service Available in the Zoom App Marketplace

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Sorenson teams up with Zoom to offer first-of-its-kind interpretation services for Deaf users to connect through video

SALT LAKE CITY – (March 27, 2023) Today, Sorenson, the leading language services provider of communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people, has teamed up with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. to bring the first app that allows hosts to request American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to provide interpretation services on Zoom’s communication and collaboration platform. Sorenson for Zoom is available from the Zoom App Marketplace, allowing meeting hosts to seamlessly integrate an ASL interpreter into Zoom Meetings as an active video participant, making virtual meetings more convenient and inclusive for people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

“We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive language services that give people the tools they need to converse in their natural language, providing them with true connection through communication. We are proud to team with Zoom in this initiative to realize our mission of making video calls more accessible to everyone, including people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which processes 140 million calls across languages and countries each year. “As one of the leading global language services providers, we are pleased to pioneer this landmark effort, and we look forward to future collaborations with Zoom.”

Sorenson for Zoom enables meeting hosts to seamlessly integrate an ASL interpreter into calls on-demand, without the need to schedule separate ASL interpreting services in advance. In addition, Sorenson’s web app gives Zoom Meeting hosts and participants access to inviting an on-demand ASL interpreter to meetings.

The easy-to-use Zoom platform is available on most devices, and the Sorenson for Zoom app can be downloaded from the Zoom App Marketplace with the click of a button. On-demand interpreters make it easy for Deaf business owners to conduct remote meetings, Deaf parents to conference with teachers remotely, Deaf individuals in two different locations to video conference with extended family and friends, and more. Some additional benefits of using Sorenson for Zoom include:

Deaf participants can see their meeting and the interpreter in the same window – no need to toggle back and forth between a videophone and Zoom window.
Both Deaf participants and interpreters can view shared screens and content in meetings while still seeing each other.
Interpreters can see the meeting participants, allowing them to easily identify speakers and convey unspoken context.
With the ability to see everything in the meeting, interpreters will now be able to see screen sharing, which allows for more accurate interpreting.
Hearing participants can also see the interpreter, so they can pause to allow time for the messages to be relayed.

As the first ASL interpreting app of its kind available in the Zoom App Marketplace, Sorenson for Zoom was developed as part of a global mission to increase equity and accessibility for underrepresented people. Sorenson remains committed to connecting people so their relationships can thrive.

“I love this feature,” said Barbara White, a Sorenson for Zoom user from California School for the Deaf, Fremont. “It is so user friendly and allows us to be as autonomous as possible in quickly being able to schedule Zoom Meetings without having to schedule interpreters, plus it’s helpful to have them right in the screen rather than on a separate monitor. All the interpreters are top notch and do their jobs well.”

Download Zoom here

Download Sorenson for Zoom here

To use the Sorenson app, you will need to have a Sorenson account.
If you do not have a Sorenson account, sign up for one here

Access Sorenson’s web app here

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About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Sorenson Announces Grand Opening of New Puerto Rico Center, A Symbol of Commitment to Growth, Opportunity, and Community Impact

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Presence in Puerto Rico will assist expansion of services.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – (March 25, 2023) Today, Salt Lake City-based Sorenson, the leading language services provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people, hosted a celebratory open house to introduce the company’s newest American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, translation, and captioning services center. The center, along with last year’s re-opening of Sorenson’s Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) service operations in Puerto Rico, symbolizes the company’s commitment to connecting people, businesses, and communities while simultaneously expanding economic, employment, and community partnership opportunities on the island.

“The new Sorenson center supports the essential, technology-driven communication services we provide that connect our customers. The center will also serve as a gathering place for the community – a special, synergistic place where ideas are generated,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson. “We recognize the contributions of our dedicated team members and partners in Puerto Rico, and we look forward to future collaboration as we continue to serve individual customers, local enterprises, government, and advocacy groups.”

Currently, across all service lines, Sorenson connects more than 140 million conversations annually in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Sorenson Puerto Rican center will serve as an operational anchor in the Caribbean to support the expansion of the company’s accessible and inclusive language services.

To celebrate the Sorenson Puerto Rico center’s opening, and as a demonstration of the company’s ongoing commitment to linguistic diversity, Sorenson today announced a new feature: VRS Spanish Toggle. The feature gives Deaf callers on any VRS-enabled endpoint an easy option to choose whether the next VRS call uses a Spanish or English interpreter.

With two decades of experience working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities who have often been overlooked, Sorenson is driven by an overarching mission to serve underrepresented people and communities, including those in Puerto Rico.

“I know firsthand how life-changing interpreting and captioning services are for Deaf people. These services have provided me with true accessibility and inclusion which, in turn, have led to opportunities for me to grow personally and professionally. I can’t imagine my life today without these meaningful language services,” said Sorenson Chief Relationship Officer Lance Pickett.

Sorenson intends to expand its suite of language services. These will support business diversity and drive economic impact in Puerto Rico through a variety of initiatives – including challenging businesses to hire equitably, increasing accessibility of products to underserved communities, partnering with minority-owned vendors and suppliers, and establishing partnerships with advocacy organizations to support civil rights.

View announcement in ASL

About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Olelo Awarded for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence by Business

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Sorenson recognized for applying AI to real-life problems

SALT LAKE CITY, March 23, 2023 – Sorenson, the leading language services provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and diverse people, announced today that the Olelo by Sorenson application has been awarded the Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award for Natural Language Processing by Business Intelligence Group (BIG). According to BIG, the business awards program recognizes products that bring AI to life and apply it to solve real problems. The award was based on Olelo’s exceptional use of AI to provide solutions for individuals with hearing loss who need captions to use the phone.

“We’re proud to be recognized for leveraging artificial intelligence to connect people, break down communication barriers, and create a more inclusive world,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson. “We believe that everyone deserves equal access to communication, and Olelo is helping make that a reality by enabling individuals with hearing loss who need captions to use the phone to communicate more effectively and efficiently.”

Rick Kreifeldt, Chief Technology Officer of Sorenson, added, “Artificial intelligence has the power to transform the lives of people with hearing loss. By harnessing the latest advancements in AI and natural language processing, we’re providing those individuals with a communication experience that is functionally equivalent and effortless.”

The Olelo app uses AI to caption phone conversations in real time for those who have difficulty hearing and who rely on captions to use the phone, enabling users to read along as they listen. The app works by using speech-to-text technology to transcribe each conversation as it happens. One of the benefits of Olelo is that it is designed to work with a variety of phone systems, and it is available in both Apple Store and Google Play. The app also features a simple interface that allows users to adjust the font size and color of the captions.

Other benefits include:

No Cost: Olelo is supported through a federally funded government program that provides no-cost captioned phone service for people with hearing loss who require captions to use the phone.
Speed: Olelo is built with the fastest speech-to-text recognition software available, meaning you see the words in real-time as someone is speaking to you.
Saved Transcripts: After users hang up, Olelo stores a history of captioned calls on the user’s device for later review.

Sorenson’s commitment to innovation and technology has been at the forefront of its operations since its inception twenty years ago. With Olelo, Sorenson has further solidified its position as a leader in the communication industry, providing cutting-edge solutions that help people with hearing loss communicate more confidently and effectively connect with others in a meaningful way.

Download Olelo for Sorenson here

About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

Language Services Provider Sorenson Embraces Recently Awarded GSA Contract

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Available in Spanish

Trusted provider to aid government entities in becoming more accessible and inclusive

SALT LAKE CITY – (Feb. 23, 2023) Sorenson today announced it has been awarded a General Services Administration (GSA Schedule) Contract, entitling the company to sell its language services to federal, state, and local government and non-profit entities. The new GSA designation also allows Sorenson to further its mission of creating opportunities for greater connection and collaboration among diverse government workers in the public sector. The GSA designation is beneficial for agencies already familiar with compliance requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. “To truly nurture organizational belonging and expand opportunities for all people to thrive, we must establish inclusive and accessible cultures – cultures of belonging – where workers have the tools they need to effectively communicate on an equal basis,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, the leading provider of communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and diverse communities. “We are eager to support government agencies and, as we have done in the private sector, provide them with various options for communication.” Currently, through the new GSA designation, any government agency can now directly make purchases from Sorenson. Sorenson’s GSA Schedule is a five-year, renewable contract. More information can be found here. “Adding Sorenson to the GSA Schedule is a win for everyone – Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people. Now government agencies have more options for a broad spectrum of accessible communication tools, a key component of breaking down conversational barriers and creating a fully inclusive work environment that fosters networking and professional growth among all workers within the culture,” said Cham Le, president of Deaf in Government, an advocacy organization that supports local, state, and federal employees who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and that also serves as a resource organization for the government. GSA Schedule Contracts streamline the government sales process because they have pre-established pricing, terms, and conditions that government buyers can use to purchase from a company. While GSA Schedule Contracts are primarily used to sell to federal agencies, in certain circumstances they can also be used to sell to state and local government. The GSA Schedule was started by President Harry Truman in 1949 to simplify and organize government purchasing of products and services. Today, the GSA Schedule is the primary and preferred resource to procure goods and services for the government. In fiscal year 2021, more than $195M was contracted through GSA for translation and interpretation services. Sorenson connects more than 140 million conversations each year by offering a full suite of inclusive 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. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can have full access to communication through Sorenson products and services. To learn more about the full range of services Sorenson offers, visit sorenson.com

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About Sorenson

Sorenson press contacts

U.S.

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

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