Deafblindness

Sorenson Launches On-Demand ASL Interpreting Through Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) for Enterpreises That Use Microsoft Teams or Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Zoom Video Communications, Language, ASL, Deafblindness, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Video remote interpreting, VRI, Microsoft, Communication, American Sign Language, Workplace, Organization, Management

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Key Points: 
  • 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.
  • Key benefits of using Sorenson Express include:
    Accessibility: Sorenson Express can bridge gaps whenever there's a sudden need for an interpreter that wasn't possible to schedule.

Olelo by Sorenson Rebrands to CaptionCall Mobile

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
App Store (iOS/iPadOS), Deafblindness, Hearing loss, Holiday, Google Play, Deafness, Language, Customer service, History, Communication, Mobile phone

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sorenson , the leading language services provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, and global language communities, today announced the rebranding of its Olelo app to CaptionCall Mobile .

Key Points: 
  • SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sorenson , the leading language services provider of inclusive communication services for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, DeafBlind, and global language communities, today announced the rebranding of its Olelo app to CaptionCall Mobile .
  • The CaptionCall Mobile app provides real-time captions during phone conversations with the same exceptional features and functionality that Olelo users have come to rely on, powered by advanced artificial intelligence technology.
  • In addition to the name change, the CaptionCall Mobile app will also undergo a visual refresh, featuring an updated color palette.
  • Saved Transcripts: After users hang up, CaptionCall Mobile will securely store a history of captioned calls on the device for later review.

Sorenson Launches Sound Off Project to Support Veterans with Hearing Loss

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Military cadence, SOP, Organization, Deafblindness, Language, Sound Off, Hearing loss, Communication, African Americans, WWII, Education, Veteran

Sorenson provides innovative and easy-to-use communication solutions to those with eligible hearing loss who need captions to use a phone.

Key Points: 
  • Sorenson provides innovative and easy-to-use communication solutions to those with eligible hearing loss who need captions to use a phone.
  • We are dedicated to empowering military service members and veterans who live with hearing loss," said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson, which connects more than 140 million conversations across all business lines annually.
  • "This initiative is a call to action, a pledge from Sorenson to advocate for veterans; and, a commitment to support our Veteran communities."
  • "The Sound Off Project is a much-needed initiative to help to raise awareness about hearing loss and provide my fellow veterans with the support and resources they need.

Sorenson and GlobalVRS Unite to Expand Communication Accessibility

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Communication, FCC, Deafblindness, VRS, Deafness, SALT, Language, ASL

Over the last few months, Sorenson and GlobalVRS have worked closely with the FCC to ensure customers experienced a seamless transition of services and continuous access to VRS.

Key Points: 
  • Over the last few months, Sorenson and GlobalVRS have worked closely with the FCC to ensure customers experienced a seamless transition of services and continuous access to VRS.
  • The continuation of GlobalVRS services with Sorenson is a significant milestone that will broaden the reach of accessible technology to the Deaf and DeafBlind communities.
  • "We are excited to welcome GlobalVRS customers to the Sorenson family and offer even more comprehensive and innovative accessibility services,” said Jorge Rodriguez, CEO of Sorenson.
  • “GlobalVRS and Sorenson are aligned in our commitment to serving the Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and diverse communities to connect people beyond words.

Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) is on the Move!

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Communication, Hearing, Hard, Huber loss, Anixter, Chicago River, Patient, Deafblindness, CHS, Person, Nightclub

CHICAGO, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center announced today, Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) which provides communication access; hearing and assistive technologies; and support services for persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing will relocate and lease space at 2017 North Mendell, in the Lincoln Park Riverfront area, in early 2024.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center announced today, Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) which provides communication access; hearing and assistive technologies; and support services for persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing will relocate and lease space at 2017 North Mendell, in the Lincoln Park Riverfront area, in early 2024.
  • This is one of Chicago's most progressive work environments and is situated between on the Chicago River between Webster and Cortland.
  • CHS will be occupying a little over 5,000 square feet of space in this 62,000 square foot loft building.
  • "We look forward to welcoming our clients, patients, and visitors to this newly redeveloped modern environment.

Massachusetts Innovation Network Announces its 2023 Eddies Finalists

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Software, Other Health, Pharmaceutical, Other Natural Resources, Optical, Apps, Applications, Technology, Medical Devices, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Artificial Intelligence, Other Technology, Health, 3D, University, Innovation, Deafblindness, David M. Eddy, Movement, Government, Dermatology, System, Patient, NE, WPI, Fertility, Collaborative innovation network, Arthropathy, Virus, Health equity, Strep, Injury, Medical device, Medical imaging, Birth control

Massachusetts Innovation Network has announced the finalists for its signature innovation competition, The Eddies.

Key Points: 
  • Massachusetts Innovation Network has announced the finalists for its signature innovation competition, The Eddies.
  • The Eddies (formerly known as NE Innovation Awards) is the oldest innovation competition in the area, turning 37 this year.
  • All Finalists will demonstrate their Innovation and deliver a in-person to Judges and members of the Innovation Ecosystem, at The Eddies Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, October 4th.
  • Recognition for all teams, celebration of the season and award announcements will be made at The Eddies Evening of Innovation on Wednesday, November 8th.

DeafBlind Ontario Services joins global initiative to raise awareness for deafblindness

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Communication, Life, Yarn, Deafblindness, Peter, AASL, American Sign Language, Citizens Service Centres, Hearing, System, Developmental disability, SEE, Lace

Each June, DeafBlind Ontario Services joins service providers and individuals who are deafblind across Canada to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people who are deafblind.

Key Points: 
  • Each June, DeafBlind Ontario Services joins service providers and individuals who are deafblind across Canada to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people who are deafblind.
  • “This initiative gives us an opportunity to collectively build a deeper understanding about people who are deafblind and the need for essential services, such as Intervenor Services, to help them live their best lives,” says Roxanna Spruyt, CEO of DeafBlind Ontario Services.
  • As a person who is deafblind, Peter has been receiving support from DeafBlind Ontario Services for 34 years.
  • DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as people who are Deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability.

Borealis Philanthropy and Ford Foundation Launch $1 Million Disability x Tech Fund to Advance Leadership of People with Disabilities in Tech Innovation

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Intelligence, Internet, Organization, Disability, Communication, Partnership, Research, Ford, Ford Foundation, Legislation, Deafness, Fund, Suma, Deafblindness, Disability rights movement, Borealis, Education, Woman, Technology and society, Spectrum, Bias, Autism spectrum, Pension fund, Insurance, Online shopping

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Borealis Philanthropy and the Ford Foundation announced the launch of the $1 million Disability x Tech Fund, the only national fund supporting disability-led groups working to bring about transformational change at the intersections of disability rights, justice and technology. The Disability x Tech Fund's inaugural cohort of grantees is comprised of five disability-led organizations and two individual fellows addressing fieldwide harms that occur when people with disabilities are excluded from the development, deployment and governance of tech. Those include algorithmic bias that undermines access to necessary benefits, biometric surveillance that disproportionately punishes people with disabilities and barriers to participation in the digital economy, among others. The Fund's grantees seek to address these harms through research, litigation strategies, accessible content creation and interpretation, and frontline community-developed open source platforms. 

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Borealis Philanthropy and the Ford Foundation announced the launch of the $1 million Disability x Tech Fund, the only national fund supporting disability-led groups working to bring about transformational change at the intersections of disability rights, justice and technology.
  • The Disability x Tech Fund will expand the participation, leadership and thought partnership of overlooked and under-resourced people with disabilities across the tech sector.
  • The Disability x Tech Fund is housed at Borealis Philanthropy under its Disability Inclusion Fund with support from the Ford Foundation.
  • The Disability x Tech Fund was designed by, for and with disabled leaders, and we hope this initiative can serve as a model for philanthropy."

Sorenson Develops ASL Interpreters to Impact and Improve Lives Through Communication

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Emerald, Emerald Program, Mentorship, DIA, ASL, Deafblindness, Video relay service, Language, Integral, SALT, Student, Amazon, VRS, Education, Employment, Communication, Language industry, Operation, Compass, Deafness

Sorenson, an industry leader in the provision of language services, hosted 17 panel webinars for nearly 1,000 underrepresented interpreters and interpreting students.

Key Points: 
  • Sorenson, an industry leader in the provision of language services, hosted 17 panel webinars for nearly 1,000 underrepresented interpreters and interpreting students.
  • Sorenson also propelled more than 275 new interpreters into Video Relay Service (VRS) careers through its Emerald Program, designed to bridge the school-to-work gap that delays employment for many interpreters.
  • Sorenson programs like Corporate Consortium, in collaboration with Amazon, last year supported 29 new, diverse interpreters into the field of interpreting including six trilingual interpreters.
  • “Since 2018, Sorenson has provided over 160,000 hours of instructional content to thousands of interpreters,” said Laura Hartness, Sorenson Senior Vice President of Operations.

CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation Awards Four Research Grants to Institutions Leading Research to Advance the Future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Linda, Deafblindness, Grant (money), FEC, Infant, Gallaudet University, University, Ball State University, MacEwan University, ASL, Fatigue, Dizziness, Knowledge Organization (journal), Hearing loss, Quality of life, American Sign Language, University of Alberta, Risk, Research, Social determinants of health, Hearing, The Fall Risk, Disability, Magic: The Gathering core sets, 1993–2007, Innovation, CHS, Ball, Pharmaceutical industry, Medical device, Deafness, Western University

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation, a non-profit organization and strategic global leader in the advancement of research and innovation that improves the quality of life for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, is excited to announce that it has awarded its first four research grants – totalling $400,000 - to institutions leading research that will break down barriers to participation for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.

Key Points: 
  • To learn more, click here .
  • We are proud to offer research grants that support the brightest researchers and innovators in the world in their quest to reimagine the future of hearing health and Deaf studies,” says Julia N. Dumanian, President & Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Hearing Services.
  • Tamaki's research has strong potential to improve the quality of life for older Deaf adults experiencing balance problems and who are at risk for falls.
  • I wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Tamaki on this award that will allow this important research to reduce health inequities and have a positive impact on our communities.”