Sorenson, Shame on You!

Banjo · 05-19-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Sorenson, shame on you!

Shame on you!

The provincial government of British Columbia, shame on you!

Shame on you!

The federal government of Canada, shame on you!

Shame on you!

Some of you may have heard by now, Sorenson set up a VRS (Video Relay Service) call centre in Burnaby, British Columbia. It is a province right above the state of Washington. Some of you may think that's a great thing. Well, it's not. It's already causing problems for the deaf communities in British Columbia. You see, Sorenson is not supported by either governments of B.C. (British Columbia) or Canada. That means we cannot use their services. Basically, it is okay for them to lure our interpreters away and cause a critical shortage, which they already have caused in several places across the USA.

To read the full blog entry, click here.

authentic · 05-19-2008, 05:43 PM

That is business, you can't really do anything about it.

Banjo · 05-19-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by authentic

That is business, you can't really do anything about it.

Not when it is interfering with the deaf Canadians' rights to an interpreter in Canada.

Wokamuka · 05-19-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

"I think it's tough because most interpreters are community-minded but they also need to pay the bills."

Sorenson contributes to the problem while providing consistent employment with benefits. Shaking your fist at Sorenson while not blaming the Canadian interpreters?

Quote:

"It's a bigger problem than just in Vancouver," she said. "There are a shortage of interpreters everywhere. There are many reasons for the interpretation shortage, often because of a lack of social services."

On the flip side, isn't this a start for Canada to have VRServices available to its own citizens?

authentic · 05-19-2008, 08:24 PM

Blame Canadian interpreters for joining Sorenson.

Banjo · 05-19-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokamuka

On the flip side, isn't this a start for Canada to have VRServices available to its own citizens?

We are able to use some services such as HOVRS, Viable and more. But we cannot use Sorenson. They are planning to set up VRS but apparently it will only be available to two provinces instead of going nationwide.

It's complicated. But if we let Sorenson build more call centres across Canada to be used exclusively for the Americans, it will become a problem. If we want our own VRS, we have to eliminate the American VRS call centres from Canada.

Banjo · 05-19-2008, 09:59 PM

Besides, Some of the major deaf organizations actually applied for a license to set up a videophone system but were turned down by the CRTC (Canadian version of FCC) because they said that the major telecoms will get to run them instead.

That's a big issue if you ask me. I think they need to change a few things.

Etoile · 05-20-2008, 12:07 AM

The problem is the same in the US. People have complained for a long time that VRS takes interpreters away from communities. Just because they are now doing it in Canada too doesn't mean it's a different problem. Americans and Canadians should work together to solve this issue.

Also, Canadians can call into the U.S. over VP using software if they want. As long as one person is in the U.S., Sorenson will interpret the call. But if both people are in Canada, that is not allowed.

Wokamuka · 05-20-2008, 01:27 AM

VRS is paving the way for the major moneymaker: Video Remote Interpreter (VRI).

Progress.

Banjo · 05-20-2008, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etoile

The problem is the same in the US. People have complained for a long time that VRS takes interpreters away from communities. Just because they are now doing it in Canada too doesn't mean it's a different problem. Americans and Canadians should work together to solve this issue.

Also, Canadians can call into the U.S. over VP using software if they want. As long as one person is in the U.S., Sorenson will interpret the call. But if both people are in Canada, that is not allowed.

Yes, however you cannot use the IP relay at all as a Canadian. They will automatically disconnect you.

deafbajagal · 05-20-2008, 07:43 AM

Don't blame the interpreters. Blame the governments for not allowing their citizens to use the services.

Etoile · 05-20-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Yes, however you cannot use the IP relay at all as a Canadian. They will automatically disconnect you.

You're misdirecting here. IP relay is completely irrelevant to this thread. IP relay does not take interpreters away from the community. Mentioning IP relay has no purpose here.

Gemma · 05-20-2008, 10:29 AM

Living in a city with small number of qualified intereprters, Sorensen has taken away majority of our certified interpreters, leaving us deaf folks with unqualified and unethical terps at doctor clinics, courts, etc. I am not blaming Sorensen because Sorensen does pay a lot better and offers benefits whereas going free lance provides no stability.

I just wish that there will be a forum for this issue - this has become a major issue/challenge in our community. How can we find a win-win situation? I am tired of having my appointments delayed or cancelled only because they cannot find any interpreters.

I feel for Canada - it truly sucks.

HoHGuyOhio · 05-20-2008, 11:51 AM

I wish more interpreters sought to keep a balance. I work part-time for a VRS provider, usually Tuesday and Thursday evening and Sunday mornings for a few hours. My FT job is for a company that provides interpreters in community settings. I spend one week in the office doing administrative/scheduling work, and one week out in the community interpreting.

Balance is key.

Liza · 05-20-2008, 12:51 PM

Perhaps the interpreters like the idea of a stable income

Sorry about the situation being bad in Canada. It's like that in Norway, too, and they definitely need interpreters while every deaf person there has the right to have one (for free).

Banjo · 05-20-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etoile

You're misdirecting here. IP relay is completely irrelevant to this thread. IP relay does not take interpreters away from the community. Mentioning IP relay has no purpose here.

I was just responding to what you said about videophone services being available to Canadians only if they call American phone numbers. I just happen to mention that it's not possible with IP relay. I know they don't use sign language interpreters in that area of service. But yes, that's off the topic.

Besides, I have heard a lot of complaints about Sorenson and other VRS providers using up the resources in deaf communities across the USA. If that wasn't the case, I doubt they would be building call centres in Canada. It wouldn't be really saving any money since our dollar is now of the same value as the USA.

You can see why I'm concerned about that because if we allow Sorenson to build more call centres across Canada only to be used exclusively for Americans, then it may cause a longer delay in getting an interpreter. In many places, you already have to book one 1 to 3 weeks in advance. Do we really need it to get any worse?

sequoias · 05-20-2008, 01:59 PM

Sorenson VRS services=leeches.

traditional interpreting services=dead leeches.

See what I mean?

Interpretrator · 05-20-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoias

Sorenson VRS services=leeches.

traditional interpreting services=dead leeches.

See what I mean?

Huh, I was going to comment on this thread but after this post I don't see the point.

Wokamuka · 05-20-2008, 06:33 PM

I don't know if anyone noticed what I found peculiar. The Sorenson P.R. person said that one of the factors toward the interpreter shortage is "lack of social services."

Can someone tell/give me an example? I don't understand that factor.

Banjo · 05-20-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokamuka

I don't know if anyone noticed what I found peculiar. The Sorenson P.R. person said that one of the factors toward the interpreter shortage is "lack of social services."

Can someone tell/give me an example? I don't understand that factor.

Good question. I'll like to know too. In Canada, we have CHS (Canadian Hearing Society), they are able to provide interpreters. Here, we hardly lack "social services." I know who to call for interpreters, and a lot of deaf people should too.

Unless they don't have a CHS office in B.C., I would be surprised if they didn't.

meyag2 · 05-21-2008, 11:53 PM

Hello Banjo,

Never been to Canada.
Sorry about what happened with sorenson.

signer16 · 05-26-2008, 07:49 PM

I can understand the argument about setting up call centers in Canada as Canadians cannot use the services when calling any country other than the USA...but one thing no one seems to be considering in all this-

Supply and Demand--

If Deaf people were not using VRS then Sorenson and the other companies would not be "taking" interpreters from the community. Obviously intepreters should have a balance...for the community as well as their own development...but interpreters are needed in VRS too--- Deaf people complain when their VRS interpreters take too long, but yet complain there aren't enough in the community, for current interpreters dodo?

Etoile · 05-26-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signer16

I can understand the argument about setting up call centers in Canada as Canadians cannot use the services when calling any country other than the USA...but one thing no one seems to be considering in all this-

Supply and Demand--

If Deaf people were not using VRS then Sorenson and the other companies would not be "taking" interpreters from the community. Obviously intepreters should have a balance...for the community as well as their own development...but interpreters are needed in VRS too--- Deaf people complain when their VRS interpreters take too long, but yet complain there aren't enough in the community, for current interpreters dodo?

That's a very good point. Keep in mind that the FCC requires VRS calls to be answered within a certain amount of time. So it's not just that deaf people want their calls to be answered fast...it's REQUIRED that they are answered fast. And almost everyone I know who uses VRS loves it, they don't want to give that up either.

So we need terps in VRS and we also need terps in the community. What this means is that we need more people to BECOME interpreters.

CCfan · 05-27-2008, 10:16 PM

Oh no, I feel sorry for Banjo, and deaf Canadians.

I wish they should make a deaf friendly community.

Shame on Sorenson. IMO.

I never tried a Video Relay Service before in my life. I thought they sometimes make miscommunicate with deaf people at the VRS.
Any interpreters make up went wrong into the voice that it is miscommunications with a deaf person who signing from at the home. I seen it on the youtube:

YouTube - ASL Version of Sorenson VRS

I don't like miscommunication with deaf people talking with the Sorenson.
Not deaf people are fault. Interpreters are fault!

CCfan · 05-27-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banjo

Not when it is interfering with the deaf Canadians' rights to an interpreter in Canada.

Banjo, you're right. It is not business. It is horrible business with
deaf and hard-of-hearing people who using with the Sorenson.

Etoile · 05-28-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCfan

I don't like miscommunication with deaf people talking with the Sorenson.
Not deaf people are fault. Interpreters are fault!

I challenge you to come sit next to me for a day of work and then try to say that again.

Wokamuka · 05-28-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCfan

I never tried a Video Relay Service before in my life. I thought they sometimes make miscommunicate with deaf people at the VRS.

VRS is SO much more comfortable than TTY. You never used VRS? You are missing out!

I know of a situation where a woman had better conversations when using VRS than with TTY relay. It took more than 50 years for her to finally express concepts to her hearing mother, concepts she could not express in a language foreign to her. The first VRS call, for her, was very emotional.

Those who use VRS get addicted fast because of ease of use and fluidity of conversation. You are missing out!

(don't use numbers with VRS operators, though . . . if they do not have a feature where you can type and send the numbers, directly, to the operator, all hope is lost.)

Etoile · 05-28-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokamuka

I know of a situation where a woman had better conversations when using VRS than with TTY relay.

05-19-2008, 05:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
authentic Прежний глухой Агент КГБ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CCCP Posts: 2,567	That is business, you can't really do anything about it. __________________

05-19-2008, 08:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
authentic Прежний глухой Агент КГБ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CCCP Posts: 2,567	Blame Canadian interpreters for joining Sorenson. __________________

05-20-2008, 12:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
Etoile HOH terp Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Washington DC Posts: 926	The problem is the same in the US. People have complained for a long time that VRS takes interpreters away from communities. Just because they are now doing it in Canada too doesn't mean it's a different problem. Americans and Canadians should work together to solve this issue. Also, Canadians can call into the U.S. over VP using software if they want. As long as one person is in the U.S., Sorenson will interpret the call. But if both people are in Canada, that is not allowed. __________________ "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." -Gandhi

05-20-2008, 01:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
Wokamuka 1.20.09 : end of an error Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,828	VRS is paving the way for the major moneymaker: Video Remote Interpreter (VRI). Progress. __________________

05-20-2008, 11:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
HoHGuyOhio Certified Interpreter Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 178	I wish more interpreters sought to keep a balance. I work part-time for a VRS provider, usually Tuesday and Thursday evening and Sunday mornings for a few hours. My FT job is for a company that provides interpreters in community settings. I spend one week in the office doing administrative/scheduling work, and one week out in the community interpreting. Balance is key. __________________ Chris Certified Interpreter NAD V, NIC Advanced

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05-19-2008, 09:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Banjo Mr. Movie Guy Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,129 Blog Entries: 1	Besides, Some of the major deaf organizations actually applied for a license to set up a videophone system but were turned down by the CRTC (Canadian version of FCC) because they said that the major telecoms will get to run them instead. That's a big issue if you ask me. I think they need to change a few things.

05-20-2008, 07:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
deafbajagal Jasmine's Tiger "Lilly" Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 2,117	Don't blame the interpreters. Blame the governments for not allowing their citizens to use the services.

05-20-2008, 10:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
Gemma Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 966	Living in a city with small number of qualified intereprters, Sorensen has taken away majority of our certified interpreters, leaving us deaf folks with unqualified and unethical terps at doctor clinics, courts, etc. I am not blaming Sorensen because Sorensen does pay a lot better and offers benefits whereas going free lance provides no stability. I just wish that there will be a forum for this issue - this has become a major issue/challenge in our community. How can we find a win-win situation? I am tired of having my appointments delayed or cancelled only because they cannot find any interpreters. I feel for Canada - it truly sucks.

05-20-2008, 12:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
Liza Cranial protocologist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 4,195 Blog Entries: 2	Perhaps the interpreters like the idea of a stable income Sorry about the situation being bad in Canada. It's like that in Norway, too, and they definitely need interpreters while every deaf person there has the right to have one (for free).

05-20-2008, 01:59 PM	#17 (permalink)
sequoias Subaru rules! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Evergreen State Posts: 12,861	Sorenson VRS services=leeches. traditional interpreting services=dead leeches. See what I mean? __________________

05-20-2008, 06:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
Wokamuka 1.20.09 : end of an error Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,828	I don't know if anyone noticed what I found peculiar. The Sorenson P.R. person said that one of the factors toward the interpreter shortage is "lack of social services." Can someone tell/give me an example? I don't understand that factor. __________________

05-21-2008, 11:53 PM	#21 (permalink)
meyag2 *********** Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,750	Hello Banjo, Never been to Canada. Sorry about what happened with sorenson.

05-26-2008, 07:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
signer16 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 267	I can understand the argument about setting up call centers in Canada as Canadians cannot use the services when calling any country other than the USA...but one thing no one seems to be considering in all this- Supply and Demand-- If Deaf people were not using VRS then Sorenson and the other companies would not be "taking" interpreters from the community. Obviously intepreters should have a balance...for the community as well as their own development...but interpreters are needed in VRS too--- Deaf people complain when their VRS interpreters take too long, but yet complain there aren't enough in the community, for current interpreters dodo?

05-27-2008, 10:16 PM	#24 (permalink)
CCfan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 930	Oh no, I feel sorry for Banjo, and deaf Canadians. I wish they should make a deaf friendly community. Shame on Sorenson. IMO. I never tried a Video Relay Service before in my life. I thought they sometimes make miscommunicate with deaf people at the VRS. Any interpreters make up went wrong into the voice that it is miscommunications with a deaf person who signing from at the home. I seen it on the youtube: YouTube - ASL Version of Sorenson VRS I don't like miscommunication with deaf people talking with the Sorenson. Not deaf people are fault. Interpreters are fault! __________________ I am closed captioning fan.