Sorenson Alert !!!!! They need help !!!!!

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Heath

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Hello Sorenson VRS User:

Here is some important VRS news.

Right now, the FCC is thinking about cutting how much it pays for VRS services. A government group called NECA wants the FCC to reduce rates for VRS services.

VRS providers and deaf advocacy groups are concerned that NECA's proposed rate might cause two big problems for VRS users:
Hurt the quality of service VRS providers can offer
Limit the number of people who can gets VRS
Today, Sorenson Communications asked the FCC to make sure it pays enough to support great VRS services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

To read the Sorenson Communications press release :

http://www.sorenson.com/press/press_release_full.php?pr_id=80

Want more information? Go to http://www.vrsca.org/chapter_issues.php and watch for the signed video coming soon!

Together we can make sure VRS has a bright future!

The Sorenson VRS News Team
 
For release: 5-17-2006


Sorenson Communications Urges FCC to Reject Proposed Funding Reductions for Telecommunications Services for the Deaf
Leading VRS provider joins with advocacy groups to foster continued innovation and accessibility of VRS services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community

Salt Lake City, Utah (May 17, 2006)-In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today, Sorenson Communications urged the FCC to adopt rates for Telecommunications Relay Services (i.e. Video Relay Service, TTY and IP Relay) that will continue to support the wide availability of these services to the deaf community.

Sorenson Communications joined with deaf advocacy groups-including the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Telecommunications for the Deaf Incorporated (TDI) -and other VRS providers in urging the FCC to reject recommendations by the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) to slash rates in place for the current year.

"The NECA rate recommendation threatens the availability of quality communications services for the deaf and will stifle the innovation and growth of fledgling VRS technologies," said Pat Nola, the Chief Executive Officer of Sorenson. "FCC Commissioners have been stalwart in their support of communications services for the deaf community under the Americans with Disabilities Act; we trust that the FCC will continue to ensure quality VRS offerings by rejecting NECA's woefully inadequate proposed rate."

On May 15, 2006, NECA recommended reducing the rate for VRS by 8 percent from the rate currently in effect. "In the last year the FCC has required many improvements in VRS service, greatly increasing costs for providers," said Ron Burdett, vice president of community relations for Sorenson Communications and a prominent deaf leader. "To propose reducing rates while increasing costs is equivalent to an unfunded mandate that would have a chilling effect on VRS services sure to be felt by the deaf community."

In a declaration accompanying the filing, Cheryl L. Parrino, the former Chairman of the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and past President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), detailed concerns regarding NECA's proposed rate reduction: "NECA inappropriately eliminated funding for educational outreach and marketing, and failed to account for rising costs associated with projections of increased demand. Rejecting these NECA revisions adds approximately $.93 to the NECA recommended rate."

Sorenson Communications maintains that the reimbursement rate needs to be increased to account for the rising costs associated with mandated requirements and the obligation of providers to continue to reach out to deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans who have yet to experience the benefits of VRS service. The FCC recently required VRS providers to comply with speed of answer rules and allow consumers to call the interpreters of any provider. The Commission has also requested that VRS providers offer Spanish interpreters and develop 911 emergency solutions-both of which may be required in the near future.

The FCC must approve rates for communications services for the deaf, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, by July 1, 2006. These services include Video Relay Service, IP Relay and TTY.
 
Heath said:
Hello Sorenson VRS User:

Here is some important VRS news.

Right now, the FCC is thinking about cutting how much it pays for VRS services. A government group called NECA wants the FCC to reduce rates for VRS services.

VRS providers and deaf advocacy groups are concerned that NECA's proposed rate might cause two big problems for VRS users:
Hurt the quality of service VRS providers can offer
Limit the number of people who can gets VRS
Today, Sorenson Communications asked the FCC to make sure it pays enough to support great VRS services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

To read the Sorenson Communications press release :

http://www.sorenson.com/press/press_release_full.php?pr_id=80

Want more information? Go to http://www.vrsca.org/chapter_issues.php and watch for the signed video coming soon!

Together we can make sure VRS has a bright future!

The Sorenson VRS News Team
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If you need help them automatically...

then... read that...
HolyBible_a.jpg


Just kidding
 
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Good. The FCC reimburses relay providers far too much money per minutes logged, especially VRS providers. This is a step in the right direction.
 
I got that in my e-mail box, News from Sorenson. That was it and let you guys know to help Sorenson.
 
Heath said:
I got that in my e-mail box, News from Sorenson. That was it and let you guys know to help Sorenson.
Click to expand...

I just kidding but I don't own this vp yet.
 
Heath said:
I got that in my e-mail box, News from Sorenson. That was it and let you guys know to help Sorenson.
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Help Sorenson? Are you kidding? They make somewhere around $7.00 per minute for each call. Think of all the time Sorenson logs in and how much they profit off that. There's no help needed. There's only "help us stuff our pockets with more tax dollars."
 
guido said:
Help Sorenson? Are you kidding? They make somewhere around $7.00 per minute for each call. Think of all the time Sorenson logs in and how much they profit off that. There's no help needed. There's only "help us stuff our pockets with more tax dollars."
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Whoa, How can you say that because they gave us millions of free vps and they are trying to improve services for us and they are putting tax dollars to good use for the Deaf community, Not to mention Sorenson gave Gallaudet a gift of about a couple million dollars. Sorenson really is a friend to the Deaf community and we need to really take the time to thank Sorenson. I have never seen any ASL interpreters sign that so good anywhere really. In my time when we did not have that then there were a few interpreters that really knew ASL and today this actually improves the quality of the ASL interpreters in the process and they pick up some SEE or PSE along the way which will help alots too.
 
You've just proven my point. They obviously have money to spare if they're donating free Video Phones (I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they get reimbursed for these, too) and to donate millions to Gallaudet. I don't think a measly rate cute is going to ruin them as a company such as how they're implying.

Would you like to know why the FCC is considering cutting reimbursement rates? Because the funds are dried up. Relay companies are profiting far too much off the FCC. This past period, I believe the NECA fund was short almost $200,000. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to pay more taxes just so some Sorenson executive can have a fat bonus.
 
guido said:
Would you like to know why the FCC is considering cutting reimbursement rates? Because the funds are dried up. Relay companies are profiting far too much off the FCC. This past period, I believe the NECA fund was short almost $200,000. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to pay more taxes just so some Sorenson executive can have a fat bonus.
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If relay companies are profiting from their endeavors and shortchanging the NECA fund, it's more due to their IP-based relay businesses and the sheer volume of non-legitimate calls being made in these mechanisms.

Still, the volume on VRS calls have been increasing. A very promising sign, as it shows more and more DHH people using the services. Now, the FCC just can't yank it off; Too many people rely on the service now, and that ensures its future survival. VRS outreach endeavors are working very well, achieving a high degree of penetration in major DHH markets.

But does it justify its $7/minute cost? Maybe. VRS providers still need to attract talent to man its positions, and its a scarce labor pool to begin with. Maybe in a few years, when there's more interpreters, the prices can lower a bit. Sign Language interpreting cannot be commoditized though.

If I were the FCC, I'll maintain the status quo, for at least another year or two. The VRS is still in its infancy and now is making huge gains in the DHH community. This is one piece of crucial technology that we need to 'overfund' if we are to ensure its long term survival, and to attract the needed labor capital.
 
By getting rid of the extra baggage of executives thats made a maze out of VRS reimbursements, Sorenson can do what CSD has done.

We need our VRS option more than Sorenson executives need their cars in their 5 car garages.

Richard
 
Eyeth said:
If relay companies are profiting from their endeavors and shortchanging the NECA fund, it's more due to their IP-based relay businesses and the sheer volume of non-legitimate calls being made in these mechanisms.

Still, the volume on VRS calls have been increasing. A very promising sign, as it shows more and more DHH people using the services. Now, the FCC just can't yank it off; Too many people rely on the service now, and that ensures its future survival. VRS outreach endeavors are working very well, achieving a high degree of penetration in major DHH markets.

But does it justify its $7/minute cost? Maybe. VRS providers still need to attract talent to man its positions, and its a scarce labor pool to begin with. Maybe in a few years, when there's more interpreters, the prices can lower a bit. Sign Language interpreting cannot be commoditized though.

If I were the FCC, I'll maintain the status quo, for at least another year or two. The VRS is still in its infancy and now is making huge gains in the DHH community. This is one piece of crucial technology that we need to 'overfund' if we are to ensure its long term survival, and to attract the needed labor capital.
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IP Relay providers are only reimbursed $1.28, and while true that these companies are profitting off the non-legit relay calls, you would have to compare the number of minutes logged from both VRS providers and vs TRS providers to make a fair assessment of that statement. With the growing popularity of VRS and ease of access, I'm sure it is comparable to the TRS providers' logs. Then compare $7.00 to $1.28 an hour.

Keeping things like they are is not an option. Sorenson is pulling in money that is not there anymore, like all relay providers, and I'm assured by the fact Sorenson can give out multi-million dollar donations that they will not suffer from a small decrease in the reimbursement rates.

For once, me and Nesmuth are in agreement. Sorenson is a corporation. Their purpose of existance is to make money. Of course they would squirm when they realize they will be making less money.

An acceptable plan would be to phase out TRS in place of VRS. Cut TRS funding while maintaining or increasing VRS. Give incentives to companies who are attempting to make VRS more accessable, such as mobile possibilities. We need to stop wasting so much money on this outdated, inconvenient form of relay. VRS is no doubt the future, so why are we so slow to try and develope it?
 
Heath said:
Hello Sorenson VRS User:

Here is some important VRS news.

Right now, the FCC is thinking about cutting how much it pays for VRS services. A government group called NECA wants the FCC to reduce rates for VRS services.

VRS providers and deaf advocacy groups are concerned that NECA's proposed rate might cause two big problems for VRS users:
Hurt the quality of service VRS providers can offer
Limit the number of people who can gets VRS
Today, Sorenson Communications asked the FCC to make sure it pays enough to support great VRS services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

To read the Sorenson Communications press release :

http://www.sorenson.com/press/press_release_full.php?pr_id=80

Want more information? Go to http://www.vrsca.org/chapter_issues.php and watch for the signed video coming soon!

Together we can make sure VRS has a bright future!

The Sorenson VRS News Team
Click to expand...


it doesn't affect only Sorenson. Its affect all VRS such as CSD, IP, ATT, and SPRINT too and whatever left I didn't add on it.

The FCC is reduce due suggest from NECA because NECA seems don't think that VRS is benefit to us.

Sorenson and VRSCA just press that news while another VRS provider doesn't press the news. Just remember that JUly 1, 2006 will big change for Sorenson that use their special key to open the door for all of us, deaf community, use another VRS provider.

However; Sorenson VP-X00 seem be our primary telephone while i2eyes don't after July 1, 2006. CSDVRS/Sprint VRS stopped provide videophone.

Only I see that still free giving out is Sorenson, HOVRS, and Hamilton. I do not know what will affect to HOVRS and Hamilton after July 1.

My point that FCC is reduce all to VRS rate and not only signle SORENSON itself.
 
Just got home from a merry meet with a bunch of interesting deafs. Talked about skydiving, boating, gardening, building fortresses, and Sorenson's recent scream.

Sorenson Communications stands to lose the most from VRS rate reductions.

I recall asking them for funding help, they had their attorney show me the company's middle finger salute. Now they're asking us for our help and I will be returning the same middle finger salute to them and encourage everyone to do the same.

If NAD and TDI wants to scream with Sorenson, let them.

ideafspy said:
The FCC is reduce due suggest from NECA because NECA seems don't think that VRS is benefit to us.
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VRS is very expensive and it only benefits no more than 2.2 percent of the whole deaf and hard of hearing population who's primary communication method is American Sign Language.

Richard
 
Nesmuth said:
VRS is very expensive and it only benefits no more than 2.2 percent of the whole deaf and hard of hearing population who's primary communication method is American Sign Language.

Richard
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Yes, it is very expensive but its seem somewhat it should charge us a service like vonage to use Sorenson's equirement to using any VRS we prefer to use. However; the reason I said this to improve for future all the equirement to be thin air at one time a day.

How expensive are you talking about?
 
Nesmuth said:
VRS is like $420 an hour.

Richard
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Can you break it down a little more than that?

As a businessman, I can see VRS incurring the costs of:

Salaries (Interpreters and support people like managers, IT, customer service, and accounting)
Bandwidth (video uses lots of it)
Equipment (IT, video, servers, websites)



I guess what I see making up the costs is:

How much do interpreters make per hour? Is it more than other kinds of jobs? Should interpreters get paid less? If they get paid less, will they work for VRS or go back to working in the community or for other VRS companies?

How much bandwidth is necessary? Is it more than any other kind of business? In my experience it is, but really, how much more?

What special equipment is needed for VRS? Are there high speed servers, desktops, or cameras being used? Can cheaper stuff be used, or will quality suffer?


If it all adds up to $420 an hour, then, I guess it is a price that has to get paid. I have no clue and no one is showing the real costs of VRS. Something about it being confidential and not wanting to let other companies see their exact costs and try to copy or beat them.
 
I am sure another VP companies are helping the Deaf community too as well so don't harp on Sorenson just because they are a big company and easy to target for agruement and debate.I don't want to say anything bad here but we really need to appreciate the fact that Sorenson is really helping us out alots with these videophones. I got my job through Sorenson VP and I have been able to make appointments to go places that I need to go to get ready for college etc.
 
I'm very good friends with an interpreter who works for a vp company. She quit her cushy day job so she could make more money in half the time!

They make a boatload of money :whistle:
 
Fragmenter said:
I'm very good friends with an interpreter who works for a vp company. She quit her cushy day job so she could make more money in half the time!

They make a boatload of money :whistle:
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What kind of job is she doing now ?
 
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