Hearing, Speech, & Deaf Center (HSDC), an organization that offers services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, is Washington state’s first organization to employ Sorenson Bridge, a new technology by Sorenson Communications, LLC (“SVRS”) that lets deaf and hard-of-hearing callers choose options from an American Sign Language (ASL) menu, HSDC announced. Using a videophone, HSDC’s callers can contact the appropriate HSDC staff through the menu. The technology is designed specifically for ASL users.
HSDC Executive Director Lindsay Klarman notes that implementing Sorenson Bridge is one more way for the agency to meet client needs. “With Bridge, HSDC offers deaf callers a way to receive communication in the language most deaf people prefer —ASL. Using Bridge is enhancing the way we are doing business because we are establishing greater rapport with those we serve.”
Last year, HSDC’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services department served 3,595 clients. “I am excited for this new technology to allow people to connect directly to different departments in HSDC using ASL,” said Ariele Belo, director of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services.
Until the introduction of Sorenson Bridge, deaf callers who phoned organizations reportedly had to navigate audio phone trees through sign language interpreters, a time-consuming and tedious process. With Sorenson Bridge, callers can select the intended call recipient or department through the use of a keypad.
Sorenson Bridge technology was created by SVRS, a Video Relay Service (VRS) company that has revolutionized communication for deaf people. SVRS helps deaf and hearing callers place phone calls and seamlessly communicate in real time—each in their preferred language.
For more information about Sorenson Bridge, contact your local Sorenson representative or email: [email protected].
Source: Hearing, Speech, & Deaf Center
