Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Selects Sorenson VRS

From: Sorenson Media - Nov 4, 2003

For release: 11-04-2003

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Implements Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS)

Sorenson VRS Facilitates Instantaneous Communication for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students and Faculty Members

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, and SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, (November 04, 2003) – The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD), a leader in technology among Pennsylvania schools, selected the fastest growing video relay service, Sorenson Video Relay Serviceâ„¢ (VRS) to enhance communication for students and staff. WPSD based its decision on Sorenson Media’s ability to deliver the highest-quality video relay service through its state-of-the-art video relay solutions and reliable interpreting service.

"WPSD believes that integrating technology into learning is necessary to prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing students for today’s work force. Because this technology bridges the communication accessibility gap it empowers our students to live more independently," said Don Rhoten, superintendent at WPSD. "Sorenson VRSâ„¢ is a major resource that will enhance communication for our students for the rest of their lives."

Sorenson VRS enables deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to effectively and naturally communicate with the hearing world. Using the Sorenson VP-100™ videophone appliance connected to a TV, or a personal computer equipped with a Web camera and Sorenson EnVision® SL video relay software or Microsoft® NetMeeting®, both deaf and hard-of-hearing users are able to place video relay calls to family, friends, or business associates through an ASL interpreter and a broadband Internet connection.

Several Sorenson VP-100 videophones have been installed in school buildings, the student center, and student dorms. Sorenson VRS training is currently being provided to WPSD students and staff. In addition to the on campus training, WPSD provides training and support to public school educators in Pennsylvania through the development of multimedia and Internet workshops. WPSD hopes to bring Sorenson VRS to these integrated sites.

"WPSD students come from over 100 school districts and 30 counties throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Sorenson VRS is a better way for our students to stay in touch with their families and future coworkers because it eliminates the delays, which have been associated with older technology," added Rhoten. "With many of these students living away from home, this service is very important for them to stay in touch with their families throughout the week. Sorenson VRS also empowers the WPSD deaf and hard-of-hearing staff by enabling them to make business calls in an efficient manner."

"Sorenson Media® is honored to be selected as the primary video relay service by the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf," said Pat Nola, COO at Sorenson Media. "It is very rewarding to see the impact that Sorenson VRS has on the lives of students of all ages. It really opens new opportunities and puts them instantaneously in touch with the hearing world."

About Sorenson VRS

As a service to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Sorenson Media developed the Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS), an exclusive integrated solution of videophones and video relay software that offers the highest-quality video relay service in the nation. The deaf and hard-of-hearing are able to conveniently place video relay calls to anyone through either the Sorenson VP-100 videophone appliance connected to a TV, or a personal computer equipped with a Web camera and Sorenson EnVision SL video relay software or Microsoft NetMeeting. Hearing users who want to place a video relay call through a standard telephone line to a deaf or hard-of-hearing user may access Sorenson VRS toll free by calling 866 FAST-VRS [866 327-8877] and giving their contact information (i.e. name, videophone number, or IP address) to the video relay operator. Sorenson VRS takes care of the rest by routing the call with the user's preferences through the Sorenson VRS Call Center to a certified interpreter. For more details on Sorenson VRS, please visit www.sorensonvrs.com.

About The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

Founded in 1869, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is the largest comprehensive center for the education of deaf and hard of hearing children in the state of Pennsylvania. It was the first day school for the deaf in the United States. The school is considered to be a leader in technology among schools for the deaf in the country and has provided training and support to public school educators throughout the Pittsburgh area through the development of multimedia and Internet workshops.

About Sorenson Media

Sorenson Media (www.sorenson.com and www.sorensonvrs.com) is the recognized technology leader in video services, video compression, and video communication to improve the quality of communication over the Internet. The company's products and services include the industry's highest-quality video relay service, award winning video compression solutions, and the market-leading broadband Internet videophone technology.