Sorenson Communications Details Looming VRS Interpreter Shortage in FCC Comments

Sorenson Communications Details Looming VRS Interpreter Shortage in FCC Comments

Sorenson Communications Advocates “Price Cap” Approach to Train More Interpreters

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, in reply comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Sorenson Communications™, the nation’s leading provider of video relay services (VRS) and equipment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community who use American Sign Language (ASL), described the looming shortage of ASL interpreters available for VRS in the years ahead.

In reply comments filed in the Commissioner’s TRS Rate Methodology proceeding, Sorenson Communications described the growing demand for ASL interpreters in all areas—from community agencies to schools to VRS providers and beyond. The report accompanying the Sorenson Communications filing details how the training of ASL interpreters is not keeping up with demand.

“If we are to fulfill the promise of increased access to VRS for the deaf community, it is critical that we have more interpreters available for VRS,” said Pat Nola, president and CEO of Sorenson Communications. “All VRS providers have a responsibility to assist in the training of interpreters, and it is our hope that the FCC will establish a rate methodology that supports adequate interpreter training.”

Last month, Sorenson Communications commissioned Stax, a management consulting firm specializing in analyzing issues related to telecommunications, media, and entertainment industries, to conduct a market analysis of issues related to ASL interpreters. The analysis focused on ASL interpreter supply and demand trends, current numbers, projected growth as well as the historic, current, and projected demand for ASL interpreters. The research also studied issues of training and wages for ASL interpreters and the effect of VRS demand on the call for ASL interpreters.

The Stax analysis underscored the need for the FCC to adopt a rate methodology for VRS that provides incentives for VRS providers to invest sufficiently in recruiting and training qualified VRS interpreters.

The Stax analysis concluded:

* Demand for qualified ASL interpreters has increased dramatically over the last three to five years for all types of interpreting services, including government, post-secondary education, VRS, legal, and medical.
* Wages for ASL interpreters have increased 10 to 15 percent over the last two to three years and are expected to increase at about 10 percent annually over the next two to three years.
* Local referral agencies are finding it harder to recruit and retain ASL interpreters. In some markets, the interpreter shortage is so severe that agencies have even begun to turn away business.
* Local communities are having problems finding qualified local interpreters. As a result, some children and low-income individuals are not receiving the interpreting services to which they are entitled by law.
* The supply of new ASL interpreters is not meeting demand. Many students do not complete the training or education programs in which they are enrolled, and many of those who do graduate either do not become certified or leave the profession after becoming certified.

For the study, Stax reviewed publicly available secondary sources and conducted interviews with nine ASL interpreter referral agencies as well as four colleges that provide ASL training.

About Sorenson Communications

Sorenson Communications™ (www.sorenson.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication offerings for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, which include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (VRS), the company’s line of videophones, Sorenson IP Relay™ (siprelay) and Sorenson Video Remote Interpreting™ (VRI). Sorenson VRS (www.sorensonvrs.com) enables deaf callers to conduct video relay conversations with hearing friends, family members and business colleagues through a qualified ASL interpreter. The Sorenson VP-100 is the first consumer-based broadband videophone appliance specifically designed for deaf individuals. Sorenson IP Relay service (www.siprelay.com) allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to place instant text-based relay calls from a personal computer (PC) or mobile device to any telephone user. Sorenson Video Remote Interpreting™ (www.sorensonvri.com) is a fee-based video interpreting service ideal for use in situations where an interpreter cannot be physically present to int
erpret between deaf and hearing individuals who are at the same location.

Contacts

Sorenson Communications
Diana Lewis, 801-287-9400
[email protected]
or
Ann Bardsley, 801-287-9897
[email protected]

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