ZVRS Acquires Purple Communications
February 15, 2017
ZVRS Acquires Purple Communications to Better Serve Customers, Deaf Community
ASL Video: https://youtu.be/6QTgdp_Shn0
Integration of Two Leading VRS Providers Will Bring Innovation to VRS Market
CLEARWATER, Fla. – ZVRS, Inc., one of the nation’s leading providers of video relay services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities, announced today its plans to acquire Purple Communications, Inc. Combining two VRS providers will bring needed innovation and competition to the VRS market. ZVRS is dedicated to delivering the best experience for customers as promised to them by the Americans with Disabilities Act – a commitment that will be bolstered by the acquisition of Purple Communications.
ZVRS’ acquisition of Purple Communications will create a strong competitive force in the industry, bringing healthy market competition to create better products and services for consumers. The integration of ZVRS and Purple Communications will also be met with a commitment to improve interoperability amongst VRS providers, further supporting the customer experience.
“We are thrilled to be acquiring Purple Communications to better serve our customers with innovative products and services, expand outreach programs, and strengthen our commitment to the Deaf community,” said Sherri Turpin, Chief Executive Officer of ZVRS. “ZVRS is excited to lead the market in this new chapter and will ensure a sustainable and seamless integration of operations for customers throughout this process.”
“ZVRS’ acquisition of Purple will enhance the customer experience for both ZVRS and Purple,” said Robert Rae, President and CEO of Purple Communications. “This acquisition will create a brighter future for both companies by raising the bar and furthering equal access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.”
ZVRS’ Vice President of Customer Experience Chris Wagner will help to lead the transition as ZVRS’ new Chief Operating Officer. Chris has dedicated his career to upholding the Deaf community’s rights to communications access. Most notably, from 2012 to 2016, Chris served as the president of the National Association of the Deaf, where he expanded NAD’s education advocacy programs and accessibility commitments through video communication.
Greg Hlibok, ZVRS’ Chief Compliance Officer, has moved into his new role as Chief Legal Officer. With his years of experience as the chief of the Disability Rights Office in Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission, Greg will continue to focus his efforts on supporting the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Greg has recently been chosen to serve on Gallaudet University’s Board of Trustees.
Since its creation, ZVRS has been an active, supportive partner of the Deaf community – the majority of non-interpreter employees are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Beyond delivering new and innovative products to users, ZVRS will also focus on increasing and improving the educational and workforce programs available to the Deaf community.
About ZVRS
ZVRS, Inc., is a nationally recognized provider of video relay services that enable Deaf and Hard-of- Hearing individuals to communicate with hearing people worldwide, currently serving as the third-largest VRS provider in the U.S. The company provides videophone hardware, software and accessories designed to enable a real-time video connection with certified ASL interpreters who relay conversations between parties. ZVRS is committed to serving the Deaf community; a majority of its interpreters are RID-certified and more than half of non-interpreter employees are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. For more information, please visit: http://www.ZVRS.com.
About Purple Communications
Purple Communications, Inc., provides high-quality video relay service available from multiple platforms – TV, desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone. Purple provides customers on-site interpreting services and video relay interpreting, delivering a wide array of options to meet the varied communication needs of businesses and customers, collectively make communicating with both the Deaf world and the hearing world accessible to all. For more information, visit http://www.purple.us.
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