If this email is unable to view as HTML, click here to go to this eNewsletter on our website.
[Image: Hands On VRS][Image: Login][Image: New User]
[Image: Today´s Date Here]

  Español
 

SIGNON PARTNERS WITH HANDS ON VIDEO RELAY SERVICES TO OPEN VRS CALL CENTER IN SEATTLE


Expected Increase in Employment Opportunities for Sign Language Interpreters in the Greater Puget Sound Region

Seattle, WA, October 11, 2007 - Hands On Video Relay Service , Inc. and SignOn have opened a new video relay service call center located in the heart of Seattle to support the rapidly growing needs of the deaf community. Seattle-based SignOn will manage and staff the Hands On VRS call center using certified American Sign Language interpreters. In addition to VRS, the center offers on-site community interpreting services. The call center is currently recruiting interpreters.

“We are happy to be working with a company that has the innovative spirit and national reputation for excellence that Hands On VRS has,” SignOn chief executive officer, Karen Graham said. “It’s a wonderful complement to our video remote and on-site interpreting programs. We look forward to expanding our ability to support the deaf community in eliminating communication barriers wherever they exist.”

“SignOn’s commitment to upholding the importance of providing high quality sign language interpretation made them the optimal partner in this endeavor,” said Ronald Obray, founder, Hands On VRS. “We are excited about expanding our presence in the greater Puget Sound region and delivering the highest quality service to the deaf community.”

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can connect with the hearing community using qualified American Sign Language interpreters, a Hands On VRS videophone, television and high-speed internet connection. The deaf user sees an interpreter on his or her TV and signs to the interpreter, who then contacts the hearing user via a standard phone line and relays the conversation between the two parties. Service is currently available in English and Spanish. Funding for VRS is provided via the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Fund, which was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as a result of their mandate in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to facilitate the provisions equal access to individuals with disabilities over the telephone networks.

The deaf community can access this free service by signing up at www.HOVRS.com. Interested high quality sign language interpreters should contact Karen Carlson at 206-632-7100.