Seriously come on deafies! And yes I am a deafy too! Sorenson has done so much for the deaf community and all they get is criticism! Seriously.... Can't you find something better to whine about? You are upset because Sorenson is doing well and YOU aren't part of it (the wealth)... well if you want wealth then go get a job and make something of yourself. And don't give me any of the "I can't find a job because I am deaf crap". If a deaf person really wants a job then he/she can get one! As for SSI, many, unlike what you said, do take SSI because they don't want to work... I know because I have worked with many and many don't want to work. All Sorenson has ever done is try to make things better for the Deaf Community. Oh and one more thing, there are more deaf leaders in the company than you know about, do your research! Quit whining and be thankful for Sorenson has done for you. Everything you have ever gotten from them has been FREE! So come on... grow up and be thankful instead of whining in your seat!
I wonder if Sorenson has some kind of agreement/marketing deal with T-Mobile as well, based on that link you provided where they have Social Security listed. :)
February 15, 2010 - 6:52pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
Sheesh. Sorenson was just creating an example of the types of numbers and businesses you can save on your VP-200. They had no ulterior motive. It's ridiculous to be reading stuff into that. Grow up, RC.
I wanted to say how inspired I am by your points regarding to Sorenson’s VRS. I am so disgussed on how they treat us. You are absolutely right, the
Deaf community need to stand up and say “enough” and form some kind of plans for action…. I think you’d be an excellent leader in this issue. Please keep up with your VRS blog and spread it around and get people to open their eyes and do something about it. I’m all for it!!
Best,
Carrie
January 31, 2010 - 7:06pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
So what if they are giving you a free videophone!!!! They will repair, service, upgrade and replace your videophone!!!!
FOR FREE!!!!!!! It even includes your high speed modem , router, ethernet wires, video input wires and power plugs!!!
So what if you are using the same VRS provider as the videophone's brand name!!!!
I am tired of your negatives against a certain company!!!!
I do not find anything wrong with it!!!!!
January 30, 2010 - 6:08pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
Can you tell us exactly where you found the word 'Social Security' in the contact list? I had searched everywhere but didn't find it. Would like to see it with my (and our) own eyes. Thanks.
The ultimate purchaser is the HEARING community. The bottom line is the FCC collects fees from phone bills. The majority of phone users are HEARING. Let's get real. Without the hearing world there is no VRS, no VP, no P3, no Viable, there is no funding! Nada. Nothing. So this "FUBU" is in itself a lie. For Us By Us but funded by the hearing world. I am only saying relaize the hearing commnity is not evil and stop trying to make it look like it is. Just in case you are wondering, I am Deaf, but I am realistic. I live in a world not a bubble.
January 26, 2010 - 5:24am — Charles Harper (not verified)
I glad that you mentioned something about "fire" Deaf people if they (the company) lose customers. It is already true because I just learned from my friends that there were actually few good Deaf leaders lay off in Sprint Relay too. They are lay off because due to business shrinking, why don't they simply lay off hearing people first and save Deaf people until "last resource"? Not surprise, Sorenson, HOVRS, Hamilton, SnapVRS and all "hearing" companies do the same.
im not completely well versed in the various laws that are designed to give Deaf folks some advantages or opportunities in he employment sector to combat employment discrimination and i realize most of them are framed within a "disability" framework but it seems in looking at the Civil Rights Act and EEOC as well as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 there are some provisions that say if a company is getting federal funds or contracted by the federal govt there should be some practices in place that give Deaf folks some advantages. not sure if the would apply with the VRS industry or the upper echelon
just curious if certain federally supported programs have a legal obligation to have X % of hires be of the population they are serving?
re: SSI and SSD - contributes largely to "learned helplessness" and results in pacifying folks instead of standing up and advocating for work with dignity etc
interesting that its already automatically inserted in the Soreson phones
re: Framing and re-framing - In Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood (Ladd) and Mask of Benevolence: Disabling the Deaf Community (Lane) an examination of where MOST of the govt $ for Deaf folks go and most of it is for medical, welfare and social services - not for self-governance or self-determination
Robert McGregor - the first president of NAD and a staunch opponent of oral ONLY education and the firing of Deaf teachers stated:
"What heinous crime have the deaf been guilty of that there language should be proscribed?...By whom then are signs proscribed? By ... educators of the deaf who boast is that they do not understand signs and do not want to... by parents who do not understand the requisites to the happiness of their deaf children...Professing to have no object in view but the benefit of the deaf, [educators] exhibit an utter contempt for the opinions, the wishes, the desires of the deaf. AND WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE CONSULTED IN A MATTER OF SUCH VITAL TO US? This is a matter no man has yet answered satisfactorily." (Robert McGregor - See Lane's Mask of Benevolence)
so we see with VRS, VIU (proposal to drop point to point), Baby Signs market, AVT etc that Deaf folks are not consulted and that Deaf folks most precious commodity is proscribed by "the other."
peace
patti
January 23, 2010 - 7:53am — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
I haven't used the Sorenson VRS. Yes, I have the equipment but refuse to call their services. I already saw this kind of message that they imposed on us. Screw them and had used other providers.
I pray one day that the SorensonVRS become one of smallest companies competing for the business and at last, they FOLD.
Minutes consumed for SorensonVRS since 2004 were less than 5 mins total --- translation? the equipment cost suck for them. :)
February 3, 2010 - 6:12pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
The message in this vlog is clear. We need to support those who know more about the needs of serving their kind. I've worked with other programmers of different nationalities and yet find it hard to believe that the outcome of the product doesn't provide the optimal solution that was originally asked for.
The Deaf needs to take risks and start business on their own. They need to publicize the business to the deaf community. I have hired a Deaf handy man and Deaf wood floor installer and would do all I can to ensure the success of our kind.
Sorrenson monopolizes the market because they have the communication technology know-how. Here is my thoughts on how to ensure we have a better chance. I would encourage the support of the 21st Century Communication Act. This alone can insure that all form of disability are considered in the design or all products. Incorporating this early in the requirement stage will ensure that these things are thought of and worked in. I would want the FCC to make a requirement that the design checklist are filled out for accommodation and an outline of the course of action be set to state how accommodation would be met. Take the fact that that the close captioning chip in TV has made TV more affordable. Take away the VP200 and allow us to use any web cam or VP to interact with the VRS system. Develope standard protocols for VRS system so any manufacturer can create a VRS system that conforms to protocol/standard specifications. Encourage competition by taking away companies chance of monopolizing the market.
Why do we have to buy a 90 dollars alarm clock when everyone else in my neighborhood can buy one for 15 dollars. Ensure product meets accommodation requirements.
Ryan, I had to stop at 2:45 because the whole thing on Sorensen really piss me off. You're right that they had the audacity to do that to us. I gotta cool down a bit ...
People, especially deaf people, did not realize that Sorensen was already mass communications powerhouse in the country before they entered the VRS industry. It has lots of contracts with Defense Department -- remember the Vietnam War where soldiers had this massive cellphone? Yep, by Sorensen!
So they already acquired the funds and was financially ready to enter the VRS industry and dominate from day one. Which explains why they "gave out" free VP-100 & VP-200 to many of us. And in the process, the "gift" by Sorensen enabled Deaf people to be grateful and remain loyal to Sorensen. Little did they know that these so-called gifts also played a role of exploitation in swallowing the minutes each time Deaf people used their VP-200 to call SorensenVRS, enriching themselves in the process.
I mean ... Sorensen gave you one VP-200 for free only *once* (as of far). And yet, Deaf people's response to Sorensen was to give them millions of dollars PER month since 2005. I don't know the total cost of VP-200 but I guess each box probably costs $150. $150 once versus millions of dollars per month?
Obviously, Deaf people needs to CUT their umbilical cord with Sorensen and start supporting the deaf-owned VRS companies!
You raised a valid point about boycotting Hearing-owned companies and the resultant hit to Deaf employees of those companies. Like you, I don't want to see our Deaf brothers and sisters being hurt (economically or otherwise). But, we cannot consider the feelings/needs of those who "lie in the bed" of the oppressors, if we are to make any gains for the greater good.
When MLK had the boycotts against the buses, I'm sure there were Black drivers. But that did not stop the boycotts from happening.
In my estimation, once our Deaf-owned companies started growing, they would need to hire more people, and it would make sense for them to hire those Deaf with the experience of working in the VRS system already. So, like you say, a temporary loss, for a greater gain.
January 20, 2010 - 8:24am — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
You explained it beautifully. However, it may be a problem of trying to convince people not to use Sorenson. Sorenson was smart to capitalize the VRS market with their VP that was designed to fit deaf consumer's need. As consumers already filled their VP with contact information and became comfortable and reliable with it, other VRS companies tried to convince them to use other VRS services or their VPs like OJO, MVPS, etc.. but it didn;t work. I don't mean to be negative or anything like that. But I have seen that consumers prefer not to dial another vrs services through vp-200 and tell the interpreter the hearing person's number since they already have the name in their VP200 contact list which is easier for them to use. Most consumers prefer not to duplicate contact's name and vp# in other VPs besides VP-200. Unless a company makes a VP that is WAY better and MORE deaf friendly than VP-200, then things could change.
January 19, 2010 - 8:57pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
A person as a "buyer" doesn't necessarily mean it has to be monetary. For instance, in the world of politics, Obama's "buyers" are the people who "voted" for him. This is akin to VRS -- although free to customers, you are a "buyer" when you choose your preferred VRS provider.
Poster of "buyer defined"
Can you cite your source for that analogy... I have looked all over for something akin to what you're stating and all definitions of buyer make reference to the actual buying of goods or services; and nothing in political science indicates that a buyer is synonymous to voter. It would be helpful to have access to your source for future reference.
Thanks.
January 19, 2010 - 8:12pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
Both of your VLogs are terrific and I appreciate how you have articulated your views. Ever since 2002, I have had a problem with Sorenson's hegemonic tendencies. They have successfully manipulated the Deaf market to the point that Deaf people are afraid to switch providers. I keep hearing from older Deaf people that they are grateful that Sorenson gave everyone VPs and are so good to the Deaf community. I try to tell them that this is a way for a hearing company like Sorenson to keep the Deaf market under their fingers- it all goes back to Marcuse's hegemony theory. They have given very little financial support to Deaf related organizations and events in relation to their massive wealth. Deaf people are comfortable with their VP devices and talking to their community members point to point and don't want to rock that world.
BUT, in order for us to wake up and realize that we need to take back what is rightfully ours- we need more Deaf owned companies that cater to the Deaf community, not just VRS companies.
I look forward to your next VLog- they are very thoughtful, intellectual, and at the same time present very clear messages that people can relate to.
January 19, 2010 - 7:29pm — Anonymous Signer (not verified)
The phrase you're looking for is... "Taking two steps backwards in order to step forward", or something like that.
I don't mean to stir the pot; I understand the premise of "FUBU'. However, how can FUBU work if the Deaf consumers do not 'purchase' the service and the ultimate purchaser is FCC?
I'm all for competition; we just need to find a way for Deaf-owned VRS companies to survive and prosper.
Comments
Grow up pepple, stop whining!
Seriously come on deafies! And yes I am a deafy too! Sorenson has done so much for the deaf community and all they get is criticism! Seriously.... Can't you find something better to whine about? You are upset because Sorenson is doing well and YOU aren't part of it (the wealth)... well if you want wealth then go get a job and make something of yourself. And don't give me any of the "I can't find a job because I am deaf crap". If a deaf person really wants a job then he/she can get one! As for SSI, many, unlike what you said, do take SSI because they don't want to work... I know because I have worked with many and many don't want to work. All Sorenson has ever done is try to make things better for the Deaf Community. Oh and one more thing, there are more deaf leaders in the company than you know about, do your research! Quit whining and be thankful for Sorenson has done for you. Everything you have ever gotten from them has been FREE! So come on... grow up and be thankful instead of whining in your seat!
Social Security/T-Mobile
I wonder if Sorenson has some kind of agreement/marketing deal with T-Mobile as well, based on that link you provided where they have Social Security listed. :)
SSI
Sheesh. Sorenson was just creating an example of the types of numbers and businesses you can save on your VP-200. They had no ulterior motive. It's ridiculous to be reading stuff into that. Grow up, RC.
Your VRS Blog
Hi RC,
I wanted to say how inspired I am by your points regarding to Sorenson’s VRS. I am so disgussed on how they treat us. You are absolutely right, the
Deaf community need to stand up and say “enough” and form some kind of plans for action…. I think you’d be an excellent leader in this issue. Please keep up with your VRS blog and spread it around and get people to open their eyes and do something about it. I’m all for it!!
Best,
Carrie
I am tired of you
So what if they are giving you a free videophone!!!! They will repair, service, upgrade and replace your videophone!!!!
FOR FREE!!!!!!! It even includes your high speed modem , router, ethernet wires, video input wires and power plugs!!!
So what if you are using the same VRS provider as the videophone's brand name!!!!
I am tired of your negatives against a certain company!!!!
I do not find anything wrong with it!!!!!
Contact list
Can you tell us exactly where you found the word 'Social Security' in the contact list? I had searched everywhere but didn't find it. Would like to see it with my (and our) own eyes. Thanks.
check this link out..
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/support/vp_fea_7.php
FUBU
The ultimate purchaser is the HEARING community. The bottom line is the FCC collects fees from phone bills. The majority of phone users are HEARING. Let's get real. Without the hearing world there is no VRS, no VP, no P3, no Viable, there is no funding! Nada. Nothing. So this "FUBU" is in itself a lie. For Us By Us but funded by the hearing world. I am only saying relaize the hearing commnity is not evil and stop trying to make it look like it is. Just in case you are wondering, I am Deaf, but I am realistic. I live in a world not a bubble.
Lay-off Deaf Employees
I glad that you mentioned something about "fire" Deaf people if they (the company) lose customers. It is already true because I just learned from my friends that there were actually few good Deaf leaders lay off in Sprint Relay too. They are lay off because due to business shrinking, why don't they simply lay off hearing people first and save Deaf people until "last resource"? Not surprise, Sorenson, HOVRS, Hamilton, SnapVRS and all "hearing" companies do the same.
hiring / promotion practices and govt funds etc
hi
im not completely well versed in the various laws that are designed to give Deaf folks some advantages or opportunities in he employment sector to combat employment discrimination and i realize most of them are framed within a "disability" framework but it seems in looking at the Civil Rights Act and EEOC as well as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 there are some provisions that say if a company is getting federal funds or contracted by the federal govt there should be some practices in place that give Deaf folks some advantages. not sure if the would apply with the VRS industry or the upper echelon
just curious if certain federally supported programs have a legal obligation to have X % of hires be of the population they are serving?
re: SSI and SSD - contributes largely to "learned helplessness" and results in pacifying folks instead of standing up and advocating for work with dignity etc
interesting that its already automatically inserted in the Soreson phones
re: Framing and re-framing - In Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood (Ladd) and Mask of Benevolence: Disabling the Deaf Community (Lane) an examination of where MOST of the govt $ for Deaf folks go and most of it is for medical, welfare and social services - not for self-governance or self-determination
Robert McGregor - the first president of NAD and a staunch opponent of oral ONLY education and the firing of Deaf teachers stated:
"What heinous crime have the deaf been guilty of that there language should be proscribed?...By whom then are signs proscribed? By ... educators of the deaf who boast is that they do not understand signs and do not want to... by parents who do not understand the requisites to the happiness of their deaf children...Professing to have no object in view but the benefit of the deaf, [educators] exhibit an utter contempt for the opinions, the wishes, the desires of the deaf. AND WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE CONSULTED IN A MATTER OF SUCH VITAL TO US? This is a matter no man has yet answered satisfactorily." (Robert McGregor - See Lane's Mask of Benevolence)
so we see with VRS, VIU (proposal to drop point to point), Baby Signs market, AVT etc that Deaf folks are not consulted and that Deaf folks most precious commodity is proscribed by "the other."
peace
patti
Sorenson VRS
Finally you brought it up.
I haven't used the Sorenson VRS. Yes, I have the equipment but refuse to call their services. I already saw this kind of message that they imposed on us. Screw them and had used other providers.
I pray one day that the SorensonVRS become one of smallest companies competing for the business and at last, they FOLD.
Minutes consumed for SorensonVRS since 2004 were less than 5 mins total --- translation? the equipment cost suck for them. :)
Then return your VP-200.
Then return your VP-200. It's contradictory to use Sorenson's equipment but refuse to use their services.
Fire worth starting, yet a better approach.
The message in this vlog is clear. We need to support those who know more about the needs of serving their kind. I've worked with other programmers of different nationalities and yet find it hard to believe that the outcome of the product doesn't provide the optimal solution that was originally asked for.
The Deaf needs to take risks and start business on their own. They need to publicize the business to the deaf community. I have hired a Deaf handy man and Deaf wood floor installer and would do all I can to ensure the success of our kind.
Sorrenson monopolizes the market because they have the communication technology know-how. Here is my thoughts on how to ensure we have a better chance. I would encourage the support of the 21st Century Communication Act. This alone can insure that all form of disability are considered in the design or all products. Incorporating this early in the requirement stage will ensure that these things are thought of and worked in. I would want the FCC to make a requirement that the design checklist are filled out for accommodation and an outline of the course of action be set to state how accommodation would be met. Take the fact that that the close captioning chip in TV has made TV more affordable. Take away the VP200 and allow us to use any web cam or VP to interact with the VRS system. Develope standard protocols for VRS system so any manufacturer can create a VRS system that conforms to protocol/standard specifications. Encourage competition by taking away companies chance of monopolizing the market.
Why do we have to buy a 90 dollars alarm clock when everyone else in my neighborhood can buy one for 15 dollars. Ensure product meets accommodation requirements.
Had To Stop At Midpoint
Ryan, I had to stop at 2:45 because the whole thing on Sorensen really piss me off. You're right that they had the audacity to do that to us. I gotta cool down a bit ...
People, especially deaf people, did not realize that Sorensen was already mass communications powerhouse in the country before they entered the VRS industry. It has lots of contracts with Defense Department -- remember the Vietnam War where soldiers had this massive cellphone? Yep, by Sorensen!
So they already acquired the funds and was financially ready to enter the VRS industry and dominate from day one. Which explains why they "gave out" free VP-100 & VP-200 to many of us. And in the process, the "gift" by Sorensen enabled Deaf people to be grateful and remain loyal to Sorensen. Little did they know that these so-called gifts also played a role of exploitation in swallowing the minutes each time Deaf people used their VP-200 to call SorensenVRS, enriching themselves in the process.
I mean ... Sorensen gave you one VP-200 for free only *once* (as of far). And yet, Deaf people's response to Sorensen was to give them millions of dollars PER month since 2005. I don't know the total cost of VP-200 but I guess each box probably costs $150. $150 once versus millions of dollars per month?
Obviously, Deaf people needs to CUT their umbilical cord with Sorensen and start supporting the deaf-owned VRS companies!
R-
Hurting our own?
You raised a valid point about boycotting Hearing-owned companies and the resultant hit to Deaf employees of those companies. Like you, I don't want to see our Deaf brothers and sisters being hurt (economically or otherwise). But, we cannot consider the feelings/needs of those who "lie in the bed" of the oppressors, if we are to make any gains for the greater good.
When MLK had the boycotts against the buses, I'm sure there were Black drivers. But that did not stop the boycotts from happening.
In my estimation, once our Deaf-owned companies started growing, they would need to hire more people, and it would make sense for them to hire those Deaf with the experience of working in the VRS system already. So, like you say, a temporary loss, for a greater gain.
SLCC
The Deaf Studies Department seems to approve Sorensen if Dr. MJ Bienvenu, Dr. Bahan, et al. are heavily involved with SLCC. Sorensen is SLCC!
Microsoft
Sorenson reminds of Microsoft! We keep buying Microsoft software because there are no better product than MS.
I hope one day the other vrs will have a better product than Soreson! VP200 is a better product for us!
Another cool vlog.
Hi Ryan
You explained it beautifully. However, it may be a problem of trying to convince people not to use Sorenson. Sorenson was smart to capitalize the VRS market with their VP that was designed to fit deaf consumer's need. As consumers already filled their VP with contact information and became comfortable and reliable with it, other VRS companies tried to convince them to use other VRS services or their VPs like OJO, MVPS, etc.. but it didn;t work. I don't mean to be negative or anything like that. But I have seen that consumers prefer not to dial another vrs services through vp-200 and tell the interpreter the hearing person's number since they already have the name in their VP200 contact list which is easier for them to use. Most consumers prefer not to duplicate contact's name and vp# in other VPs besides VP-200. Unless a company makes a VP that is WAY better and MORE deaf friendly than VP-200, then things could change.
Buyer Defined
A person as a "buyer" doesn't necessarily mean it has to be monetary. For instance, in the world of politics, Obama's "buyers" are the people who "voted" for him. This is akin to VRS -- although free to customers, you are a "buyer" when you choose your preferred VRS provider.
Hope that makes sense?
"Buyer defined"
Poster of "buyer defined"
Can you cite your source for that analogy... I have looked all over for something akin to what you're stating and all definitions of buyer make reference to the actual buying of goods or services; and nothing in political science indicates that a buyer is synonymous to voter. It would be helpful to have access to your source for future reference.
Thanks.
FUBU Answered
http://www.youtube.com/DrDonGCSUS
Excellent VLog
Ryan-
Both of your VLogs are terrific and I appreciate how you have articulated your views. Ever since 2002, I have had a problem with Sorenson's hegemonic tendencies. They have successfully manipulated the Deaf market to the point that Deaf people are afraid to switch providers. I keep hearing from older Deaf people that they are grateful that Sorenson gave everyone VPs and are so good to the Deaf community. I try to tell them that this is a way for a hearing company like Sorenson to keep the Deaf market under their fingers- it all goes back to Marcuse's hegemony theory. They have given very little financial support to Deaf related organizations and events in relation to their massive wealth. Deaf people are comfortable with their VP devices and talking to their community members point to point and don't want to rock that world.
BUT, in order for us to wake up and realize that we need to take back what is rightfully ours- we need more Deaf owned companies that cater to the Deaf community, not just VRS companies.
I look forward to your next VLog- they are very thoughtful, intellectual, and at the same time present very clear messages that people can relate to.
FUBU?
The phrase you're looking for is... "Taking two steps backwards in order to step forward", or something like that.
I don't mean to stir the pot; I understand the premise of "FUBU'. However, how can FUBU work if the Deaf consumers do not 'purchase' the service and the ultimate purchaser is FCC?
I'm all for competition; we just need to find a way for Deaf-owned VRS companies to survive and prosper.