VIEWS: Working and learning in the 21st Century

Sorenson. Connect Beyond Words.

Sorenson is committed to connecting Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind people through the power of the world’s signed and spoken languages — this requires a skilled and diverse workforce of interpreters. Sorenson is the largest private employer of sign language interpreters in the world and is dedicated to investing in a skilled workforce.

Emerald Program. Training for the Video Relay specialty.

Video Relay Service interpreting is a specialized type of interpreting requiring skills and knowledge above those learned in interpreting programs and community practice. Sorenson recognizes VRS (Video Relay Service) as an integral experience in the lives of Deaf people and understands that many times an interpreter's first encounter with VRS is on-the-job. Our Emerald Program provides guided support in customer service, call interaction, clarification, and topical vocabulary to interpreters who are new to Sorenson VRS work.

Individuals who qualify for the Emerald Program experience our comprehensive New Hire Training and benefit from a wraparound paid training that includes mock interpreting practice, small group coaching in VRS specific skills, and an extended period of supported phone time. Emerald Program creates contextualized training for this unique setting through the inclusion of Deaf customers, seasoned VRS interpreters, and managers of VRS call centers. Sorenson is committed to ensuring our customers have a successful experience by investing in the interpreters doing this specialty work. Emerald Program seem like the right fit for you? Apply for a VRS or Community position and screen with us to determine eligibility. Open positions can be found here. (https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SOR1001SORE/JobBoard/1fe5e40e-4e0c-4b11-86e3-9a8e1f396263/?q=&o=postedDateDesc&f5=pBHFFZpdHUyrJUn9Snt9Rg)

Deaf Interpreter Academy. Something for everyone.

Deaf Interpreter Academy. Something for everyone. Sorenson's Deaf Interpreter Academy works to promote best practices in Deaf-hearing interpreter teaming through trainings, resources, IEP curriculum supplements, and community partnerships. DIA offers monthly webinars for working Deaf interpreters, an affinity mentoring program for Deaf interpreters from underrepresented communities, and the Gear Up program supporting newly trained Deaf interpreters transition into professional interpreting work.

Want to boost Deaf-hearing interpreter teaming in your area? Contact us today to discuss resource-sharing. workshop, and partnership opportunities! Check out at DIA's resource website for Deaf and hearing interpreters, trainers, and consumers. (https://www.deafinterpreteracademy.com/)

Compass. Providing growth and support for Codas.

Sorenson recognizes that traditional educational paths to becoming an interpreter may not be a t for those who grew up with Deaf parents. As a result, Compass provides a tailored interpreter education program for nearly fluent Deaf-parented heritage users of signed languages. Compass instructors and mentors work to grow participants’ existing language skills and help them explore their identities and culture. This structured 10-month opportunity is fully online, is o ered at no cost to participants, and is designed to put them on track toward becoming a professional interpreter.

Investing in interpreters of various backgrounds.

Sorenson’s Interpreter Education and Professional Development (IEPD) department employs 60 educators, half of whom are heritage language users of ASL (either Deaf or Coda). This talented, passionate, and dedicated sta is commi ed to ensuring Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind people are connecting with people who don’t sign. Sorenson invests in this connection by supporting the wraparound paid video relay training, Emerald Program, as well as Deaf Interpreter Academy and Compass which recognizes that not all interpreters arrive to the profession following the same path.