Dr. Z has been traveling across the country with 2 other Dr. Z Associates.

One of the questions and subjects being addressed at those town hall meetings has been whether VRS interpreters are certified. The fact of the matter is some VRS providers do not have certified interpreters–they say thay have qualified interpreters. That is different from having certified interpreters.

ZVRS has 100% certified interpreters on their staff.

You need to check with other VRS providers if their interpreting staff is 100% certified. By saying thay have certified interpreters is not the same as having 100% certified interrpeters.

One VRS provider (Sorenson VRS) on their website says they have national or state certifications… OR “have the professional interpreting experience to become a Sorenson VRS interpreter, subject to skill set verification and screening.” This is not the same as being “CERTIFIED.” What if the interpreter violates some certification requirements, the deaf and hard of hearing consumer has no protection. Also some VRS providers use Canadian interpreters such as Sorenson VRS. These interpreters are not necessarily certified in the US. This affords us no protection as consumers.

Dr. Z cares about our rights as VRS consumers.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclaimer: Dr. Z is currently the Vice-President of Business Development and Outreach at CSDVRS, LLC.