We thought this would not happen anymore–after the FCC ruling on numbering went into effect over a year ago.

Dr. Z has been hearing that this continues to happen, especially with Sorenson VP-200 users. If someone with a non-Sorenson unit tries to call a VP-200 user, the phone goes to an interpreter instead of the deaf person. This happens not with every VP-200 user but certain VP-200 users who don’t realize what the situation is because they call only other Sorenson users.

How does this happen? This happens when the VP-200 phone number was never registered with the national (ITRS) data base. If someone calls from a non-Sorenson phone, it always checks the ITRS data base–if the phone number is not there, it then goes to an interpreter.

What should the VP-200 user do? They should notify Sorenson to have their phone registered on the ITRS data base. When that happens, then the call from a non-Sorenson user will ring that phone instead of going to an interpreter.

If any of you get an interpreter instead of a deaf person, call ZVRS Customer Service at 866.932.7891 and they will help you resolve this.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is associated with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Business Development and Outreach.