The Sorenson Video Phone

It's hard to believe its already been 3 weeks, but we're thrilled to have the Sorenson Video Phone in our home! This link explains how the relay service works.

The rep was so wonderful and patient as she installed it. Carson was a bit shy about the whole thing and wasn't too sure about it. She encouraged him to practice for at least 5 minutes every day until he felt good about making phone calls.

Yeah, not a problem there.

We worked a bit to get names and phone numbers programmed into the phone. Carson quickly picked up on how to do this and entered the majority of his contacts. It's no wonder why he thinks a cell phone should be in his near future (deaf/hard of hearing kids are great on cell phones too - texting!!!).

Carson's first call was to Sherryse. He was giddy with excitement. He was so excited to be making a phone call by himself! This was a first for him! He grinned ear to ear. Calls to follow included to his Deaf/Hard of Hearing teacher, Amy Gibbons, to Grammy, to Papa Chip, and to cousins. Nana and Papa Kitch were here to watch it all.

Tears flowed as we watched him make the calls. He was beyond excited and proud. There is a contact for 911 in the listing as well so if something were to happen Carson can call 911 and through the relay service interpreters let emergency personnel know what is going on. Our address is linked to the video phone, so they'd know where we're at.

Since the video phone needs to be connected to a TV (the video outlets) and the Internet hub, we quickly realized we wouldn't be stringing cords across the office, foyer and living room each time he wanted to use it, so we picked up a small 19" flat panel LCD that same week. It was like Christmas for Carson when we showed him the TV and phone set up in the office. The TV is there to stay, solely for the video phone use. He doesn't know it yet, but an amplified cordless phone is also on the way, which will make calls even easier (and a better amplification system than the current amplified phone we have).

It's been amazing to watch him independently make calls. He's called girlfriend, Danie, more family, Mom and Dad at work and on our cells, and more. He's left messages, which is certainly the most treasured voice mail I've ever had. If you try calling Carson you can leave him a message too if he doesn't pick up. The message is interpreted and he simply picks up the video as 'SignMail'.

This is something most people take for granted. It is such a thrill for us to see him achieve this, thanks to technology. We're also blessed that the phone and service are free! So if you are ever grumbling about the extra $ you pay on your telephone or cell bill for the federal access charge, think of Carson!

If you want Carson's toll free number, let us know! He loves making and receiving calls so if you want a call just let us know too! It won't take too much arm twisting. ;)