NetworkOmni to Provide National Access to Sign Language Interpreters Through Video Interpreting Technology; NetworkOmni Launches New Service at California Healthcare Interpreters Conference

From: Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada - Jun 5, 2006

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. & SEATTLE, June 5 /CNW/ - NetworkOmni Multilingual Communications (NetworkOmni), a leading provider of oral interpretation, written translation, and language communication solutions, today announced a partnership with SignOn ASL, a leader in video interpreting services for American Sign Language (ASL). NetworkOmni and SignOn will now provide video remote interpreting services on a national scale without geographic challenges impeding on an interpreter's availability or becoming a financial factor in a client's decision making. Health care organizations, government institutions, and other companies in customer-facing environments can now provide interpreting services to Deaf and Hearing-impaired individuals across an array of industries or various circumstances any time, in any place.

The new collaboration allows organizations across the country to take advantage of the newest, cutting edge technology in providing ASL interpreters to consumers in areas where an in-person interpreter may be difficult to locate -- including rural health centers or hospitals, among others. The ASL video interpreters work out of a call center environment, and are now available on-demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"By making distance irrelevant, NetworkOmni is furthering its goal of facilitating communication across all borders, languages, and cultures," said George Ulmer, CEO, NetworkOmni. "Our collaboration with SignOn will allow us to provide ASL interpreters for organizations with Deaf and Hearing impaired clients and consumers throughout the nation, even in areas with infrequent needs for ASL interpreting services, or in places where interpreter resources may be scarce."

In addition to bringing a new accessibility for all to ASL interpreting services, NetworkOmni and SignOn will provide customers a more time efficient, cost effective means of complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

"It is not uncommon for organizations to pay a 2-3 hour minimum charge for an in-person interpreter, even though the interpreter may only be needed for a matter of minutes. With NetworkOmni video remote interpreting, customers only pay for the actual minutes of service required," continued Ulmer.

The video interpreting service can be used for any situation in which an on-site ASL interpreter would be needed, provided that the customer has the necessary equipment and connection type. As part of the service, NetworkOmni customers receive technical support to assist them with equipment selection and set-up.

"SignOn looks forward to its partnership with NetworkOmni. We're passionate about providing communication access whenever and wherever deaf and hearing people need to communicate. Through Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and our partnership with NetworkOmni, we will be able to reach many, many more Deaf people who would not ordinarily have quick and easy access to sign language interpretation," said Karen Graham, CEO, SignOn.

A demonstration of the service was held at the 6th Annual Conference of the California Healthcare Interpreters Association (CHIA), "Connecting the Pieces," on June 2nd and 3rd, 2006, at the Renaissance Montura Hotel, Los Angeles, California.

About NetworkOmni Multilingual Communications

NetworkOmni, headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, is celebrating its 25th year as an industry-leading language service provider. With over 2,500 highly screened, certified, and skilled language professionals, NetworkOmni provides solutions for a range of global industries, including financial services, insurance, legal, medical, technology, hospitality, emergency 911, and state and federal agencies. The company is one of the largest providers of telephone interpretation services worldwide. In addition to delivering on-demand telephone interpretation in 150 languages, NetworkOmni offers document, web and multimedia translation, as well as on-site interpreters, language testing, monitoring, and multilingual quality assurance services. NetworkOmni maintains operations in North America; Toronto, Canada; and Latin America, and is available to schedule services worldwide. For additional information, visit www.networkomni.com.

About SignOn

SignOn - A Sign Language Interpreting Resource was founded in 1997 and is committed to providing quality interpreting services, making communication between Deaf and Hearing people easy and efficient. Providing on-site, video remote, video relay and real-time captioning, the company headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington. For additional information, visit www.signonasl.com.

For further information: NetworkOmni, Tammy Gentry, 800-543-4244 x2279 or SignOn, Laurie Reinhardt, 206-632-7100 x14

© 2005 CNW Group Ltd.