SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sorenson Communications, a provider of Video Relay Services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language to communicate, applauded the Senate confirmation today of Julius Genachowski as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Robert McDowell to another term as an FCC Commissioner. Genachowski will chair an agency that plays a crucial role in the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans. By law, Congress has directed the FCC to ensure that the telecommunications services available to the deaf and hearing-impaired are functionally equivalent to services available to the hearing. As Americans enjoy the benefits of broadband services and other technological developments, this statutory mandate has become more important than ever to the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Ron Burdett, Vice President of Community Relations for Sorenson Communications, commented on the confirmation: "We are pleased with President Obama's choice of Julius Genachowski. His knowledge of and experience with technology, innovation, and communication in both the public and private sectors gives him unique perspective to lead the FCC. We look to him and to the other commissioners to ensure that all deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans can participate fully in the communications networks of the 21^st Century."

Sorenson Communications' mission is to break down communication barriers by offering the highest-quality communication products and services to all deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The Sorenson VP-200^® videophone and Sorenson Video Relay Service^® have revolutionized communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing people who use sign language to communicate and ushered in a new era of communications for them.