Tami Grant Earns Interpreter of the Year Award for Sorenson Communications

Tami Grant, Washougal High School American Sign Language (ASL) instructor, was recently recognized as Sorenson Communications 2013 Interpreter of the Year for her significant contributions to the deaf community

“Sorenson Communications is the largest employer of ASL interpreters.  I work for the Western Region that stretches from the West Coast to Chicago,” Grant explained.  “I was nominated by my co-workers, a fact that humbles me beyond measure. I work with some of the best interpreters out there, so I am still in shock that I won this!”

Chris Wakeland, Sorenson Vice President of Interpreting, announced Grant as the winner saying she was chosen in part for her extensive commitment to the deaf community in and outside of her work at Sorenson. “She is a full time ASL high school teacher, where her students respect and admire her. She directs four ASL productions a year, giving students the opportunity to show off their skills in ASL to the community.” He went on to point out that several of Grants former students work for Sorenson now and she has proven herself a leader inside and outside of the center.

Grant said she feels grateful that she can share the career aspect of the language with her high school students.  “I think it is cool that we are teaching a technical education not just a world language with ASL.”  Her interpreter job also gives her the opportunity to provide students with insight into the industry and a chance to learn about the very latest technology in use to assist the deaf and hard of hearing.

“I can also bring back real examples of the importance of team work in a job,” Grant explained.  When severe winter weather shut down east cost centers, and school was canceled at Washougal, Grant got a hotel room and went to work to cover for those centers not able to open.  “Everyone has a right to communication even when the weather is bad and it is difficult to provide the service,” Grant said.

Adding to this honor, Grant is the first interpreter from the Northwest Region, with more than 30 centers, to win Interpreter of the Year.  Along with her certificate, Grant was awarded a travel voucher and plans to take her family on a well deserved vacation.  “They are so supportive and so helpful to me, that taking them on vacation is something I am thrilled to be able to do with the help of my award!”

Ginnelle Dowdy, Sorenson District Manager, was unable to attend the ceremony, but sent her congratulatory message to Grant via a prerecorded video, and added “it’s kind of a big deal!”
Sorenson Communications uses a Video Relay System to empower the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to communicate with both, deaf and hearing family, friends or business contacts. This free, 24-hour service empowers users to place and receive calls with a professional ASL interpreter via a videophone and a high-speed internet connection. In addition, the services enable hearing callers to contact deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals as well.

Jonathan Terpak, Operations Coordinator; Denise Allen, Director of Interpreting Portland Center; Tami Grant, Interpreter of the Year; Tammy Frost-Welburn, Assistant Director Portland Center.