• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Kinderhook Industries

Kinderhook Industries

  • Investment Philosophy
  • Team
  • Our Portfolio
  • Portfolio News
  • LP Portal

ZVRS, Purple Communications Announce Innovative Collaboration with Meta to Advance Access to Video Communications for the Deaf Community

ZVRS, Purple Communications Announce Innovative Collaboration with Meta to Advance Access to Video Communications for the Deaf Community

December 16, 2021

Through ZVRS and Purple, Meta’s Portal Smart Video Calling Devices Now Provide Access to Video Relay Services Connecting Callers and People Who Use American Sign Language

ZVRS and Purple Communications (ZP) today announced a new innovative collaboration with Meta (the new name of the Facebook company) to bring its popular Z5 and P3 apps and video relay services (VRS) to the Portal family of products. As part of its pledge that “Every Conversation Matters” and “Connection is Everything,” ZP will also begin offering Portal to eligible deaf and hard of hearing individuals beginning December 16th. To view an American Sign Language interpretation of this press release please visit ZP.

ZP Better Together, LLC
ZP Better Together, LLC

“Portal devices, integrated with ZP software, will provide better access to American Sign Language interpreting for the deaf community, and provide the deaf community with the modern, 21st century communications devices they deserve,” says Sherri Turpin, Chief Executive Officer of ZP Better Together, LLC. “The collaboration between ZP and Meta will enrich the VRS experience for deaf and hard of hearing individuals as they communicate with family, friends and colleagues, ensuring that every conversation matters.”

One of the most exciting and innovative aspects of this integration is Portal’s AI-powered Smart Camera which keeps people in frame, automatically panning and zooming to keep up with the action.

“Connection is everything and our collaboration with Meta Portal is another major step forward to ensure deaf and hard of hearing individuals enjoy the same modern technology and seamless and immersive communication experiences we all do with family, friends and colleagues,” added Turpin.

“Today, ZP and Meta are introducing a powerful new experience for people who use American Sign Language,” says Mike Shebanek, Meta Head of Accessibility. “The combination of ZP’s apps and video relay service with Meta’s Portal device and its AI-powered Smart Camera that automatically keeps people in frame, delivers simplicity, connectivity, and the freedom to move and communicate using both hands.”

Austin-based ZP is a leading provider of communications solutions, including VRS technology and interpretation services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Meta Portal is a family of smart video calling devices that let you feel like you are together, even when you are separated by distance.

ZP will offer eligible customers Portal, the next-gen Portal +, Portal TV or Portal Go. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are eligible for VRS can secure one or more Portal devices by applying at portal.zpvrs.com.

Qualified individuals who already own a Portal can download the ZP VRS apps, Z5 and P3, through the Portal App store to begin using VRS. A ZVRS or Purple account is required to use these apps. For more information on ZP’s VRS apps for Portal please visit portal.zpvrs.com.

 

Media Contacts:

The Durkin Agency
[email protected]

ZP Better Together, LLC
[email protected]


About Kinderhook Industries

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $5.4 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 375 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services, and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders.

For more information, please visit https://www.kinderhook.com


About ZVRS

ZVRS, based in Clearwater, FL, provides video relay services ("VRS") to the deaf and hard of hearing, allowing them to connect with hearing individuals over video telephones or similar devices such as iPads, via American Sign Language interpreters.

For more information, please visit http://www.zvrs.com/


About Meta Portal

The Portal family of products are smart video calling devices designed to make it easier for people to connect with their family, closest friends and colleagues. Portal's Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms as you move around the room, keeping you centered in frame as you chat hands-free.

Copyright © 2023 Kinderhook Industries. All rights reserved.