Update on Sorenson employees injured in crash
Here is an update on the crash that injured 10 Sorenson employees in Austin, Texas on Friday night. I did a previous news video that explained that the employees were on a sidewalk in an area popular with restaurants and food trucks when they were hit by a car that was involved in a collision with a pick-up truck. The employees were hospitalized with varying levels of injuries. The employees were in Austin to be a part of the DeafNation Expo on Saturday.
I asked Sorenson if they could share an update. Ann Bardsley, Sorenson’s Public Relations Director, sent a statement. I will read out some of the key parts.
“Sorenson is pleased to report that eight of the ten original Sorenson employees who were transported to Austin, TX hospitals over the weekend following a horrific accident Friday night have now been released. Two employees remain in the hospital.
On Saturday, Sorenson CEO Jorge Rodriguez flew to Austin to visit injured employees as well as the valiant employees who quickly mobilized to provide on-the-ground support to colleagues.
Rodriguez said, ‘We express gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Deaf and greater communities as well as from industry colleagues for their care and concern during this difficult time.’
Sorenson is providing patients with sign language interpreting and supportive resources, including counseling services through the company’s Employee Assistance Program.
Preliminary reports from those involved indicate that there may have been failures to provide appropriate interpreting accommodations for Deaf victims and witnesses. When Sorenson was made aware, we proactively deployed resources to meet those needs. Sorenson will provide updates as more information comes to light.”
That’s the statement, and it is very positive that eight of the employees have been released. It is a concern that there are reports of failures to provide appropriate interpreting accommodations for Deaf victims and witnesses, especially because it is in Austin, a city with a large deaf population.
Sorenson did not provide the identities of the employees or the nature of their injuries to protect their privacy.
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There has been an outpouring of support from many deaf organizations towards Sorenson, including statements of support from other VRS/TRS providers.
Sorenson said in a social media posting on Monday that they are grateful for the support with the hashtag #SorensonStrong.
I am working on getting more information on the deaf people who were injured and their stories.
I saw an interview on KXAN with a hearing man, Jesus Mocada, who was one of the injured from the crash. He said he was standing in line outside of the Holla Mode food truck when he heard some screeching of cars and the next thing he remembers, he’s on the floor. He was hospitalized and received five stitches for a wound on the back of his head.
The owner of the food truck, Zach Stanke, said all of their staff are okay but are shook up. The food truck was hit and collapsed on one side. He said he is working on getting the food truck back open.
That’s all the updates I have for now.