Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a statewide non profit 501(c)3 organization that administers the Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program for citizens of Florida who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind and Speech Impaired. FTRI is also responsible for the education and promotion of the Florida Relay Service.
The Florida Legislature passed the Telecommunications Access System Act(TASA F.S. 427) in 1991. The intent of TASA is to provide basic telecommunications services for Hard of Hearing, Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and Speech Impaired individuals, in the most cost effective way possible. TASA mandates that the FTRI equipment distribution program and the Florida Relay Service be funded by a monthly surcharge billed to all telephone customers (landlines) in the State of Florida. The specialized telephone equipment and ring signaling devices provided through this program are loaned to all qualified permanent Florida residents for as long as they need it, at no charge.
On Friday, March 9, 2007, at 1:30 pm, specialized telephones will be provided to qualified Florida residents—AT NO CHARGE—at the Marathon Senior Center by the Deaf Services Bureau.
Bring your ID and Social Security card to 353 33rd Street, Bay side, in Marathon.
If you have a broken phone from their office, please bring it in the original box so they can exchange it.
If you have lost your phone, you’ll need to fill out a new application, be certified by an audiologist, and send it with a letter to Tallahassee.
You can contact the Deaf Services Bureau at 305.560.2866, or call Pilar Corrales, Distribution Specialist at 786.295.3322.
By the way, if you’re in business in Florida, sign up and become a Florida Relay Business Partner at NO COST.
