State Nonprofit Brings Innovative Amplified Phone Technology to Florida to Help Millions with Hearing Loss
TALLAHASSEE, FL – For residents of Broward County who are among the three million Floridians with hearing loss, help has arrived. Today , Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), the non-profit distributor of amplified telephones for people with hearing loss and speech challenges, is offering an innovative new amplified telephone at no cost to local residents with hearing loss.
Amplified phones serve as lifelines for people with hearing loss, keeping them connected and engaged with loved ones. FTRI is making the XLC3.4, developed by Clarity, available to residents for free. It is an easy-to-use cordless phone with talking Caller ID that boosts incoming sounds up to 50 decibels. The XLC3.4 is designed to meet varying degrees
of hearing loss - from moderate to severe. To obtain the phone, permanent Florida residents who are certified as having a hearing loss must complete an application found at www.ftri.org or call 1-800-222-3448. FTRI has more than 30 regional distribution centers throughout the state, including centers that serve Broward County.
Residents can locate the closest center by visiting http://www.ftri.org/ index.cfm/go/public.home/page/7.
“Hearing loss is a serious issue that too often goes overlooked - our state has among the largest populations of people with hearing loss in the U.S, and these are the people we are here to help,” said James Forstall, FTRI´s executive director. “The XLC3.4 dramatically improves phone conversations - one of the first and most common challenges for those with hearing loss. It is an easy-to-use, life-changing phone that we are proud to offer to Broward County residents.”
The XLC3.4 features the digital amplification found in hearing aids to
increase sound up to 50 decibels. The phone also amplifies outgoing
speech up to 15 decibels so everyone on the call hears and understands
clearly, and it features a loud and clear speakerphone for hands-free
conversations. The Talking Caller ID announces the incoming caller so
users don’t miss calls. And the illuminated Talking Dial Pad announces
the number as users dial. Plus, the large, easy to read buttons help
people with vision loss ensure they can operate the phone easily.
The
XLC3.4 was awarded for Ease-Of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation as the
ergonomic design of the phone and its buttons make it easy to operate
for those with dexterity issues or arthritis. Finally, the XLC3.4
features ClarityLogic™ customer support service for easy setup and
customization of the phone, should users have any technical questions or
need support.
"FTRI is an important resource that more Floridians need to be aware of," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "FTRI brings attention to hearing loss, an issue that is only growing every day. We are proud to partner with FTRI to make the XLC3.4 available at no cost to residents who need amplified phones.” Like FTRI on Facebook and join the #KeepFloridaConnected campaign.
About FTRI
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a 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 Challenged. FTRI is also responsible for the education and promotion of the Florida Relay Service. For more information, visit www.ftri.org.
About Clarity - Smart for Seniors ™
Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), creates smart communication solutions that help seniors live richer, more engaged lives. For more than 40 years, Clarity´s innovative products -- such as amplified telephones, notification systems and assistive listening devices -- have helped people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges. Clarity has pioneered many firsts -- from digital sound processing in 2005 to remoteaccess customer service in 2010. Millions rely on Clarity to communicate at home, at work and throughout their lives. For more information, please visit www.
clarityproducts.comor call 1-800-426-3738.