For residents of Hillsborough County who are among the three million Floridians with hearing loss, help has arrived. Today, Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc., a 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.
To obtain the phone, permanent Florida residents who are certified as having a hearing loss can complete an application found at ftri.org or call 1-800-222-3448.
FTRI has more than 30 regional distribution centers throughout the state, including centers that serve Hillsborough County. Residents can locate the closest center by visiting ftri.org/index.cfm/go/public.home/page/7.
The XLC3.4 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.
