Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI)
FTRI, (Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.) provides a service to citizens throughout the state of Florida in order for individuals to become more independent with telecommunications equipment.
Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center is in partnership with this agency to be a distributor of this equipment at NO COST to the consumer. We distribute specialized equipment for residents of Florida who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired. Using this equipment, you can place your own telephone calls whenever you want. If you qualify, the equipment is loaned to you for as long as you need it, at no charge.
In addition, Other equipment such as TTY, audible or visual signaling devices and portable phones are also available at a reasonable price.
• The equipment is funded by mandate of the Telecommunications Access System Act.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired, Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center is a regional distributor for telecommunication equipment. Grants recieved from the State of Florida allow us to distribute amplified phones at NO COST to Florida residents if you meet the requirements established by the State. (Eligibility is listed below)
1. You must be a resident of Florida
2. Be certified as one of the following:
a. Deaf: have a permanent hearing loss and be unable to recognize speech sounds during telephone conversations without an amplification device.
b. Hard of Hearing: have a permanent hearing loss severe enough that you need to use amplification devices to recognize speech sounds during telephone conversations.
c. Deaf/Blind: be deaf and blind or have both a permanent hearing and visual impairment.
d. Speech Impaired: have permanent speech impairment so that you cannot use a standard telephone.
3. Be three years of age or older to receive a Volume Control Telephone, and In Line Amplifier, or an Audible or Visual Ring Signaling Device.
4. Be five years of age or older for some equipment.
5. Complete an application. The State of Florida requires that your application be certified by a physician or licensed audiologist before any equipment can be distributed. An application is either available online at www.FTRI.org or feel free to call Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center and we will mail one. It is recommended that your physician certify the application prior to your arrival at the Center. Under certain circumstances, one of our audiologists may be able to certify your application, unfortunately, one may not always be available.
Appointments are recommended when picking up or exchanging any equipment, as we want to ensure there is adequate time to provide you with the necessary training on your equipment.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD's)
Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center also has several ALD products available for retail purchase, for example:
• TV Ears
• Sonic Boom Alarm Clock
• Bed Signaler
• Portable/cordless amplified phones
These items do not require any certification to purchase. Most often we have the item in stock. If not, we can order the item and you can pick it up within 48 hours. These items are exempt from state sales tax if purchased from us.
Please call our FTRI Program Coordinator to discuss the products that will improve your daily lifestyle.