IVR

Florida Telecommunications Relay, or FTRI,  is reportedly offering a new amplified telephone developed by Clarity, a division of Plantronics (News - Alert), at no cost to seniors and others with hearing loss.

 

Clarity is a supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communications devices for the hearing loss and deaf market. The Clarity (News - Alert) W425 Pro cordless telephone amplifies incoming sounds up to 45 dB.

 

“FTRI aims to provide individuals with hearing loss a telephone solution like the Clarity W425 Pro,” said James Forstall, executive director at FTRI, in a statement.

 

The majority of the people that the company serves are senior citizens, said Forstall, adding that the Clarity W425 Pro is a device that may assist them with communicating with others on the telephone.

 

In addition to the amplification technology, the W425 Pro also features large backlit numbers, a bright visual ringer. Also, the device is hearing aid compatible and is TIA (News - Alert)-1083 Compliant.

 

Noting that FTRI is an outstanding program that helps so many people throughout Florida, Carsten Trads, president at Clarity, said that hearing loss is a serious, yet often overlooked issue.

 

Trads said that many people are not aware that solutions like amplified telephones even exist.

 

“Thanks to FTRI, hopefully more people in Florida will take the necessary steps to address their hearing loss and consider using amplified telephones,” he said in a statement.

 

FTRI is nonprofit distributor of specialized telecommunications equipment for people with hearing loss and speech disabilities. The company is also responsible for the education and promotion of the Florida Relay Service.

 

Permanent residents of Florida who are certified as having a hearing loss can now obtain the W425 Pro by completing an application and visiting one of FTRI’s 22 located distribution centers throughout the state.

 

Earlier in July, Clarity launched a line of amplified phones that utilizes Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology 6.0 (DECT (News - Alert)). The two phones -- the D613 and the D60 -- include DECT to ensure crisp, clear and interference-free communication for Americans experiencing hearing loss.