The Americans with Disabilities Act

Telecommunications Assistance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that Deaf and hard-of-hearing people have equal access to service. This is available to Florida residents through the Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. FTRI partners with DSC to provide no-cost telecommunication equipment (amplified phones, ring signalers, TTYs, etc) to qualified residents. Videoconferencing is also available through Deaf & Hearing Services.

Equal Access
No costs to qualified residents
Clear communication

Whether you need to get a no-cost amplified telephone or sit down with a technician and learn how to videoconference using NetMeeting, Deaf & Hearing Services will be there for you.

911: Emergency Service: If you are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, use a TTY, and you have an emergency, dial 911. They can handle your emergency call.

711: Relay Service: Need to call a Deaf person, but don't own a TTY? Call 711 to place traditional phone calls through a Relay Operator. Information regarding non-traditional services (IP Chat; etc.) is available through Deaf & Hearing Services. All conversations are confidential.
FTRI (Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.): If you have trouble hearing on the phone, are older than 3, and a Florida resident, this program is available at no cost! FTRI can provide amplified phones, TTYs, buzzers, and telephone signaling devices to qualified residents and train clients in usage. If you live in Lake or Sumter County, call the DSC today and ask to speak with Linda: 323-0757 (voice) or 323-9106 (TTY).

If you live out of our service area, contact FTRI at 800-222-3448 (Voice) or 888-447-5620 (TTY).

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc

Videoconferencing

Use NetMeeting or other online video interpreters to communicate more naturally and easily than ever before.

Deaf & Hearing Services is just starting to explore in this area. Right now conferencing is available for personal communication. Soon anyone with a DSL or Cable line will be able to "conference" the DSC and work with our interpreters onsite.