FTRI’s Impact on Everyday Communication: Stories from Florida’s Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

Author

Florida Telecommunications Relay

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Florida Telecommunications Relay

Posted on

Dec 23, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

For many people, the ability to communicate freely and effectively is often taken for granted. However, for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, this essential aspect of daily life can be a challenge. Communication barriers can make simple tasks—like making a phone call, staying in touch with loved ones, or participating in professional and social interactions—feel overwhelming.

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) has been a powerful catalyst in breaking down these communication barriers for Floridians who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments. Through its Equipment Distribution Program and other initiatives, FTRI provides free telecommunication devices and services to individuals, ensuring they have the tools needed to communicate confidently and independently.

In this article, we will explore the profound impact of FTRI on the everyday lives of individuals within Florida’s deaf and hard-of-hearing community. By sharing real-life stories, we’ll highlight how FTRI’s services are making a difference in people's lives.

Empowering Independence Through Accessible Communication

One of the most significant barriers that people with hearing impairments face is limited access to telecommunication services. Making a phone call, engaging in conversations, or participating in important appointments can seem daunting when hearing loss or speech impairments are involved. FTRI’s commitment to accessibility ensures that individuals can stay connected to their families, healthcare providers, employers, and the community.

Real-Life Stories from FTRI’s Impact

Let’s look at how FTRI has made a meaningful difference for Floridians.

1. Susan’s Story: Gaining Independence with CapTel

Susan, a 58-year-old woman from Tampa, has been hard of hearing for much of her life. While she could still understand some speech, phone calls were often a challenge. She struggled with miscommunication and frequently missed important information during conversations.

After learning about FTRI’s CapTel (Captioned Telephone), Susan decided to apply for one through FTRI’s Equipment Distribution Program. The CapTel phone provides real-time captions of conversations, allowing Susan to read what the other person is saying while still participating in the conversation.

“Since receiving my CapTel phone, I feel so much more confident and independent,” Susan shared. “I can communicate with friends and family easily, and I’m no longer relying on others to make phone calls for me. It’s given me a new sense of freedom.”

With the help of the CapTel phone, Susan can now manage her appointments, talk to her children, and participate in community events without worrying about missing important details.

2. John’s Story: Staying Connected Through Video Relay Service

John, a 45-year-old man from Miami, is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) as his primary form of communication. While John’s family and friends are fluent in ASL, he struggled to connect with individuals who didn’t understand the language. This barrier became particularly evident in professional and medical situations, where clear communication is crucial.

John’s experience changed when he received a Video Phone through FTRI’s Equipment Distribution Program. With a Video Phone, John can communicate through Video Relay Service (VRS), which connects him to a qualified interpreter who translates between John’s signs and the voice of the person he’s speaking with.

“The Video Phone has completely transformed how I communicate with people who don’t know ASL,” John said. “Whether I’m making a doctor’s appointment or chatting with a colleague, I feel like I’m no longer limited. It’s a game-changer.”

By offering VRS-enabled video phones, FTRI ensures that individuals like John can communicate effectively in both personal and professional contexts, providing them with the opportunity to be more involved in everyday life.

3. Maria’s Story: Amplifying Conversations with an Amplified Telephone

Maria, a 72-year-old woman from Jacksonville, was born with hearing loss that worsened as she aged. Over time, even her hearing aids weren’t enough to help her hear conversations clearly. Her social life began to shrink, and she became increasingly isolated, particularly when it came to phone conversations.

That changed when Maria was introduced to FTRI’s Amplified Telephones. These phones allow individuals with hearing loss to increase the volume of their calls, making it easier to hear conversations without distortion. Maria received an amplified phone through FTRI’s program and was able to reconnect with her friends and family.

“The amplified phone has been a blessing,” Maria said. “I can now hear my children and grandchildren on the phone, which has made such a difference in my relationships. I feel more included and less isolated.”

By providing devices like amplified telephones, FTRI enables seniors and others with hearing impairments to improve the quality of their communication, ensuring they can remain socially active and engaged in their communities.

FTRI’s Broader Impact on Florida’s Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

FTRI’s Equipment Distribution Program is just one aspect of the organization’s broader efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in Florida. Through its services, FTRI works to ensure that people with hearing impairments have equal access to telecommunication technology, which is critical for staying connected to the world around them.

In addition to providing devices, FTRI also offers training and support to help users maximize the functionality of their equipment. This includes teaching individuals how to use new technologies and providing ongoing assistance to ensure their needs are met.

FTRI’s Vision for the Future

FTRI continues to focus on expanding access to telecommunication services and improving the lives of Floridians with hearing impairments. As technology evolves, FTRI is committed to staying ahead of the curve by introducing new devices and services that support communication for those who need them most. From captioned telephones to smartphone accessibility tools, FTRI is dedicated to creating a world where everyone—regardless of ability—can connect with ease.

By helping individuals access state-of-the-art communication tools and ensuring that support is always available, FTRI has become a beacon of hope for thousands of Floridians, enabling them to live more independently and fully participate in society.

Conclusion

The impact of Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) on the daily lives of people in Florida’s deaf and hard-of-hearing community is profound. Through its Equipment Distribution Program and ongoing support, FTRI has empowered countless individuals to overcome communication barriers and live more connected lives.

Real-life stories like those of Susan, John, and Maria show how FTRI’s services are transforming communication, creating opportunities for independence, connection, and personal fulfillment. FTRI’s mission continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that all Floridians, regardless of their hearing or speech abilities, can communicate effectively and enjoy a higher quality of life.

For more information on how to access FTRI’s services, visit FTRI’s website today.

Other Articles You May Like

Who We Serve

We provide housing for a wide range of individuals, ensuring secure and supportive living environments for those in need. Our goal is to offer comprehensive support, promoting stability, dignity, and community involvement for every person we serve.Displaced Adults We assist people who are experiencing displacement due to life transitions, natural disasters, or economic challenges. By offering secure housing options, we aim to provide stability and emotional support as they adjust to new circumstances in their lives. Our programs include personalized case management to help individuals regain self-sufficiency.Veterans We honor those who have served our country by offering targeted housing assistance for veterans. Our services support their honorable and respectful transition back to civilian life, ensuring they have the resources needed for long-term stability. We collaborate with veteran organizations to provide additional services such as counseling, job training, and access to healthcare.Senior Citizens Our housing options for seniors are designed to support their independence and well-being. We create environments that prioritize safety, comfort, and accessibility tailored to their unique needs. Our communities encourage social interaction, wellness programs, and access to medical services to ensure a high quality of life.(SSI/SSDI) Income Recipients We provide secure housing solutions for individuals receiving SSI/SSDI income. Our goal is to guarantee them stability and a secure living arrangement based on their guaranteed income. We offer budget counseling and community support programs to ensure financial wellness and social inclusion.Families in Need We extend our services to families facing housing challenges. Our family housing programs provide safe and nurturing environments for parents and children. We focus on holistic support, including access to educational resources, childcare services, and community-building activities to empower families towards self-sufficiency.Persons with Disabilities We offer specialized housing options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and necessary support services. Our goal is to create inclusive environments that promote independence while ensuring necessary care and accommodations are readily available.Make an Inquiry! If you or someone you know needs housing assistance, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help. Our team is ready to assist with compassionate and personalized support, ensuring every individual has the opportunity for a stable and dignified living environment.

Ona Solutions: Transforming Lives Through Affordable Housing

About Us Welcome to Ona Solutions, where we specialize in providing housing for independent adults and assisting individuals in finding affordable housing options. Our dedicated team is committed to creating safe, supportive, and sustainable living environments that empower individuals to thrive. We operate with a foundation of compassion and a strong sense of community, working tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to a place they can call home. At Ona Solutions, we firmly believe that housing is a fundamental human right and strive to make this belief a reality for all.Mission At Ona Solutions, our mission is to transform lives by offering secure, affordable, and dignified housing solutions for independent adults and those seeking affordable living options. Our goal is to foster a supportive community where individuals can regain stability, independence, and hope. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to address the housing deficit and ensure that every person we serve has the opportunity to lead a better, more fulfilling life.Vision Our vision at Ona Solutions is a world where affordable housing is accessible to all. We envision a society where everyone has a place to call home, enabling them to lead fulfilling and independent lives. By continuously innovating and advocating for sustainable housing solutions, we aspire to be a leader in creating lasting change and brighter futures for individuals and communities alike.Why Choose Ona Solutions?Commitment to Community: We prioritize creating a sense of belonging by fostering supportive and inclusive housing environments.Affordability: We are dedicated to providing cost-effective housing solutions to help individuals maintain financial stability.Sustainability: Our focus on sustainable practices ensures long-term housing security and positive environmental impact.Empowerment: We empower residents by offering resources and support systems that encourage personal growth and independence.Get Involved At Ona Solutions, we believe positive change happens when communities come together. Whether you are seeking affordable housing or want to support our mission, we welcome you to join our efforts in making housing accessible for all. Together, we can create a brighter future where everyone has a place to call home.

When Grief Doesn't Ease

Sometimes it feels as if your bereavement will never end. You feel as if youd give anything to have the pain go away; to have the long lonely hours between nightfall and dawn pass without heartache. You are not the only grieving person who has longed for some measure of relief.In the novel, My Sisters Keeper, author Jodi Picoult wrote, There should be a statute of limitations on grief. A rule book that says it is all right to wake up crying, but only for a month. That after 42 days you will no longer turn with your heart racing, certain you have heard her call out your name.No such rule book exists. Grief counselors and therapists tell us that the length of time it takes anyone to grieve the loss of someone they held dear to them is dependent on the situation, how attached you were to the deceased, how they died, your age and gender. So many variables exist and theres absolutely no way to predict how long it will take for you to adapt to your loss.The Difference Between Normal and Complicated GriefResearch findings have led experts to come up with many differing categories of grief experience ranging from normal to complicated. Normal (or uncomplicated) grief has no timeline and encompasses a range of feelings and behaviors common after loss such as bodily distress, guilt, hostility, preoccupation with the image of the deceased, and the inability to function as one had before the loss. All are normal and present us with profound, and seemingly endless, challenges. Yet, Katherine Walsh says, Over the course of time, with average social supportmost individuals will gradually experience a diminishment of these feelings, behaviors, and sensations. So, how can you know if your bereavement is no longer within the range of normal? Ms. Walsh goes on to say, While there is no definitive time period by which this happens, if an individual or members of a family continue to experience distress intensely or for a prolonged periodor even unexpectedly years after a lossthey may benefit from treatment for complicated grief.A Useful Model for Assessment: Wordens Four Tasks of MourningThere are certain tasks that, when achieved during your bereavement, can successfully allow you to emerge on the other side of loss as a better, stronger, and more resilient individual. James Worden proposed these four tasks: To accept the reality of the loss To process the pain of grief To adjust to a world without the deceased To find an enduring connection with the deceased in the midst of embarking on a new life Instead of focusing on your bodily discomforts, feelings, and common behaviors, this model allows you to better see where you may be stuck or stalled in the adaptive process. Fortunately, Worden also gives us a list of indicators advising that "any one of these clues in and of itself may not be sufficient" for a diagnosis of complicated grief. "However," he continues, "any of theseshould be taken seriously, and the diagnosis of complicated grief should be considered when they appear."12 Clues... 12 InsightsWhile grief educators and theorists tell us that a diagnosis of complicated grief should not even be attempted until after the first anniversary of the death, if any one of the following symptomatic clues exists for longer than six months, you may want to consider grief counseling or grief therapy: You cannot speak of the deceased without experiencing intense and fresh grief long after the loss. A relatively minor event triggers an intense grief reaction. Your conversations with others are littered with references to loss. In other words, loss is an ever-present motif in your world view. You have issues related to your loved one's possessions. Keeping everything the same as before their death could indicate trouble just as tossing out everything right away can also be a clue to disordered mourning. (You also need to factor in your cultural and religious background) You have developed physical symptoms similar to those of the deceased before their death. Sometimes these symptoms recur annually, on the anniversary of the death, or on holidays. An increased susceptibility to illness or the development of a chronic physical complaint can also be an indicator. If you have made radical changes to your lifestyle, or excluded friends, family members, or even activities associated with the deceased, it may indicate unresolved grief. A long history of depression, often marked by guilt or low self-esteem, can reveal disordered mourning. The opposite is also true: a person experiencing a false sense of happiness or elation could be experiencing unresolved grief. A compulsion to imitate the deceased, in personality or behavior, can be a sign of complicated mourning. Having self-destructive impulses or exhibiting self-destructive behaviors can be significant. These can range from substance abuse, engaging in self-harm, developing eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. A sense of unexplained sadness occurring at a certain time each year (holidays, anniversaries, or birthdays) can also be a clue to unresolved grief. Developing a strong fear about dying, especially when it relates to the illness that took the life of your loved one, is an important clue. If you have avoided visiting your loved one's grave or if you are still unwilling to discuss the circumstances of their death, this could indicate complications in your bereavement. There are many types of complicated grief; it can be delayed, masked, exaggerated, or chronic. Self-diagnosis is without purpose. A year after the death, if you feel your grief symptoms worsening, we advise that you seek a referral from your family physician for professional grief counseling or therapy.Sources: Walsh, Katherine, Grief and Loss: Theories and Skills for the Helping Professions, 2nd Edition, 2012 Worden, James, Grief Counseling & Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner, 4th Edition, 2009

Local Services By This Author

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.

Hearing Services & Resources 1860 Boy Scout Drive, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

We are a statewide 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 Disabled.

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.

Telephone Reassurance 1820 E Park Ave, Ste 101, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301

We are a statewide 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 Disabled.

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.

Hearing/Deaf Products 1860 Boy Scout Drive, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907

We are a statewide 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 Disabled.