New Amplified Phone Available to Seniors and Others With Hearing Loss at No Cost

FTRI Offers New Amplified Phone to Three Million Floridians With Hearing Loss at No Cost


TALLAHASSEE, FL--(Marketwire - October 8, 2009) - Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), the non-profit distributor of specialized telecommunications equipment for people with hearing loss and speech disabilities, is offering a new amplified telephone developed by Clarity, a division of Plantronics, at no cost to seniors and others with hearing loss. The Clarity W425 Pro cordless telephone amplifies incoming sounds up to 45 dB.

Permanent Florida residents who are certified as having a hearing loss can easily obtain the W425 Pro by completing an application and visiting one of FTRI's 22 conveniently located distribution centers throughout the state. For more information, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 or visit www.ftri.org.

"FTRI aims to provide individuals with hearing loss a telephone solution like the Clarity W425 Pro," said James Forstall, FTRI's executive director. "The majority of the people we serve are senior citizens and the Clarity W425 Pro is a device that may assist them with communicating with others on the telephone."

FTRI estimates that nearly three million Floridians experience some degree of hearing loss.

Along with amplification technology, the W425 Pro contains large backlit numbers, a bright visual ringer, is hearing aid compatible and is TIA-1083 Compliant.

"FTRI is an outstanding program which helps so many people throughout Florida," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "Hearing loss is a serious, yet often overlooked issue. 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."

About FTRI

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a 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 Impaired. FTRI is also responsible for the education and promotion of the Florida Relay Service. For more information, visit www.ftri.org.

About Clarity

Clarity® is a leading supplier of amplified telephones, notification systems, assistive listening devices and other communications devices for the hearing loss and deaf markets. A leader in sound amplification, Clarity's patented technologies, Clarity® Power™ and Digital Clarity Power™, provide customized solutions for customers who otherwise could not communicate easily and effectively with the outside world. As more people begin to address their hearing needs, Clarity will continue to provide effective technologies that are simple and easy to use. For more information about Clarity and its products, please call 1-800-426-3738 or visit www.clarityproducts.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Ryan Witherell 615.327.7999 rwitherell@seigenthaler.com

Clarity W425 Amplified Telephone