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

TALLAHASSEE, FL--(Marketwired - Mar 4, 2014) - 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. An easy-to-use cordless phone, the XLC2 amplifies incoming sounds up to 50 decibels.

Permanent Florida residents who are certified as having a hearing loss can easily obtain the XLC2 by completing an application and visiting one of FTRI's 24 conveniently located distribution centers throughout the state. For more information, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 or visit www.ftri.org. 

"FTRI works to provide the hard of hearing community in Florida with the equipment they need to communicate and stay connected with their loved ones," said James Forstall, FTRI's executive director. "The Clarity XLC2 is a product that meets the needs of our community and enhances their overall communication experience."

FTRI estimates that more than 3 million Floridians experience some degree of hearing loss.

Features of the XLC2 include Talking Caller ID, which announces the incoming caller, and a Talking Dial Pad that reads the numbers as you dial. The large, easy to read buttons are back-lit to help seniors with low vision. Awarded for Ease-Of-Use by the Arthritis Foundation, the buttons on the handset are also spaced apart to be easily accessible for those with dexterity issues or arthritis.

"FTRI is able to help so many Floridians, and we are honored to be a part of their program," said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. "FTRI brings the often overlooked issue of hearing loss to light. We hope that the XLC2 can help improve the lives of those who may not even know that these solutions are available to meet their needs."

Like FTRI on Facebook and join the #KeepFloridaConnected campaign.

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 - Smart for Seniors ™
Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), creates smart communication solutions that help seniors live richer, more engaged lives. For more than 40 years, Clarity's innovative products -- such as amplified telephones, notification systems and assistive listening devices -- have helped people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges. Clarity has pioneered many firsts -- from digital sound processing in 2005 to remote-access customer service in 2010. Millions rely on Clarity to communicate at home, at work and throughout their lives. For more information, please visit www.clarityproducts.com or call 1-800-426-3738.