The State of Florida provides free phones for citizens who have hearing impairments. In 1991 the Florida legislature passed the Telecommunications Access System Act to make basic telecommunications accessible and affordable for People who are Hard of Hearing, Deaf, Speech Impaired and Deaf/Blind persons. The phones are funded by a surcharge on all landline phones in Florida.
The Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) a non-profit was formed at the direction of the Florida Public Service Commission to ensure outreach to all Floridians in need of accessible telephones for those individuals with hearing difficulties.
The Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center is the non-profit organization in Escambia County who is contracted with the FTRI to provide outreach and distribution in the Northwest Florida. Persons who have difficulty hearing may contact the organization by calling (850) 595-5566 for an appointment.