News Headlines for ALDA-Peach The Atlanta chapter of the Association of Late-Deafened Adults |
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News Headlines ð
Upcoming ð Apply for Specialized Telecommunications Equipment! ð ð Georgia Relay 2016 Award Nominations ð 2016 Scholarships available from Hamilton Relay! ð ð Big Changes at the Georgia Relay Center ð Brendan Underwood Georgia Relay ð ð Abby Synowsky Receives Scholarship ð Carrie_Welter Receives 2015 Award ð Better Hearing and Speech Month ð Georgia Relay Seeks Nominations for Award ð ð Georgia Relay Town Hall Meeting ð ð ð Receive Captions on every call with CapTel ð Georgia Relay Spring Outreach Events ð Introducing the Hamilton CapTel Call Me # ð Hamilton Relay 2013 Recognition Award ð Georgia Relay Partner: Keeping Connected ð Hamilton Relay 2013 Scholarship ð ð
ð Introducing the New CapTel 840i ð ð
Mobil CapTel ð Hamilton now has a free iPhone App ð Georgia Relay on People to People ð Captioned Telephone - “See What They Say” ð
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ALDA-Peach
meeting in April:
Details: To be decided
If we choose to meet in person then the following comments apply:
All of our meetings are captioned, free
and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!
(You can click here for the address, a map and directions from where you live)
(We are meeting every other month during 2020)
Apply for Specialized Telecommunications Equipment!
Georgia Relay is here to keep Georgia connected through our telecommunications services—but how do relay users get the equipment sometimes needed to use these services? For those who qualify, the equipment can be provided to them through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP)! GATEDP is administered by the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to offer state-provided specialized telecommunications equipment to qualified applicants who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or have difficulty speaking. The program offers a variety of specialized equipment to meet the needs of their users, including: amplified phones, TTYs (text telephones), hands-free phones, CapTel®* phones, visual alerts and more! In addition to the state providing the equipment, those who qualify for GATEDP receive free training on how to properly use their device and answer any questions they may have. GATEDP workshops are also held monthly throughout the state to answer questions and assist users with their devices. To qualify, submit an official application and the supporting documents, which include a certificate of need form signed by their physician as well as proof of income, residency, and home phone service. Find out more and apply for your specialized telecommunications equipment at www.georgiarelay.org/telecommunications-equipment.
There's an App for That!
Mobile technology is making it easier than ever to stay
connected to what matters to you. Here are a few useful
smartphone apps you can download today.
SoundHound
Music-lovers, rejoice! The SoundHound app is great for
concerts and parties where everyone is singing along. If
you are hard of hearing and have difficulty
understanding the lyrics to your favorite songs either
at home or at a crowded event, try SoundHound. Just tap
the screen when a song is playing and the app will
recognize it and display the lyrics in real-time,
karaoke style!
Live
Caption
Don’t worry about getting stuck without an interpreter
ever again! This $5 download will caption in-person
conversations for you. The app uses your smartphone’s
microphone to listen to the person speaking and displays
the captions right on your screen.
Braci
Not being able to hear alarms can be dangerous. The
Braci app lets you record the sounds of your fire alarm,
intercom, doorbell, and even a crying baby and
constantly listens for the sounds when in “detection
mode.” When heard, the app will use your phone to let
you know what needs your attention.
Hamilton CapTel for Smartphones turns your mobile phone
into a Captioned Telephone! Read word-for-word captions
of what’s being said during phone conversations while
you listen and talk with people on the go.
Georgia Relay Seeks Nominations for 2016 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award
Nominations Due by Friday, April 1
Hamilton Relay, the contracted service provider of Georgia Relay, is seeking candidates for the 2016 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award. We are looking for individuals who are hard of hearing, late-deafened or have difficulty speaking and who have been positive influences in Georgia. These individuals should demonstrate commitment to volunteerism, advocacy, leadership and enhancing the lives of those around them. The award will be presented during Better Hearing and Speech Month in May.
If there is someone you wish to nominate, please visit HamiltonRelay.com to download and complete a brief questionnaire about your candidate, including a brief description about the individual and why you are nominating him/her. Please send your nominations to Brendan Underwood, Georgia Relay outreach coordinator, by Friday, April 1. Brendan can be reached at 678-620-6776 (Voice/TTY) or brendan.underwood@hamiltonrelay.com.
Celebrating community leaders during Better Hearing and Speech Month is something we look forward to each year. We are eager to learn more about the deserving community leaders in your community; nominate someone you know today!
Hamilton Relay Now Accepting Applications for 2016 High School Scholarship Program
As the Telecommunications Relay and Captioned Telephone service provider for the State of Georgia, Hamilton Relay acknowledges that opportunities for higher education affect the future of Georgia’s high school students.
We are pleased to once again extend the Hamilton Relay Scholarship opportunity to graduating high school students in Georgia who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking to assist in their goals of continuing their education. One $500 scholarship will be awarded in each of the states where Hamilton Relay is the contracted telecommunications relay and/or captioned telephone service provider.
To be eligible for the 2016 Hamilton Relay Scholarship Program in Georgia, students must:
If you know a deserving student who meets the eligibility requirements for this scholarship opportunity, please encourage them to submit an application. Applications are available online at www.HamiltonRelay.com and must be postmarked by March 1, 2016 to be considered eligible for selection.
For more information, please contact Brendan Underwood, Georgia Relay’s outreach coordinator, at brendan.underwood@hamiltonrelay.com.
Give CapTel for the Holidays
If you have difficulty hearing over the telephone, Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) may be the perfect gift for you or someone you know!
Now you can stay connected to friends and family during the holidays and all year long. With CapTel, you don’t have to worry about missing what’s said over the phone. CapTel allows you to listen while reading every word the other party says throughout your conversation.
Any Georgia resident may purchase a CapTel phone at a specially-reduced price of $75. To order, please call 800-233-9130 (Voice/TTY) or visit http://www.weitbrecht.com/captel-georgia.html.
For those who qualify medically and financially, CapTel phones are also available at no cost through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program. For more information, please call 800-541-0710 (Voice/TTY) or visit http://www.gachi.org/gatedp/.
You can also use CapTel on your PC/Mac, smartphone or tablet. Just visit www.HamiltonCapTel.com/Register to register for a free Hamilton CapTel account, and then download the Hamilton CapTel App to your smartphone or tablet from your app store. Find out which smartphones and wireless networks are compatible by visiting: www.HamiltonCapTel.com and selecting the Smartphone Selector.
If you, or a loved one, have difficulty hearing over the phone, give a truly meaningful gift and consider CapTel this holiday season. For more information, please visit www.georgiarelay.org or contact Georgia Relay’s outreach coordinator, Brendan Underwood at brendan.underwood@hamiltonrelay.com.
Big Changes at the Georgia Relay Center!
Big things are happening at the Georgia Relay Center in Albany! This winter, a major expansion project will be completed to greatly increase the size of the center and create more jobs in the region.
For more
information about Georgia Relay, please visit
www.georgiarelay.org.
Meet Brendan Underwood
Georgia Relay and Hamilton Relay are pleased to introduce Georgia’s new outreach coordinator, Brendan Underwood! As outreach coordinator, Brendan will be traveling throughout the state to help raise awareness for Georgia Relay TRS and CapTel, as well as the Georgia Relay Partner Program and the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Brendan joins Georgia Relay from the CNN Center, where he spent more than three years as a tour guide. In his time there, he gave more than 3,500 tours and met more than 75,000 guests. In his new position, Brendan looks forward to meeting people from all over the state as he shares information about Georgia Relay.
“I am a believer in giving back to the community and helping others, and this job gives me the opportunity to do just that, and I am both honored and humbled to be a part of it,” he says. “My goal is to spread the word about Georgia Relay, and I plan to work diligently to meet people, give presentations, and set up informational booths at community events. I plan to pursue any opportunity that crosses my path to share knowledge about how our services and programs can help people.”
Brendan is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. He currently lives in Decatur with his girlfriend, Jessica and his Italian Greyhound, Finn. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and being active outdoors.
To request a free presentation about Georgia Relay, or to invite Georgia Relay to your next public event, please contact Brendan at 678-620-6776 or brendan.underwood@hamiltonrelay.com.
The
Americans with Disabilities
Act:
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of
the Americans with Disabilities Act which took place on
July 26, 1990. This milestone in history was intended
"to assure equality of opportunity, full participation,
independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for
individuals with disabilities." Among other things, the
signing of the ADA meant a new opportunity to provide
telecommunications relay services, allowing individuals
who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or who have
difficulty speaking to communicate over the telephone.
Georgia Relay is committed to providing quality relay
services. Through our outreach efforts, we work to raise
awareness and educate communities throughout the state
about the variety of relay services available to them.
We are proud to serve an important role in providing
equal access to telecommunications services in Georgia.
As
part of its commitment to give back to the communities
it serves, Hamilton Relay, Abby was awarded the $500 Hamilton Relay Scholarship after completing the application process, which included writing an essay under the topic of communication technology. Abby plans to attend Georgia Highlands College this fall to study Communication Sciences & Disorders with a goal of becoming a Doctor of Audiology. Congratulations, Abby!
Carrie Welter Receives 2015
Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award Each May during Better Hearing and Speech Month, Georgia Relay’s service provider, Hamilton Relay, enjoys the opportunity to give back to the communities it serves by recognizing leaders within each of the states where it is the contracted relay and/or captioned telephone service provider. Carrie Welter of Augusta is the recipient of the Hamilton Relay 2015 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the state of Georgia. Carrie is described by her peers as a strong leader and role model for members of the hard of hearing community. In 1996, Carrie and her husband, Dave, founded the Augusta Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). She served as president from March 1997 to September 2001 during which time the Augusta Chapter attracted over 200 members and became the largest HLAA chapter in Georgia, as well as one of the leading chapters in the nation. In 2014, she started the HLAA Bulloch County Chapter in Statesboro and currently serves as a member and leader within that chapter. One mission of the Bulloch County Chapter is to offer support and membership to Georgia Southern University students. Carrie is a valued advocate and mentor in her community. She has served as an advocate for the installation of audio loops and captioning systems in public places and she is a mentor to individuals with hearing loss. Carrie counsels individuals who are receiving and using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. She also serves as a guide for people are considering cochlear implant surgery. Carrie has truly dedicated herself to helping people live well with hearing loss. We commend Carrie for her leadership, vision and advocacy on behalf of individuals who are hard of hearing. We are pleased to present her with the Hamilton Relay 2015 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the state of Georgia!
Georgia Relay
Recognizes
Dial 7-1-1 to access free public telephone services for
people
Georgia Relay recognizes Better Hearing and Speech Month this May. Sponsored by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) since 1927, this annual observation provides opportunities to raise awareness about hearing and speech difficulties and to promote resources that can improve the quality of life for the nearly 40 million Americans who experience difficulty hearing and/or speaking.
Georgia Relay provides up-to-date technologies and a variety of assistive devices that enable people in Georgia who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking to communicate by telephone.
To benefit from Georgia Relay, state residents may take advantage of any of these resources:
In addition, a list of Georgia Relay Partner businesses that are trained in answering and placing Georgia Relay calls is available at www.georgiarelay.org. Georgia Relay’s outreach team also offers free presentations for businesses, organizations and other groups. To request a presentation, please contact Ellen Rolader, Georgia Relay outreach coordinator, at ellen.rolader@hamiltonrelay.com.
If you or a loved one has difficulty hearing or speaking over the phone, there are services and equipment available to keep you connected. For more information about Georgia Relay, please visit www.georgiarelay.org or call 1-866-694-5824 (voice/TTY).
Georgia Relay Seeks Nominations for Hamilton Relay, the contracted service provider of Georgia Relay, is seeking candidates for the 2015 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award. We are looking for individuals who are hard of hearing, late deafened or have difficulty speaking and who have been positive influences in Georgia, demonstrating commitment to volunteerism, advocacy, leadership and enhancing the lives of those around them. The award will be presented around Better Hearing and Speech Month in May. If there is someone you wish to nominate, please visit HamiltonRelay.com to download and complete a brief questionnaire so that we can learn more about their accomplishments. Please send your completed questionnaire to Ellen Rolader, Georgia Relay outreach coordinator, at ellen.rolader@hamiltonrelay.com by Wednesday, April 1. Celebrating community leaders during Better Hearing and Speech Month is something we look forward to each year. We are eager to learn more about the community leaders in Georgia; nominate someone you know today!
Introducing the CapTel 2400i
The newest addition to the family of CapTel® technology is now available to Georgians with hearing loss – the CapTel 2400i. This phone includes new elements along with a variety of enhancements to its popular features, providing another option for enjoying phone conversations with clarity and confidence!
The CapTel service is the same, offering quality captions through the use of voice recognition technology. With its new touch-screen technology, the 2400i allows users to enjoy a large colorful display with the capability to navigate the menu and dial a number by touching images on the screen.
Check out these great features:
In addition, the 2400i Captions will default ON automatically, due to recent changes with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This means that users will not be required to turn the feature on at the beginning of every call.
Georgia Relay
Hosts Town Hall Meeting On November 5, Georgia Relay hosted a town hall meeting at the Atlanta Speech School. This meeting gave the local community the opportunity to learn more about available telecommunications resources for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking.
Guest speakers included representatives from Georgia Relay and Hamilton Relay; the Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired; the Hearing Loss Association of America Georgia State Office; the Georgia Association of the Deaf-Blind; the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency; Cobb County 911 services, and the Georgia Peach Cochlear Implant Association, among others. Hamilton Relay and Georgia Relay presented information about Traditional Relay Services, Captioned Telephone Service, Speech-to-Speech Relay Service, the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program, the Relay Friendly Business Program and more. Georgia Relay would like to give special thanks to everyone who came to network and learn, as well as share their feedback, ideas and suggestions. If you would like to hold a town hall meeting in your community, please contact Ellen Rolader at ellen.rolader@hamiltonrelay.com or 678-620-6776.
Bob Green receives Georgia’s Hamilton Relay
Robert “Bob” Green was recently presented with the Hamilton Relay 2014 Deaf Community Leader Award for the state of Georgia. Bob is well known within the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities for his advocacy and leadership. Before Bob’s retirement in 2012, he worked for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) for over 30 years. His roles there included: evaluator, counselor, and state coordinator for the Deaf-Blind; and he is currently serving his second term as a Governor-appointed board member. Bob also serves on a GVRA committee which educates employers on information around hiring employees who are deaf. In addition to his work at GVRA, Bob serves many other roles in the local community, including:
Bob also continues to be a volunteer member of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD); Georgia Association of the Deaf-Blind (GADB); Georgia Association of the Deaf (GAD), Northwest Metro GAD Chapter; Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (GACHI); and the Georgia Rehabilitation Association (GRA).
Bob is described by his peers as kind, caring, patient and always willing to teach others. We commend Bob for his dedication to a variety of organizations and projects and are proud to present him with the Hamilton Relay 2014 Deaf Community Leader Award for the State of Georgia!
Jeff Bonnell Receives Hamilton Relay 2014 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the State of Georgia Jeff Bonnell of Atlanta was selected by Georgia Relay and Hamilton Relay to receive the 2014 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the state of Georgia. Jeff generously devotes his time and knowledge to advocating and spreading awareness of available resources for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf. Jeff is described by his peers as compassionate, upbeat and encouraging – always striving to improve the quality of life and offering tips on how to cope with hearing loss. A retired Delta Airline employee, Jeff is currently the Georgia State Director for Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), as well as the leader of the Buckhead/Atlanta HLAA chapter. He has a regularly published column in The Resonator, the Georgia HLAA newsletter, and has been invited to speak at the 2014 HLAA National Convention where he will co-present "Communication and Civility: How They Make or Break Relationships" as part of the Relationships and Communication tract for state leaders. In addition to speaking on a national level, Jeff is active in presenting on topics involving hearing loss within his local community. He is a member of the Area Agency for the Aging, where he advocates for individuals and shares information on how to live well with hearing loss. Jeff completed a two-year mentoring program through Gallaudet University and is now a certified peer mentor for the hard of hearing. Through his own experience with hearing loss, Jeff understands the concerns of others and encourages them to advocate for themselves and take advantage of available technologies and strategies for achieving better communication. We commend Jeff for his leadership, advocacy and volunteerism on behalf of individuals who are hard of hearing and are pleased to present him with the Hamilton Relay 2014 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the state of Georgia!
Receive Captions on Every Call with Hamilton CapTel®
for PC/Mac, Smartphones and Tablets Backed by over a
decade of proven captioned telephone technology, Hamilton
CapTel®
is dedicated to making phone conversations simple and
accessible for individuals with hearing loss. In addition to
a Hamilton CapTel phone, you can access real-time captions
of your calls using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Below
is an overview of how to access Hamilton CapTel from your
PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet so that you can begin placing
and receiving calls from anywhere! Register for a Hamilton CapTel Account The first step in accessing Hamilton
CapTel on your PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet is to set up an
account. This simple, one-time process allows you to place
and receive captioned calls any time you are logged in with
Hamilton CapTel. To register for a Hamilton CapTel Account,
visit: www.HamiltonCapTel.com/Register.
When you register, you have the
opportunity to obtain a Hamilton CapTel Call Me # which is a
personal phone number that makes it possible to receive
calls with captions whenever you are logged in to your
account -- whether on a PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet. You
can share your Call Me # with family, friends and businesses
so that they can call you directly without first having to
call the toll-free access number at the captioning center to
reach you.
Once an account has been set up, you can choose any or all of the following options: Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac See every word a
caller says right on the screen of your PC/Mac. All that’s
required is a computer with Internet browser, high-speed
Internet, any phone, and your Hamilton CapTel Account.
On your PC/Mac,
simply log in to your Hamilton CapTel Account by visiting
www.HamiltonCapTel.com/Login.
Enter the telephone number of
the phone you will be using for the call, as well as the
telephone number of the person you are calling, then click
on the “Place Call” button. Hamilton CapTel for Smartphones Hamilton CapTel
for Smartphones lets you place and receive captioned calls
on a single mobile device.
All
that’s required is a compatible smartphone, the Hamilton
CapTel App and your Hamilton CapTel Account. A hearing aid
or cochlear implant compatible hands-free headset can be
used to listen to what’s being said. Search for
Hamilton CapTel through the app store for your smartphone
and download the app to your phone. To place a captioned
call, simply open the Hamilton CapTel App and enter the
number you are calling.
Find out which
smartphones and wireless networks are compatible with
Hamilton CapTel by visiting:
www.HamiltonCapTel.com
and selecting the Smartphone Selector. Hamilton CapTel for Tablets Using your iPad or
Android tablet, any telephone and a high-speed Internet
connection, you can receive captions on the screen of your
tablet. Download the Hamilton CapTel App from the app store
for your tablet. To place a call, from the Hamilton CapTel
App call screen, enter the number of the person you are
calling in the "Number to Dial" box. How does it work? In general, when you
place a call from your PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet, once
you click on “Place Call”, you will receive a call on your
phone from the captioning center. You must answer this call
in order to receive captions.
Once
you answer, the number of the person you are calling will
automatically be dialed.
A captioning screen will then
appear on your PC/Mac, Smartphone or Tablet -- allowing you
to view captions of everything the other person says.
As
the call proceeds, you can listen to the extent you are able
to and respond directly to the other person.
For more information: To learn more about
Hamilton CapTel, please visit If you have
questions or need assistance, please contact:
Learn More about Georgia
Relay Georgia Relay’s outreach coordinator, Ellen Rolader, will be exhibiting at a number of community events this spring. If you are interested in learning more about Georgia Relay, CapTel (captioned telephone), or the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP), please visit the Georgia Relay table at any of these events! April 25-26, 2014; Savannah Georgia Statewide Coalition on Blindness Center for Blind and Low Vision 214 Drayton St. April 26, 2014; Woodstock Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. Council 8th Annual Senior Extravaganza Cherokee Recreation & Parks Building 7545 Main St. April 28, 2014; Atlanta Cobb Senior Services Aging By Design Summit Cobb Galleria 2 Galleria Pkwy SE May 3, 2014; Macon 19th Annual Deaf Awareness Banquet Vineville United Methodist Church 2045 Vineville Ave. May 3, 2014; Macon Georgia State Schools Title I Conference Georgia Academy for the Blind 2895 Vineville Ave. May 15, 2014; Douglas County Douglas County Senior Picnic May 16, 2014; Jonesboro Clayton County Senior Services MayFest Clayton County International Park 2300 Hwy 138 E May 19, 2014; Atlanta Georgia Seniors & Caregivers Expo Atlanta History Museum 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW For a complete list of Georgia Relay’s upcoming events, please visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/GeorgiaRelay. If you are interested in having Ellen exhibit at your community event, or present to your group, please contact her at ellen.rolader@hamiltonrelay.com. Introducing the Hamilton Captel® Call Me # If you just can’t hear on the phone, now you can
listen while reading captions of what is said to you on your smartphone,
tablet or computer – with just one number to reach them all. The Hamilton CapTel Call Me # is your personal phone
number that makes it possible to receive captioned calls on your PC/Mac,
smartphone and tablet. Share this single phone number with your family,
friends and business contacts so that they can call you directly,
without first having to dial a toll-free number. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to Hamilton
CapTel, you are just three easy steps away from your new Hamilton CapTel
Call Me #.
Please not that once you obtain a Call Me #, you will
no longer be able to receive calls via the toll-free access number. To
use Hamilton CapTel on your smartphone, it must have voice and data
capability.
Kelly Jenkins Receives
Hamilton Relay 2013 Each May, in honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Hamilton Relay recognizes one individual who is hard of hearing, late deafened or has difficulty speaking and who has been a positive influence in Georgia, demonstrating commitment to advocacy, leadership and enhancing the lives of those around them. This year’s recipient of the Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award is Kelly Jenkins. Kelly is a dedicated advocate for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in the state of Georgia. Specifically, much of her focus has been on improving the rights of children with hearing loss. Kelly experiences hearing loss herself and is a mother of three children, one of whom also experiences hearing loss. She is a co-founder of Let Georgia Hear, a parent-led advocacy group working toward passing legislation in Georgia that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids for children. She has been in communication with several other states that are pursuing similar mandates and has also raised awareness for the rights of children with hearing loss through national and local TV networks and newspapers. Previously, Kelly served as the parent volunteer coordinator for the Atlanta Speech School Hamm Center and now serves on the School Board Guild and is the Special Projects Volunteer. She is also a board member for Georgia Hands & Voices, a non-profit organization that provides families with resources and information for improving communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Kelly also serves on the Policy and Funding Subcommittee for the Georgia Pathway to Language and Literacy Organization, which supports the advancement of literacy proficiency for the children of Georgia who are deaf or hard of hearing. Kelly has clearly demonstrated leadership and has contributed tremendously to children in the deaf and hard of hearing community. Congratulations, Kelly!
Georgia
Relay Partner: In an effort to help Georgia businesses provide
better service to customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or
have difficulty speaking, Georgia Relay recently revised all of its
training and marketing materials for the Georgia Relay Partner Program. Open to all Georgia-based businesses, Georgia
Relay Partner provides businesses of all sizes and types with free
materials they need to answer and receive Relay calls with confidence,
making it easier than ever for Relay users and Relay Partners to conduct
business by phone. Georgia Relay’s outreach coordinator, Ellen
Rolader, is the point of contact for the Georgia Relay Partner program.
She makes sure all new partners complete their training and receive
their all-new partner kit, which includes: · A welcome letter from Ellen
·
A certificate to
acknowledge that a business is an official Georgia Relay Partner
·
A detailed guide
that explains Georgia Relay, the different types of Relay calls and how
to place and receive them
·
A shorter version
of the Partner Guide to distribute to employees
·
A flyer with tips
for answering Relay calls
·
A flyer with advice
for protecting a business from fraudulent Relay calls
·
A window decal to
show customers that a business is a Georgia Relay Partner
·
A template article
that a business can use to announce that it is now a Georgia Relay
Partner Partners
also receive a listing on the Georgia Relay website so that Relay users
are able to find businesses that are prepared to receive Relay calls. To
find a list of current Georgia Relay partners or to learn more about the
Georgia Relay Partner program, please visit
www.georgiarelay.org or contact Ellen
Rolader at
ellen.rolader@hamiltonrelay.com.
Hamilton
Relay Now Accepting Applications Hamilton Relay is now accepting applications for
its 2013 High School Scholarship program. The program will award $500 to
one graduating Georgia high school student who is deaf, hard of hearing,
deaf-blind or has difficulty speaking.
Established in 2010, the Hamilton Relay
Scholarship Program is designed to support individuals who are deaf,
hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking in their
post-secondary education. One scholarship is awarded annually in each of
the states where Hamilton Relay is the contracted telecommunications
relay service provider. To be eligible for the 2013 Hamilton Relay
Scholarship Program in Georgia, students must:
Applications are available
online at
www.HamiltonRelay.com
and must be postmarked by March
1, 2013 to be considered eligible for selection. The winner will be
chosen by the end of April and announced during the month of May. The Hamilton Relay Scholarship Program is just
one of several national programs made available by Hamilton Relay to
honor individuals who are making a difference in their communities. In
addition to the high school scholarships, Hamilton offers a $1,000
scholarship to an undergraduate student at each of the following
schools: Gallaudet, California State University Northridge and the
National Technical Institute of the Deaf.
In May, Hamilton Relay will present the Better Hearing and Speech
Month Recognition Award to individuals who are hard of hearing,
late-deafened or have difficulty speaking and who have served as a
strong influence within their state, and in September, Hamilton Relay
will recognize individuals through Hamilton’s Deaf Community Leader
Award during National Deaf Awareness Week. “We enjoy recognizing the individual leaders and
talented students who are involved in our programs,” says Dixie Ziegler,
vice president of Hamilton Relay. “Every year, more and more nominations
and applications pour in, and the amount of support and community
involvement is tremendous.” For more information about
any of Hamilton Relay’s scholarship and award opportunities, please
visit
www.hamiltonrelay.com.
For more information about Georgia Relay and its services, please visit
www.georgiarelay.org or call
1-866-787-6710.
Got a Smartphone? submitted by Hamilton Relay
Thanks to FREE apps like these, a smartphone can be an incredibly powerful communications tool for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. Download them now from your device’s apps store.
(For
Apple, Android and BlackBerry devices)
ntouch
(For Apple and Android devices)
Hamilton Mobile CapTel
(For Apple, Android
and Blackberry devices)
ConvoMobile
(For Apple and Android devices)
Virtual
Voice
(For Android
devices)
iSpeech
(For Apple and Blackberry devices)
Dragon
Dictate
(For Apple devices)
Skype
(For Apple, Android and
BlackBerry devices)
Vibe
Deaf Note
(For Android devices)
Buzz
Cards
(For
Apple devices)
A complete list of Apps can be found at: http://code-idea.org/index.php/accessibility-tools/applications
Christopher Patterson Receives Hamilton
Relay 2012 Deaf Community Leader Award for the State of Georgia
Christopher was
selected for his ability to guide positive change in Georgia’s deaf
community and encourage empowerment for individuals who are deaf as well
as his dedication towards both local and national deaf advocacy efforts.
Christopher is
a strong advocate for communication accessibility and interpreting
services for individuals who are deaf. He is the Region III
representative for the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and will
be the chairperson for the NAD national conference to be held in Atlanta
in 2014. Christopher was actively involved with
the Georgia Advocacy Office to ensure that medical
professionals have the resources to provide effective communication. He
also worked to partner Georgia Association of the Deaf and Georgia
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf to host workshops for deaf
individuals looking to become Certified Deaf Interpreters. Additionally,
he advocated for the State of
Georgia to accept American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language in
the public schools. Furthermore, Christopher
advocated for the State of Georgia to adopt
the Deaf Child Bill of Rights and was co-chair of the first Deaf
Children’s Literacy Benefit Gala in
Atlanta,
Georgia. This event was a huge success which gained exposure to literacy
issues surrounding children who are deaf. “Christopher has been
described by his peers as a warm and gracious individual who has the
ability to listen and observe the needs of the community that surrounds
him,” said Ellen Rolader, Georgia Outreach Coordinator, Hamilton Relay.
“His ability to follow through
in achieving the goals he has set forth for himself is impressive.
Georgia is fortunate to have such an individual.” Congratulations, Christopher!
In the Loop: A Look at Hearing Loops and Telecoils If you are one of the estimated 8.4 million Americans
who wears a hearing aide on a daily basis, you may know that it can
often still be difficult to hear in public places where background noise
is common (such as a restaurants, airports or pharmacies), or in meeting
places where the speaker is using a microphone (such as places of
worship, presentation rooms or theaters). However, new technology may
soon make much of America a friendlier place for people who live with
hearing loss. Just as WiFi allows people to connect to the Internet
in connected public places, assistive listening devices such as
induction hearing loops allow people wearing properly equipped hearing
aids or cochlear implants to connect directly to public sound systems. A
hearing loop consists of a microphone to collect sound, a transmitter to
send the signal across a distance, a receiver to intercept the signal,
and any one of several different listening attachments to send the sound
from the receiver to the user’s ear, hearing aid or cochlear implant. Today, most models of hearing aids and cochlear
implants feature a small copper wire known as a telecoil or t-coil.
Originally invented to boost magnetic signals from telephone handsets,
t-coils are activated by a t-switch on the hearing aid or cochlear
implant and enables the listener to receive the sound signal transmitted
by the hearing loop directly in his/her ear while eliminating most
background noise. For those who do not use t-coils, hearing loops can
also be accessed through portable receivers or headsets that are usually
available to be checked out at public venues. Hearing loops are already widely used overseas in
places including Great Britain and Scandinavia, and thanks to advocacy
efforts they are slowly becoming more popular in the United States. Last
year, New York City Transit installed hearing loops in 488 subway
information booths. Earlier this year, Nissan announced that 13,500 new
city taxis will be equipped with hearing loops. Access to public places for individuals with
disabilities – including hearing loss – is required by the Americans
with Disabilities Act. However, in order for hearing loops to become
commonplace in the United States, more people need to be educated about
the technology and advocate for its use. If you think an assistive
listening device would benefit you on the job, in your classroom, at
your place of worship or any place you attend regularly, find out the
process from the institution for requesting accommodation (in private
settings) or for auxiliary aids and services (in public settings).
For more information about hearing loops, contact
the Hearing Loss Association of America or visit
www.hearingloss.org.
Introducing the New CapTel 840i The newest innovation in
CapTel®
technology is now available from Georgia Relay: the CapTel 840i. Like
its predecessor, the CapTel 800i, CapTel 840i allows individuals to call
a CapTel user directly, without having to dial a toll-free access number
first, making the entire process more similar to a regular phone call.
The CapTel 840i hooks up to your phone line like any
other phone, but it also connects to your high-speed Internet access to
automatically display captions of everything your caller says on all
incoming and outgoing telephone calls.
CapTel 840i phones are
available to Georgia residents through Georgia Relay
To find out more about CapTel, call 1-866-694-5824 (Voice/TTY)
Phones will
soon be available at no cost to qualifying individuals through the
Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP).
CapTel is a
registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.
The Gift of CapTel The holiday season may be over, but it is always the
perfect time of year to give the gift of a CapTel phone if you or your
loved one is having difficulty hearing over the telephone. A CapTel
phone (captioned telephone) works just like a traditional telephone,
except that a typed transcript of the conversation appears on a
brightly-lit display screen so that users can read every word as it is
spoken. CapTel can be a life-changing solution for people
living with hearing loss. My dad, Robert
Carroll Miller, is a great man and I missed his voice so much. About
five years ago, my dad’s hearing impairment worsened to a point that he
could no longer hear me when I phoned, so our phone conversations
ended. This was a very sad day for me because my dad has so much wisdom
and advice to share. He is a master gardener who could always answer my
questions: What kind of fertilizer should I use or how to combat the
bugs on the vegetable plants? Recently, my brother contacted me about
phone services available for individuals with hearing impairments. I
started the research and discovered the Georgia Council for the Hearing
Impaired and began the process of acquiring telecommunications
equipment. What a great day when Mr. Henry Carter arrived and installed
the new phone for dad! My emotions surfaced when I talked by phone with
dad for the first time. Dad beamed knowing that now he could talk to his
family members whenever he wished. Now I can call him to ask advice,
relay important information or more importantly just talk. What a
blessing to hear his voice after five years of not being able to
communicate by phone. Thanks to everyone who had a part in making life
happier for my dad and his family. -Gaye Miller
Hill CapTel
service is free!...
Mobile CapTel
Georgia Relay would like to remind you that you can enjoy the convenience of CapTel wherever you happen to be with Hamilton Mobile CapTel for smartphones. Mobile CapTel allows you to read captions of what’s being said to you during conversations, providing word-for-word transcriptions displayed on your mobile device, similar to captions on a television. Mobile CapTel is free to use, available 24/7 and only requires three simple things: 1) A compatible smartphone 2) A hands-free headset that works with hearing aids/cochlear implants 3) An account with Hamilton Web CapTel – requires a simple, one-time registration at www.hamiltonwebcaptel.com.
With a wide variety of Android, Blackberry, and iPhone smartphones available on the market, Hamilton now provides a convenient Smartphone Selector to determine if your phone is compatible with Mobile CapTel. Just visit http://www.hamiltoncaptel.com/mobile_captel/smartphone_selector/, select your wireless network provider and your phone, and you will find all the information you need to get started with Mobile CapTel.
The newest offering from Mobile CapTel is an app that is optimized for Android Tablets, allowing you to use your Android Tablet to read captions of your conversation while you listen and talk over the phone. To use the app, you will need to use your Android Tablet to download the Hamilton Mobile CapTel app from the Android Market and make sure you have registered for a Hamilton Web CapTel account. Once installed, you will be able to use Mobile CapTel to place and receive calls with your Android Tablet and any telephone (i.e. landline, office, cell phone or smartphone).
To learn more about Mobile CapTel, the Smartphone Selector, or Mobile CapTel for Android Tablets, please visit www.hamiltonmobilecaptel.com.
Hamilton Mobile CapTel
Introduces a Free iPhone App
Available nationwide, Hamilton Mobile CapTel works
just like a standard CapTel call, allowing users to listen while reading
captions on their iPhone Hamilton Relay considers this free App a major
addition to their solutions available for the hard of hearing. In the
words of Dixie Ziegler, Vice President of Hamilton Relay, "every call is
important, and due to the widespread use of the iPhone, we have created
a free App that is easy to use, with an intuitive interface that meets
the needs of iPhone users in the U.S.”
Hamilton Mobil CapTel is
currently available on any 3G/3GS iPhone. However, look for this App to
become available on a variety of devices in the near future.
Georgia
Relay Featured on People 2 People with Jocelyn Dorsey
Terri Byrd has a story
familiar to many of us, but unknown to the general public. A bout with
meningitis left her deaf at the age of three. Most television viewers
are unfamiliar with how hard the deaf, hard of hearing and speech
impaired have to work to enjoy the simple pleasures hearing persons take
for granted. However, thanks to a feature
segment on WSBTV’s People 2 People with Jocelyn Dorsey, the hearing
audience got a look into how Georgia Relay, the Georgia Council for the
Hearing Impaired (GACHI) and the Georgia Telecommunication Equipment
Distribution Program (GATEDP) made Terri’s life a whole lot easier. It all began with a visit to
GACHI. Terri was a TTY user, but wasn’t feeling as connected to the
hearing world as she wanted to be. GACHI staff helped her complete an
application for equipment, and also gave her resources for obtaining a
hearing aid. All Terri had to bring with her was proof of income and
Georgia residency, and proof of a home phone line. Terri’s request was processed
on the same day, and she qualified for free equipment. As Terri also
showed proof of an Internet connection, she received a free CapTel 800i
from GATEDP and free videophone from Sorenson. GACHI soon distributed and
installed Terri’s new equipment in her home. GACHI also trained her on
the use of her new CapTel phone, and set up a signaler to Terri’s lamp.
And that was it—in just days, Terri had
obtained the latest technology for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech
impaired free of charge. On the People 2 People
segment, Terri expresses how grateful she is to Georgia Relay, GACHI and
GATEDP. In her words, the equipment and services we provide brought her
up “to the same level as hearing people.” And thanks to the cameras and
crew of WSBTV, an entire television audience learned all we do for the
deaf, hard-of-hearing and Terri’s interview can be found
on WSBTV’s website, at
www.wsbtv.com/video/24910514.
Captioned Telephone - “See What They Say”
Just can’t hear on the phone? Has making a telephone call become a task that you avoid or have other people do for you? If so, there is a solution available to help you reconnect to others via the phone. It’s called Captioned Telephone.
Similar in concept to captioned television, Captioned Telephone allows you to use your own voice while you listen to and read captions of what is being said to you over the telephone.
Captioned Telephone Service can change people’s lives. Comments from individuals who use the service include: “I could not use the phone before and now I use it all the time.” “It is a natural part of our lifestyle and without it, communication would be very limited.” “This is great. Now I can talk to my family where before someone had to call for me.” “I am enjoying my phone...I am looking forward to Captioned Telephone improving the quality of my life toward being more independent.”
Captioned Telephone is a free service available through Georgia Relay, a public service provided by the State of Georgia and administered by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Georgia Relay makes telecommunication simple, dependable and convenient for people who are hearing, deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled.
The service works using a phone line and a confidential captioning service that visually displays everything the other party says during a conversation on the brightly lit screen of a CapTel® captioned telephone. The captions allow the user to read along with the spoken words. In this way, a person can engage in natural conversations with friends, businesses and loved ones, using their own voice and experiencing the independence of making calls without the assistance of the people in their lives. While the captioning service is free, a special CapTel phone is required.
For more information, or to learn more about other telecommunication services available for Georgians who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, call Georgia Relay Customer Service toll free at 1-866-694-5824 (Voice/TTY) or visit www.GeorgiaRelay.org.
CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.
CapTel Improving Lives in Georgia
For many people living with hearing loss, using a telephone is often a stressful and frustrating endeavor. Whether attempting a routine call with family or friends, or a more intricate business conversation, conducting a normal phone conversation can be nearly impossible for someone who is unable to clearly understand what the person on the other end is saying.
This is why Georgia Relay now offers captioned telephone technology – known as CapTel for short. Developed by UltraTec, the same company that produces TTYs (text telephones) for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, CapTel was introduced in Georgia in January 2008 and is revolutionizing the way many people communicate over the telephone. While not for everyone, this technology is ideal for those who are late-deafened and have understandable speech. The only equipment needed is a CapTel phone, which looks much like a standard telephone, except with a brightly-lit display screen.
CapTel allows users to talk and listen to the person they have called while they receive a text version of the other person’s words displayed on their phone’s digital screen. As the conversation progresses, users can check their CapTel phone’s screen anytime to ensure accuracy. The captions appear nearly simultaneously as words are spoken, and the phone itself is as easy to use as a standard phone – callers just pick up the handset and dial the number they wish to call. Also, with the exception of the purchase price of the phone and any long-distance charges, there is no cost to use CapTel.
CapTel phones are available for purchase at a discounted price of $99 (80% off of the standard retail price) exclusively through Georgia Relay. To download an order form, visit www.georgiarelay.org. If you do not have access to Internet, call 1-866-694-5824 (voice/TTY) to have an order form mailed to your home address.
A limited number of free phones are available to people who are medically and financially qualified through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program. Call GACHI at 1-888-297-9461 (voice/TTY) or visit www.gachi.org for details.
Ten-Digit Numbers
Ten-Digit Numbers for VRS and Internet Relay What You Need to Know
What is the new policy? As of January 1, 2009, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all Video Relay and Internet Relay users obtain a 10-digit number. This number is just like the standard 10-digit number used by most voice telephone callers.
What about continued support of seven-digit numbers? Web CapTel and CapTel equipment and services support the use of both seven-digit and ten-digit numbers.
Why was the change made? There are many benefits to using a 10-digit number for VRS and IP Relay. First of all, it is now much easier to place a call to a VRS or IP Relay user. There is no more need for multi-step calling instructions, special extensions, “proxy” numbers or IP addresses. Now, anyone can simply pick up a voice telephone, dial a 10-digit number and be connected to any VRS or IP Relay user through that person’s preferred provider. Secondly, every 10-digit number is assigned to its user’s physical geographic location. This means that in the event that a VRS or IP Relay user places an emergency call to 911, the user’s address is automatically routed to the 911 call center operator, who is able to dispatch emergency services to the appropriate location more quickly.
What do I need to do? If you are a VRS or IP Relay user, you must contact your preferred service provider and request to be assigned a 10-digit number. Once you receive your number, you must register this number with your current address through your provider. You will be able to change your service provider or update your location information at any time. After June 30, 2009 VRS and IP Relay services will not be available for anyone without a registered 10-digit number.
How can I learn more? Any Georgia Relay user who needs to obtain a 10-digit telephone number for VRS or IP Relay, needs to register a number with a current address, or would like to learn more may do so by contacting Georgia Relay at either V/TTY 1-866-694-5824 or www.georgiarelay.org.
Hamilton Relay Launches Innovative Web Captioned Telephone (CapTel) for On-line Captioned Telephone Calls Web Captioned Telephone Service Available Now for People with Hearing Loss Nationwide AURORA, NE – Hamilton Relay today announced the availability of Hamilton Web CapTel®. CapTel is a service designed for individuals who have difficulty hearing on the telephone, where captions, similar to the closed captioning provided on most television programs, are offered to support the understanding of telephone conversations. Previously available only through State Relay programs and with a specialized CapTel phone, individuals nationwide can now make CapTel calls via the Web. Web CapTel works with any type of telephone and any type of Internet access device. Hamilton Web CapTel is available at www.hamiltoncaptel.com. Hamilton Web CapTel requires no special equipment. Along with a standard telephone or mobile phone, individuals can see every word a caller says on a computer screen. All that is required is an Internet connection and a computer or laptop with a standard web browser — no special equipment or special software is needed. Individuals can listen to the caller and read the written captions of everything the caller says. Hamilton Web CapTel works by providing two telephone numbers, your telephone number and the telephone number you wish to call. When you place a call, the Web CapTel Service calls your number first, then the number of the person you wish to call. You will be able to see the captioning page from the computer monitor and once you answer your telephone, captions will begin and the system is calling out to the person you wish to call. When you are waiting to receive a call, a person dials Hamilton Web CapTel Service at 1-800-933-7219. Web CapTel Service checks to see if you are logged on and waiting for calls, then places a call to your telephone number where you are waiting. “Hamilton is thrilled to introduce Hamilton Web CapTel,” says Dixie Ziegler, Vice President of Hamilton Relay. ”This exciting web-based service expands Hamilton’s CapTel offering by bringing the flexibility and mobility of the Internet to the CapTel experience that so many people have come to enjoy. Individuals who have missed out on what was being said during a telephone conversation no longer need to. Hamilton Web CapTel allows individuals with hearing loss to ‘see what they say.’ ” Individuals will view telephone conversations word by word, phrase by phrase, on-screen as the conversation takes place. There is no charge for using Hamilton Web CapTel. Individuals and organizations who would like more information are encouraged to contact a Hamilton Relay Representative at 800-618-4781 (Voice/TTY) or via Email at help@hamiltoncaptel.com. About Hamilton RelayHamilton Relay offers a variety of services including Internet Relay, Video Relay, Wireless Relay and CapTel. All services are available at www.hamiltonrelay.com. Hamilton Relay provides traditional relay services to 15 states, the Island of Saipan and the Virgin Islands. CapTel and Web CapTel are registered trademarks of Ultratec, Inc.
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Site updated: 03/13/2020