Captioned Telephones and Free Phones from FTRI
A captioned telephone shows you the words as the other person speaks. Florida residents with hearing loss can get one at no cost through FTRI, along with amplified phones and alerting devices. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.
What is a captioned telephone?
A captioned telephone works like a regular phone with a screen. You speak and listen as usual, and the words the other person says appear as text on the display a moment later, so you can read anything you miss. Captions are generated by automatic speech recognition, and on some services a live communications assistant joins the call to correct errors. The captioning service is paid for by a federal fund, so there is no charge to you for the captions, and eligible people can get the phone itself free.
CapTel is the best-known captioned telephone brand. Federal rules restrict captioned telephone service to people with hearing loss who register and self-certify that they need it; anyone else using the captions is breaking the law.
FTRI: free captioned and amplified phones for Floridians
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is the nonprofit that administers Florida's specialized telecommunications equipment program. It has provided more than 1.2 million devices at no cost to Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or speech impaired.
Who qualifies
- You live in Florida.
- You are at least 3 years old.
- You have a certified hearing loss or speech disability. Your medical provider can certify it, or FTRI can contact your provider.
What you can get
- Amplified telephones with adjustable volume and tone control.
- Captioned telephones: an amplified phone combined with a captioning tablet.
- Audible and visual ring signalers that flash or sound when a call comes in.
- Amplifiers for cell phones and headsets, and wireless options such as tablets and cellphones with telecommunications apps.
- TTYs and specialized equipment for people with speech disabilities.
How to apply
- Answer a few qualification questions about residency and communication needs.
- Choose your equipment (wired or wireless).
- Complete the application form with your contact details and certification of hearing loss, or your provider's contact information.
- Submit proof of Florida residency: a photo or scan of a voter ID, driver's license or state ID.
You can apply online or through one of FTRI's regional distribution centers, which are nonprofit partners around the state that also show you how to use the equipment. Several HLAA-FL chapters host FTRI presentations; ask your chapter.
Sources: FTRI: Ready to apply · FTRI: Equipment and solutions · FTRI: Distribution center locations
Caption phones for seniors and people who hate smartphones
Most captioned telephones look and work like a large-button home phone with a screen, which is why they are so popular with older Floridians. Internet-based models plug into your home internet and phone line; some newer models are wireless. If you do not have internet, ask FTRI about analog captioned phones or amplified phones with tone control, which help many people with high-frequency hearing loss more than volume alone.
For cell phones, captioning apps offer the same idea on a smartphone, and FTRI's wireless equipment options include cellphones and tablets with telecommunications apps. Ask a family member or your chapter to help set one up; once it is running, using it is as simple as answering a call.
Florida Relay 711
Florida Relay is a free service, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, that connects people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or speech disabled with standard telephone users through trained relay operators. Dial 7-1-1 from any phone in Florida. Services include Voice Carry Over (you speak, the operator types what the other person says), Hearing Carry Over, TTY, Speech-to-Speech, Relay Conference Captioning for group calls, and Spanish relay. You can also store a customer profile with your preferences and emergency contacts.
Source: FTRI: Florida Relay 711
Captioned telephone questions
How do I get a free captioned telephone in Florida?
Apply through FTRI, Florida's specialized telecommunications equipment program. You qualify if you live in Florida, are at least 3 years old and have a certified hearing loss or speech disability. Submit the online application with proof of Florida residency and a certification of hearing loss or your medical provider's contact information, or visit one of FTRI's regional distribution centers. The equipment is provided at no cost.
Who pays for captioned telephone service?
A federally administered fund pays for the captioning on internet-based captioned telephone service, so eligible users pay nothing for captions. In Florida, FTRI provides the phone itself at no cost to qualifying residents. Federal rules limit the service to registered users who self-certify that they have hearing loss and need captions to use the phone.
What is the best caption phone for seniors?
The best one is the one you will use. Look for large buttons, a bright screen with adjustable text size, amplification with tone control, and a loud ringer or flashing ring signaler. FTRI offers captioned, amplified and wireless models and its distribution centers will demonstrate them so you can choose. If you have no home internet, ask about analog options.
What is Florida Telecommunications Relay?
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is the nonprofit that runs two programs: Florida Relay 711, a free 24-hour operator service connecting people with hearing or speech disabilities to standard phone users, and the specialized equipment program that distributes free captioned phones, amplified phones, ring signalers and related devices to qualifying Florida residents.
See the phones in person
FTRI representatives regularly present at HLAA-FL chapter meetings and bring equipment to try. Ask your nearest chapter when the next visit is.