Telecommunications

Core Service: Telecommunications

The Disability Resource Center of Panama City proudly serves as a Regional Distribution Center for the Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. (FTRI), a vital service dedicated to improving telecommunications accessibility for individuals with hearing, speech, and other disabilities. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone has the ability to communicate effectively, thereby enhancing independence and quality of life.

Available Equipment

We offer a wide range of specialized telecommunications equipment designed to meet various needs, ensuring everyone can stay connected with friends, family, and essential services. Equipment available from our location or during events includes:

Amplified Telephones: Both corded and cordless options that amplify incoming sounds, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to understand conversations.
Captioned and Voice Carry Over Telephones: For individuals who have difficulty hearing or speaking, these phones provide text captions of the conversation or allow for voice communication while typing responses.
Hearing Carry Over Telephones: Allows users with speech difficulties to listen to the conversation and respond by typing.
Amplified Outgoing Sound Telephones: Enhance the volume of the user’s voice for the listener on the other end of the call.
Test Telephones (TTY): For text-based communication over the phone.
Inline Amplifiers: Attach to existing telephones to increase the volume of incoming calls.
Visual and Amplified Ringers: Alert users with hearing loss to incoming calls through visual cues or louder rings.

Off-Site Events and Distribution

We actively participate in community events to distribute equipment and provide information on our services. For a list of upcoming public events we’ll be attending, visit FTRI Events.

Regular Distribution Sites/Dates

Marianna Sr. Citizen Center: Located at 2931 Optimist Drive, Marianna, Florida 32446. Distribution occurs on the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Please call David Wilson at (850) 482-5028 to confirm.
Washington County Sr. Citizen Center: Located at 1331 South Boulevard, Chipley, Florida 32428. Distribution on the third Thursday of February, April, June, August, October, and December, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Please call Andrea Burch at (850) 638-6216 to confirm.

Appointment Information

For individuals interested in our telecommunications equipment, distribution at our office is by appointment only. This ensures we can provide personalized service and match you with the best equipment for your needs.

Service Area

The Disability Resource Center serves individuals in the following counties: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, and Washington.

Engage with Our Core Service

If you or someone you know could benefit from our Telecommunications Core Service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you’re seeking more information on the available equipment, wish to attend an event, or need to schedule an appointment, we’re here to assist.