#KeepFloridaConnected Campaign Aims to Bridge Gap for People With Hearing Loss, Speech Difficulties

TALLAHASSEE, FL--(Marketwired - Mar 17, 2014) - More than 3 million people in Florida experience some degree of hearing loss. According to the World Health Organization, this hard of hearing population can often experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those who are 65 and older. Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), the non-profit distributor of specialized telecommunications equipment for people with hearing loss and speech disabilities, today launched #KeepFloridaConnected -- a social media campaign aimed at helping all Floridians stay connected and engaged with their families, friends and communities.

"With a large population of seniors living with hearing loss and other hearing and speech disabilities, many people are unaware of the resources and support available to them," said James Forstall, FTRI's executive director. "We designed this campaign to increase awareness and support for fellow Floridians in need by bridging the communications divide that exists and urging people to take a proactive stance on hearing loss."

Through the #KeepFloridaConnected campaign, FTRI hopes to highlight the important role that relationships and conversations play in keeping seniors and others with hearing and speech disabilities engaged and connected to their loved ones.

"#KeepFloridaConnected works to inspire and inform our audience on communication challenges and encourage them to take action," continued Forstall. "We invite all Floridians to connect with us, share the #KeepFloridaConnected content and post their own ideas on what helps them stay connected using the #KeepFloridaConnected hashtag."

30 to 40 percent of people over 65 experience hearing loss, don't let you or your loved ones miss an important moment, #KeepFloridaConnected. Visit FTRI's Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Telecommunications-Relay-Inc/175385099145469?ref=hl and Twitter at https://twitter.com/FTRI_Inc.

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.