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How Do Relay Services Benefit Society? Business Opportunities Relay services increase business opportunities by greatly enhancing accessibility to a new and largely untapped consumer market, thus increasing potential business revenues and collectable state tax dollars. Increased Employability Relay services increase the employability of disabled persons. Previously, many deaf individuals could not get certain jobs because they could not use the telephone. Relay services increase employment and promotional opportunities for both unemployed and currently employed individuals. By increasing these employment opportunities, relay services reduce welfare costs and increase the tax base. Enhanced Quality of Life Relay services improve the quality of life for all citizens by: - Ensuring ongoing telephone access for everyone; - Increasing freedom and independence; - Increasing privacy; - Increasing performance and productivity; - Improving self image; and - Improving safety and security. Real-life Examples of How Relay Services Help the Relay Users Who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Speech-Disabled. Relay Service Increases Freedom... - Calling about a job ad in the paper. - Ordering a prescription refill at the drugstore. - Setting up appointments with professional service providers. - Calling legislators to encourage support for pending legislation. Relay Service Increases Privacy... - Calling the doctor's office for test results. - Calling the IRS for questions about tax returns. - Calling a lawyer to discuss legal matters. Relay Service Increases Independence... - Eliminates relying on friends, co-workers, or family, to make calls. - Students can call other students to go over homework. - Consumers can make credit card purchases from catalogs, stores, etc. Relay Service Increases the Desire to Succeed... - A technician calls the office to check on parts availability. - A contractor calls clients before going to the job site, avoiding wasted trips. - Professionals can confer with other professionals. Relay Service is for Hearing People, too... - A teacher needs to advise the deaf parents of their child's performance. - Family, business associates and friends are able to keep in contact, without buying a TTY. - People can be guaranteed ongoing telecommunication access in the event hearing impairment results from aging or injury. (This info from PUC of Texas website) |
