PSC funds services for deaf and disabled

From: MSN Money - USA - May 11, 2007

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The Florida Public Service Commission has approved the 2007-2008 budget for the Florida Relay Service at nearly $12.4 million.

The FRS provides critical access to basic telecommunications services for Florida's deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind and speech-impaired citizens by using specialized telephone equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information.

"Without the Florida Relay Service, Floridians with hearing and speech disabilities would be unable to access the telecommunications services that are so central to the ability to communicate and to participate in today's information-driven society," said Lisa Polak Edgar, PSC chairman, in a release.

As a result of projected reduced costs for FRS operations, the PSC lowered the monthly surcharge all Florida telephone customers pay to finance the program from 15 cents to 11 cents for the fiscal year 2007-2008, saving ratepayers more than $4.6 million.

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