MPSC highlights International Week of Deaf People and the role of Michigan Relay Service helping people connect

Media contact:Matt Helms 517-284-8300

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555

International Week of Deaf People is this week, and the Michigan Public Service Commission is highlighting the importance of the Michigan Telecommunications Relay Service that allows deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired persons to communicate by telephone.

September is Deaf Awareness Month, honoring the ways in which deaf culture and heritage enrich life. At least 7.4% of Michiganders identify as deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, and it's critical to ensure Michigan's deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing individuals have equal access to the many benefits and opportunities available to hearing individuals to live, work, play and communicate in Michigan.

One of the critical tools in that effort is Michigan's Telecommunications Relay Service.

Through Michigan Relay, people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking can communicate using a TTY (teletypewriter), TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) or other technology to connect with friends and family, conduct business, make or cancel appointments, order food or other activities.

If you answer a call and someone says, "A person who may be deaf or hard of hearing is calling you through Michigan Relay," don't hang up! Stay on the line to speak with a communications assistant facilitating the call.

To learn more about how it works, you can read the MPSC's Michigan Relay consumer tip. There are no extra charges for users of Michigan Relay; only normal telephone charges apply. There also are no limits on the number or length of calls for Michigan Relay users.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the Commission on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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