The phone rings. You rush to answer and hear a pause then a strange voice on the other end of the line. You hang up quickly assuming it's a wrong number or a telemarketer. Do you realize you may have just hung up on a grandparent, neighbor or customer who is deaf or hard of hearing⢠The phone call could have been an operator trying to connect you to someone using PA Relay.
As part of our focus on rates, reliability and choice to protect the public interest and promote economic development, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is partnering with AT&T and the Pennsylvania Relay Service Advisory Board to educate Pennsylvanians about PA Relay. This service enables Pennsylvanians who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled to communicate by phone.
A survey conducted in October 2003 showed that fewer than 9 percent of hearing Pennsylvanians are familiar with the relay service or 711, the telephone number you dial to connect with PA Relay. Problems also arise when a hearing person wants to place a relay call without knowing to dial 711 first.
A year ago, we launched a statewide campaign to "Spread The Word" about PA Relay. The campaign has included radio and newspaper advertisements, billboards and a statewide traveling road show.
By October 2004, nearly 22 percent of Pennsylvania's hearing public was aware of the PA Relay campaign. The increase in awareness is encouraging, but we have a long way to go to inform all hearing residents about PA Relay.
We're continuing our efforts this year, and we invite all Pennsylvanians to join us. Visit our Web site, www.PArelay.net, or call 800-682-8706 to learn how to place and receive relay calls. Tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about PA Relay and 711. If you're a business owner, make sure your employees are aware of PA Relay so they don't hang up on prospective customers. I also encourage teachers to visit our Web site and download lesson plans to share with their students.
Remember, dial 711 when you need to call someone who is deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. And when you get a relay call, don't hang up.
Wendell F. Holland
The writer is chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
