CaptelPhone_840i_Phone1 Through a competitive procurement process, Hamilton Relay, Aurora, Neb, is the new Telecommunications Relay and Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) service provider for Relay Nevada.

Relay Nevada, a program of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services – Aging and Disability Services Division, provides 24-hour service that enables individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking, to communicate with friends, family members, and businesses over the phone.

When a traditional relay call is placed through Relay Nevada, a relay operator (OPR) confidentially relays the conversation by voicing or typing what’s said between the relay user and the standard phone user. When using a captioned telephone, a screen on the phone displays word-for-word captions generated by the OPR through the use of voice recognition software. It allows users to listen while reading what’s being said during the conversation.

There is no cost to use Relay Nevada, although equipment and long distance charges may apply. Through Nevada’s Equipment Distribution Program, free telecommunications equipment is available for qualified Nevada residents. And anyone can initiate a call through Relay Nevada by simply dialing 711 in the state or the existing toll-free access number for specific relay services.

“We are excited for Nevadans to begin using the high-quality relay services provided by Hamilton Relay,” says Julie Balderson, relay administrator for the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. “Hamilton has a reputation for providing outstanding customer care and outreach, as well as great technical expertise in the features and services they provide. We are pleased to welcome Hamilton Relay to Nevada.”

“The opportunity to serve residents of Nevada is one we take on with great enthusiasm,” says Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay. “Hamilton is committed to bringing the life-changing benefits that relay services provide to individuals across the state. In addition, we look forward to providing outreach programs designed to inform Nevada communities of the variety of services available.”

Source: Hamilton Relay