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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 26 2022

Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer , DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, jebelt@mt.gov
Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391, (406) 461-8367, hcouncil@mt.gov

DPHHS to Host Montana Relay Friendly Business Virtual Training

Participating businesses will receive Relay Friendly designation

Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier said the agency is hosting a free Montana Relay Friendly Business virtual training for businesses on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Meier said thousands of Montanans with hearing or speech difficulties face challenges when making a phone call in general, but especially in those situations when the recipient of the call may not be as familiar with a Montana Relay call. This can happen when individuals with hearing or speech challenges make calls to businesses to place an order, ask general questions, or purchase merchandise.

“The training is a way to educate businesses about Montana Relay and to raise awareness about this important issue to the public,” Meier said. “DPHHS is working hard to improve customer service in all areas, and this is a piece of that. We want to remove and limit barriers for individuals with disabilities, and this is one easy way to accomplish this goal. We look forward to working with businesses on this important project.”

Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) Director Mary Taylor of DPHHS said the webinar will provide an overview of relay services and tips for recognizing and carrying on a successful conversation with a Montana Relay caller.

“In general, relay users are frequently hung up on due to the pauses that take place when the message is being relayed back and forth,” Taylor said. “We want to make sure individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing are able to successfully interact with all Montana businesses, and successful communication is a key part of the process.”

To enroll in the virtual Relay Friendly Business training, businesses are encouraged to contact MTAP at 800-833-8503, e-mail relay@mt.gov, or register online at montanarelay.mt.gov.

Taylor said Montana Relay makes communication by telephone simple, dependable and convenient for people who have difficulty using a standard phone.

She said participating businesses will receive a “Relay Friendly Business” designation from MTAP, a storefront decal to promote their business to Montana Relay users, and be recognized on the DPHHS website.

Though there is no requirement to re-certify, it is recommended that businesses schedule ongoing training for new staff.

The goal of MTAP is to improve the quality of life for Deaf, hard of hearing, speech- and mobility-disabled residents of Montana. Over 800 calls per month are placed through Montana Relay, and the program has 1,538 active clients.

Montana Relay services are available 24/7 by dialing 711, providing a communications link between those who use a communications device and those who use a standard voice telephone. MTAP also distributes specialized telecommunications equipment to its clients, affording them equal access to communication by phone.

MTAP was established through legislation passed during the 1989 state legislative session, in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act mandate, requiring that governments provide equal access to telecommunications services for those with disabilities.