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May 9, 2003

CSD and Sprint Add Hawaii

From: CSD - May 9, 2003

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

Release Date:May 8, 2003

Contact: Derric Miller

CSD Communications Office

CSD and Sprint Add Hawaii As Their 29th RelayState 

SIOUX FALLS,S.D.? Hawaii has selected Sprint, in partnership with CSD, as its new provider for telecommunications relay services (TRS) for the deaf. The establishment and management of a relay call center within the state is included in the three-year agreement. The center, to be located in Honolulu, will employ approximately 20 residents ofHawaiito serve as communication assistants and administrative staff.

The new relay service will be available July 1 withinHawaii by dialing 711 or one of several toll free numbers. CSD will also provide video relay service for the state through the Web site www.USAVRS.com. The relay service allows deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or individuals with speech disabilities to communicate with hearing people via the telephone.

Hawaii joins 28 other states in selecting Sprint and CSD to provide TRS.

"We are eager to begin administering our relay service to theHawaiideaf and hard of hearing community," said Benjamin Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. "WinningHawaiiis a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the best quality TRS in the nation."

The agreement is expected to deliver significant cost savings to the state ofHawaii while providing a wide range of assistive communications technologies. CSD's experience in the field also provides the assurance that all services delivered will meet or exceed Federal Communications Commission mandates for TRS.

About CSD? CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults inSouth Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 2,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

 

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