Word is out about deaf phone option | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

By Averyll loft

Far too many hearing-impaired Fraser Coast residents simply do not know the support services available to help them.

That's the message Judith Raxworthy, a deaf Maryborough resident, is trying to get out.

Ms Raxworthy has had no hearing for more than half her life and said simple, everyday tasks can be made easier by just reaching out.

One of the main things that frustrated her because of her disability was not being able to use the telephone.

That all changed after she contacted the National Relay Service, Ms Raxworthy said.

"It made a huge difference to my life. I have so much more independence," she said.

The National Relay Service uses a call centre with staff who act as a relay between a hearing-impaired person and the other person.

If the person is hearing-impaired the staff member types the other person's response so they can be read on their receiver. "The beauty of it is that it only costs someone a local call to call me from anywhere in the country," she said. Better Hearing Australia is hosting a workshop about the national relay service at the Kathleen Costello Centre in Maryborough next Monday. Fraser Coast residents with hearing loss or speech difficulties are welcome to attend. The workshop starts at 3.30pm and to RSVP or for more information call Cindy on 0433027462.