September is Deaf Awareness Month, and the Michigan Public Service Commission is highlighting the importance of the Michigan Telecommunications Relay Service that allows deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired persons to communicate by telephone.

The Michigan House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 129 of 2023, declaring September as Deaf Awareness Month in Michigan, honoring the ways in which deaf culture and heritage have enriched life in the state.

The resolution notes that at least 7.4% of Michiganders identify as deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, and notes the importance of ensuring Michigan’s deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing individuals have equal access to the many benefits and opportunities available to hearing individuals to live, work, play and communicate in Michigan.

One of the critical tools in that effort is Michigan’s Telecommunications Relay Service.

Michiganders not familiar with the service may not know what to do if they receive a call through Michigan Relay. If you answer a call and someone says, “A person who may be deaf or hard of hearing is calling you through Michigan Relay,” don’t hang up.

Through Michigan Relay, people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking can communicate using a TTY (teletypewriter), TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) or other technology to connect with friends and family, conduct business, make or cancel appointments, order a pizza or other activities.

To learn more about how it works, you can read the MPSC’s consumer tip on the Michigan Relay. There are no extra charges for users of the Michigan Relay. Only normal telephone charges apply. There also are no limits on the number or length of calls for relay users.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the Commission on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.