Hamilton Relay Awarded Contract for District of Columbia

Through a competitive procurement process, the District of Columbia selected Hamilton Relay as the new telecommunications relay service provider for DC Relay.

DC Relay, a program of the DC Public Service Commission, provides 24-hour service that enables individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf and blind, or have difficulty speaking to communicate with friends, family members, and business over the phone.

When a traditional relay call is placed through DC Relay, a communication assistant (CA) confidentially relays the conversation by voicing or typing what's said between the relay user and the standard phone user.

Anyone can initiate a call through DC Relay by dialing 711 or the existing toll-free access number for specific relay services. There is no cost to use DC Relay, although equipment and long distance charges may apply.

"We are excited to begin accessing the relay services provided by Hamilton Relay," said Jesse P. Clay, Jr., deputy executive director for administrative matters for the DC Public Service Commission. "They have a reputation for providing the highest-quality customer service as well as great technical expertise in the features and services they provide."

"We're very much looking forward to serving the residents of the District of Columbia," said Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay. "Hamilton is committed to bringing the life-changing benefits that relay services provide to individuals throughout the district. In addition, our outreach programs will serve to inform the DC community of the variety of services available."