About Us

History of Louisana Relay Service

Following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) accepted responsibility for the development and review of options to effect compliance with the telecommunications provisions of the ADA, particularly the requirements as to the provision of intrastate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). In its Order No. U-17656-A, the LPSC created and authorized the Louisiana Relay Administration Board (RAB) to oversee the TRS operations in Louisiana. As part of the RAB’s primary function, they oversee the establishment, administration and promotion of a statewide program to provide access to all telecommunications services by persons who are deaf, deaf/blind, and others such as severely hearing disabled, severely speech disabled which includes but is not limited to the creation of a telecommunications relay service to function as a communications bridge between members of the deaf the hearing citizenry.

Duties and Responsibilities

Louisiana Relay Administration Board’s duties are to:

1. Provide guidance for the development, monitoring, and promotion of effective state-wide telecommunications relay services (TRS) within the State ensuring equal access for all who have a physical condition that requires the assistance of a relay service;

2. Advocate for TRS enhancements that meets the needs of all relay users;

3. Review the request for proposal (RFP) and analyze the bids;

4. Annually discuss the surcharge and rules and regulations established by the Public Service Commission;

5. Undertake actions to ensure the financial health and growth of the state telecommunication relay budget;

6. Act as a liaison between the relay service provider and the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC);

7. Advise the LPSC and the relay service provider regarding complaints from relay users;

8. Ensure telecommunication service provider has established disaster contingency plan for back up resources in the event of a disaster to avoid or reduce interruption of relay service;

9. Monitor legislation dealing with telecommunications issues surrounding relay users on a local, state and national level;

10. The RAB may have the power to appropriate money from the operating fund for current expenses, and to ensure that the current expenditures of the RAB shall not at any time exceed the regular income for each fiscal year.;

11. The RAB shall have the power to fill RAB vacancies.

Structure

Oversight of the telephone relay service operation would be the responsibility of the Relay Administration Board (“RAB”) a five member body comprised of two members from the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC); two members from the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD); and one member selected by the Louisiana Telephone Association. The officers of the RAB shall consist of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and a Secretary.