Several RE/MAX Offices Become First in U.S. Industry to Team with Deaf Link for Access to Deaf America; Franchise Agents Show Ability to See Beyond a Disability and Welcome Untapped Market

SAN ANTONIO--April 13, 2005--Franchise offices and agents of the worldwide real estate industry leader RE/MAX(R) teamed up with Deaf Link, Inc. to set the precedent for real estate agencies nationwide. When it comes to providing equal access for deaf and hard of hearing Americans, these unique business people have closed a communication gap and set new standards for their industry and the nation. Kay Chiodo, president and chief executive officer of Deaf Link, said they are honored to be teaming with these RE/MAX(R) owners/agents who have removed the sound barrier and welcome this new market with the same enthusiasm and respect they have show their hearing clients. San Antonio, TX-based Deaf Link utilizes state of the art technology, the Internet and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to provide clear communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing.


In October 2004 RE/MAX(R) affiliate The Schrader Group, became the first real estate office to become Deaf Link accessible when broker Dayton Schrader implemented the services of Deaf Link, Inc. in his San Antonio, TX office. As of April 11, 2005, seven more RE/MAX(R) firms have added Deaf Link’s services, truly raising the bar for equal consumer access in the real estate industry. Those offices who are implementing Deaf Link include: RE/MAX(R) - Austin Associates, Austin, TX; RE/MAX(R) - Fine Properties, Scottsdale, AZ; RE/MAX(R) - Associates Realty, Colleyville, TX; RE/MAX(R) - Preferred Associates, Cedar Hill, TX; RE/MAX(R) - Avalon-Stone Harbor, Avalon, NJ; RE/MAX(R) - Whatcom Co. Inc., Bellingham, WA; and RE/MAX(R) - The Luber Group, Baltimore, MD.

Deaf Link’s services assist RE/MAX(R) associates with communicating with their deaf and hard of hearing clients whether they are buying, selling, or looking for an investment opportunity. The realty groups then also have the ability to work closely with title companies, lenders, appraisers and inspectors to ensure that all of their deaf and hard of hearing clientele are kept thoroughly informed throughout the process.

“Deaf Link’s goal is to provide deaf and hard of hearing people the same opportunities and level of service that is available to the rest of the population,” Chiodo said. “As the first real estate organizations to utilize this type of service, these RE/MAX(R) associates are setting a precedent for the entire industry, in addition to educating American businesses about this new and underserved market.”

Deaf Link works with businesses and government agencies throughout the United States to help them be accessible to the approximately 28 million deaf and hard of hearing citizens living in this country. Their communication center is staffed with state and nationally certified ASL interpreters, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through Internet video conferencing, Deaf Link provides companies such as RE/MAX(R) with quality three-way communication between the business associate, a certified ASL interpreter and the deaf client

About Deaf Link, Inc.

Deaf Link, Inc. utilizes state of the art technology, the Internet and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to provide clear communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing. For more information please call (210) 590-7446 or visit www.deaflink.com.

Contact Information

Jena Evans

Media Contact

Deaf Link, Inc.

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