Deaf community can now contact 911 via text

The OPP is now equipped to receive emergency calls for service via text (T9-1-1) from people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired (DHHSI)

This is for areas where the provincial police force is the primary provider of community safety.

T9-1-1 enables emergency communication with OPP 9-1-1 call takers via text message (or SMS).

In order to use T9-1-1, members of the DHHSI community must register their cell phones with their wireless carrier in advance.

Some older model phones may not be compatible. Those who have more than one cell phone will need to register each phone individually. The T9-1-1 service is not intended for use by the general public.

“The OPP is committed to increasing accessibility for persons with disabilities, and has made extensive network upgrades to be able to offer Text with 9-1-1 service in the communities we serve,: said OPP Commissioner J.V.N. Hawkes, in a press release.

An Information Card is available on the OPP website at this address and via several OPP-serviced jurisdictions.

More information is also available through the Canadian Wireless Telecommunication Association at www.cwta.ca.