911

From Carla Mathers, Esq.
Viable General Counsel

Viable, a deaf-owned company, supports the FCC decision to require 9-1-1 access through VRS. I would like to take this opportunity to explain how you can dial 9-1-1 via ViableVRS.

For years, we have used the TTY to contact 9-1-1 emergency services. They have the ability to automatically retrieve our location, even if we are unable to give our address. Today, the TTY is still the recommended way to contact 9-1-1 emergency services.

If you dial 9-1-1 through VRS, your call will be moved to the front of the queue. When the video interpreter comes onscreen, you will be asked for your name, your address, the address of emergency if different from your address, and the nature of your emergency. This way the VI can call you back if your call is disconnected. The VI will call a special center and get your local emergency phone number, dial that number and interpret the conversation between you and your local 9-1-1 responder.

We recommend that you prepare ahead of time and add "911.ViableVRS.tv" to your contacts. When there is an emergency, you can dial right away and connect without delay.

Viable cares about the deaf community and supports the FCC decision to ensure 9-1-1 access for the safety of VRS users. Please visit our website for updates on 9-1-1 access via ViableVRS.

Thank you.