Text Telephone Now Available Outside of the Naperville Police Department

New Phone Ensures Direct and Equal Access to 9-1-1 Services to Residents with Speech or Hearing Impairments

The Naperville Police Department is pleased to announce the installation of a text telephone, commonly referred to as a TTY, in conjunction with the outdoor emergency phone located at the front door of the Naperville Police Station at 1350 Aurora Ave. This device enables persons with disabilities to contact 9-1-1 when the front lobby of the Police Department is closed on nights, weekends and holidays. The TTY machine enables those who have speech or hearing difficulties to have their conversation with the 9-1-1 operator by typing and reading via this new device.

“Dialing 9-1-1 is the most familiar and effective way residents have of finding help in an emergency,” City Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator Marita Manning said. “Now that opportunity has expanded to residents with disabilities thanks to the addition of this text telephone. We are pleased that this phone will allow all residents, regardless of their hearing or speech abilities, to communicate effectively with our telecommunicators.”

The new telecommunication device ensures direct and equal access to 9-1-1 services for non-voice calls that is as effective as that provided for voice calls. The TTY allows access and opportunity for residents with hearing or speech impairments to benefit from 9-1-1 services equal to the opportunity afforded to others.

“Naperville continues to strive for total inclusion of persons with disabilities and accessibility for all residents, regardless of their abilities, in City services and programs,” Advisory Commission on Disabilities Chairman Peter Berg said. “This service is another way the City continues to be at the forefront of inclusion for all residents.”

For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.