I believe all handsets will call 911 regardless of you having a plan. When a friend gets a new phone see if he will give you his old phone.
Here is some info
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-911-services
By law, all cellphones must be able to call 911 even without a plan. Do you know anyone who has an old phone they no longer use? If so, get that phone.
I am cutting off my old flip phone tomorrow.
Bless you for your response about cell phones for the deaf.
I’m looking into it now.
I’ve scoured the web for information, but nada. YOU have given me hope.