diff --git a/examples/bot-ready-signalling/server/runner.py b/examples/bot-ready-signalling/server/runner.py
index c1556e8a4..04157d549 100644
--- a/examples/bot-ready-signalling/server/runner.py
+++ b/examples/bot-ready-signalling/server/runner.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import argparse
 import os
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
 
 
 async def configure_with_args(
-    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: argparse.ArgumentParser | None = None
+    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: Optional[argparse.ArgumentParser] = None
 ):
     if not parser:
         parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Daily AI SDK Bot Sample")
diff --git a/examples/foundational/12-describe-video.py b/examples/foundational/12-describe-video.py
index a332e9d06..2ae3ed1ad 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/12-describe-video.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/12-describe-video.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import os
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ logger.add(sys.stderr, level="DEBUG")
 
 
 class UserImageRequester(FrameProcessor):
-    def __init__(self, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         super().__init__()
         self._participant_id = participant_id
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/12a-describe-video-gemini-flash.py b/examples/foundational/12a-describe-video-gemini-flash.py
index 05debe44b..876aa7f07 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/12a-describe-video-gemini-flash.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/12a-describe-video-gemini-flash.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import os
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ logger.add(sys.stderr, level="DEBUG")
 
 
 class UserImageRequester(FrameProcessor):
-    def __init__(self, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         super().__init__()
         self._participant_id = participant_id
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/12b-describe-video-gpt-4o.py b/examples/foundational/12b-describe-video-gpt-4o.py
index 4278f3e18..f2944b140 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/12b-describe-video-gpt-4o.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/12b-describe-video-gpt-4o.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import os
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ logger.add(sys.stderr, level="DEBUG")
 
 
 class UserImageRequester(FrameProcessor):
-    def __init__(self, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         super().__init__()
         self._participant_id = participant_id
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/12c-describe-video-anthropic.py b/examples/foundational/12c-describe-video-anthropic.py
index afd6ce85b..a8f3f0455 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/12c-describe-video-anthropic.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/12c-describe-video-anthropic.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import os
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
@@ -32,7 +33,7 @@ logger.add(sys.stderr, level="DEBUG")
 
 
 class UserImageRequester(FrameProcessor):
-    def __init__(self, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         super().__init__()
         self._participant_id = participant_id
 
diff --git a/examples/foundational/runner.py b/examples/foundational/runner.py
index c1556e8a4..04157d549 100644
--- a/examples/foundational/runner.py
+++ b/examples/foundational/runner.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import argparse
 import os
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
 
 
 async def configure_with_args(
-    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: argparse.ArgumentParser | None = None
+    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: Optional[argparse.ArgumentParser] = None
 ):
     if not parser:
         parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Daily AI SDK Bot Sample")
diff --git a/examples/news-chatbot/server/runner.py b/examples/news-chatbot/server/runner.py
index c1556e8a4..04157d549 100644
--- a/examples/news-chatbot/server/runner.py
+++ b/examples/news-chatbot/server/runner.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import argparse
 import os
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
 
 
 async def configure_with_args(
-    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: argparse.ArgumentParser | None = None
+    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: Optional[argparse.ArgumentParser] = None
 ):
     if not parser:
         parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Daily AI SDK Bot Sample")
diff --git a/examples/phone-chatbot/bot_daily.py b/examples/phone-chatbot/bot_daily.py
index 019784843..cacd17e5f 100644
--- a/examples/phone-chatbot/bot_daily.py
+++ b/examples/phone-chatbot/bot_daily.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import argparse
 import asyncio
 import os
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
 
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 from loguru import logger
@@ -42,7 +43,7 @@ async def main(
     callId: str,
     callDomain: str,
     detect_voicemail: bool,
-    dialout_number: str | None,
+    dialout_number: Optional[str],
 ):
     # dialin_settings are only needed if Daily's SIP URI is used
     # If you are handling this via Twilio, Telnyx, set this to None
diff --git a/examples/studypal/runner.py b/examples/studypal/runner.py
index c1556e8a4..04157d549 100644
--- a/examples/studypal/runner.py
+++ b/examples/studypal/runner.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import argparse
 import os
+from typing import Optional
 
 import aiohttp
 
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ async def configure(aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession):
 
 
 async def configure_with_args(
-    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: argparse.ArgumentParser | None = None
+    aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession, parser: Optional[argparse.ArgumentParser] = None
 ):
     if not parser:
         parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Daily AI SDK Bot Sample")
diff --git a/src/pipecat/frames/frames.py b/src/pipecat/frames/frames.py
index 30549f739..001a4116f 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/frames/frames.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/frames/frames.py
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ class KeypadEntry(str, Enum):
     STAR = "*"
 
 
-def format_pts(pts: int | None):
+def format_pts(pts: Optional[int]):
     return nanoseconds_to_str(pts) if pts else None
 
 
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ class ImageRawFrame:
 
     image: bytes
     size: Tuple[int, int]
-    format: str | None
+    format: Optional[str]
 
 
 #
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ class URLImageRawFrame(OutputImageRawFrame):
 
     """
 
-    url: str | None
+    url: Optional[str]
 
     def __str__(self):
         pts = format_pts(self.pts)
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ class TranscriptionFrame(TextFrame):
 
     user_id: str
     timestamp: str
-    language: Language | None = None
+    language: Optional[Language] = None
 
     def __str__(self):
         return f"{self.name}(user: {self.user_id}, text: [{self.text}], language: {self.language}, timestamp: {self.timestamp})"
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ class InterimTranscriptionFrame(TextFrame):
     text: str
     user_id: str
     timestamp: str
-    language: Language | None = None
+    language: Optional[Language] = None
 
     def __str__(self):
         return f"{self.name}(user: {self.user_id}, text: [{self.text}], language: {self.language}, timestamp: {self.timestamp})"
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ class TranscriptionMessage:
 
     role: Literal["user", "assistant"]
     content: str
-    timestamp: str | None = None
+    timestamp: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -674,7 +674,7 @@ class UserImageRawFrame(InputImageRawFrame):
 class VisionImageRawFrame(InputImageRawFrame):
     """An image with an associated text to ask for a description of it."""
 
-    text: str | None
+    text: Optional[str]
 
     def __str__(self):
         pts = format_pts(self.pts)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/pipeline/runner.py b/src/pipecat/pipeline/runner.py
index e74c491e8..acdbab562 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/pipeline/runner.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/pipeline/runner.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class PipelineRunner:
     def __init__(
         self,
         *,
-        name: str | None = None,
+        name: Optional[str] = None,
         handle_sigint: bool = True,
         force_gc: bool = False,
         loop: Optional[asyncio.AbstractEventLoop] = None,
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/llm_response.py b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/llm_response.py
index 4157166aa..78db72dfb 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/llm_response.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/llm_response.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-from typing import List, Type
+from typing import List, Optional, Type
 
 from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     Frame,
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ class LLMResponseAggregator(FrameProcessor):
         start_frame,
         end_frame,
         accumulator_frame: Type[TextFrame],
-        interim_accumulator_frame: Type[TextFrame] | None = None,
+        interim_accumulator_frame: Optional[Type[TextFrame]] = None,
         handle_interruptions: bool = False,
         expect_stripped_words: bool = True,  # if True, need to add spaces between words
     ):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/openai_llm_context.py b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/openai_llm_context.py
index ae11a94d3..cc14c5ac7 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/openai_llm_context.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/openai_llm_context.py
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class CustomEncoder(json.JSONEncoder):
 class OpenAILLMContext:
     def __init__(
         self,
-        messages: List[ChatCompletionMessageParam] | None = None,
+        messages: Optional[List[ChatCompletionMessageParam]] = None,
         tools: List[ChatCompletionToolParam] | NotGiven = NOT_GIVEN,
         tool_choice: ChatCompletionToolChoiceOptionParam | NotGiven = NOT_GIVEN,
     ):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/user_response.py b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/user_response.py
index 616a1c060..0e2c09ebc 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/user_response.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/aggregators/user_response.py
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
+from typing import Optional
+
 from pipecat.frames.frames import (
     Frame,
     InterimTranscriptionFrame,
@@ -50,7 +52,7 @@ class ResponseAggregator(FrameProcessor):
         start_frame,
         end_frame,
         accumulator_frame: TextFrame,
-        interim_accumulator_frame: TextFrame | None = None,
+        interim_accumulator_frame: Optional[TextFrame] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__()
 
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/langchain.py b/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/langchain.py
index 9553b954f..dee197a51 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/langchain.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/langchain.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-from typing import Union
+from typing import Optional, Union
 
 from loguru import logger
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class LangchainProcessor(FrameProcessor):
         super().__init__()
         self._chain = chain
         self._transcript_key = transcript_key
-        self._participant_id: str | None = None
+        self._participant_id: Optional[str] = None
 
     def set_participant_id(self, participant_id: str):
         self._participant_id = participant_id
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/rtvi.py b/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/rtvi.py
index 90495f8c7..078b76056 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/rtvi.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/frameworks/rtvi.py
@@ -753,7 +753,7 @@ class RTVIProcessor(FrameProcessor):
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
         self._config = config
 
-        self._pipeline: FrameProcessor | None = None
+        self._pipeline: Optional[FrameProcessor] = None
 
         self._bot_ready = False
         self._client_ready = False
@@ -999,7 +999,7 @@ class RTVIProcessor(FrameProcessor):
         )
         await self.push_frame(frame)
 
-    async def _handle_action(self, request_id: str | None, data: RTVIActionRun):
+    async def _handle_action(self, request_id: Optional[str], data: RTVIActionRun):
         action_id = self._action_id(data.service, data.action)
         if action_id not in self._registered_actions:
             await self._send_error_response(request_id, f"Action {action_id} not registered")
diff --git a/src/pipecat/processors/transcript_processor.py b/src/pipecat/processors/transcript_processor.py
index d31310f84..614fe176c 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/processors/transcript_processor.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/processors/transcript_processor.py
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ class AssistantTranscriptProcessor(BaseTranscriptProcessor):
         """Initialize processor with aggregation state."""
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
         self._current_text_parts: List[str] = []
-        self._aggregation_start_time: Optional[str] | None = None
+        self._aggregation_start_time: Optional[str] = None
 
     async def _emit_aggregated_text(self):
         """Emit aggregated text as a transcript message."""
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/ai_services.py b/src/pipecat/services/ai_services.py
index 1bbdb4340..50be621a4 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/ai_services.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/ai_services.py
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
         self._start_callbacks = {}
 
     # TODO-CB: callback function type
-    def register_function(self, function_name: str | None, callback, start_callback=None):
+    def register_function(self, function_name: Optional[str], callback, start_callback=None):
         # Registering a function with the function_name set to None will run that callback
         # for all functions
         self._callbacks[function_name] = callback
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
         if start_callback:
             self._start_callbacks[function_name] = start_callback
 
-    def unregister_function(self, function_name: str | None):
+    def unregister_function(self, function_name: Optional[str]):
         del self._callbacks[function_name]
         if self._start_callbacks[function_name]:
             del self._start_callbacks[function_name]
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ class LLMService(AIService):
         elif None in self._start_callbacks.keys():
             return await self._start_callbacks[None](function_name, self, context)
 
-    async def request_image_frame(self, user_id: str, *, text_content: str | None = None):
+    async def request_image_frame(self, user_id: str, *, text_content: Optional[str] = None):
         await self.push_frame(
             UserImageRequestFrame(user_id=user_id, context=text_content), FrameDirection.UPSTREAM
         )
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ class TTSService(AIService):
     async def run_tts(self, text: str) -> AsyncGenerator[Frame, None]:
         pass
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return Language(language)
 
     async def update_setting(self, key: str, value: Any):
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ class TTSService(AIService):
         await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
 
     async def _process_text_frame(self, frame: TextFrame):
-        text: str | None = None
+        text: Optional[str] = None
         if not self._aggregate_sentences:
             text = frame.text
         else:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/anthropic.py b/src/pipecat/services/anthropic.py
index 1590296af..a593ced89 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/anthropic.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/anthropic.py
@@ -326,9 +326,9 @@ class AnthropicLLMService(LLMService):
 class AnthropicLLMContext(OpenAILLMContext):
     def __init__(
         self,
-        messages: list[dict] | None = None,
-        tools: list[dict] | None = None,
-        tool_choice: dict | None = None,
+        messages: Optional[List[dict]] = None,
+        tools: Optional[List[dict]] = None,
+        tool_choice: Optional[dict] = None,
         *,
         system: Union[str, NotGiven] = NOT_GIVEN,
     ):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/assemblyai.py b/src/pipecat/services/assemblyai.py
index 7abfcc5c6..84113f582 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/assemblyai.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/assemblyai.py
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ class AssemblyAISTTService(STTService):
         super().__init__(sample_rate=sample_rate, **kwargs)
 
         aai.settings.api_key = api_key
-        self._transcriber: aai.RealtimeTranscriber | None = None
+        self._transcriber: Optional[aai.RealtimeTranscriber] = None
 
         self._settings = {
             "encoding": encoding,
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/aws.py b/src/pipecat/services/aws.py
index fdbd73681..eac3f3e11 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/aws.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/aws.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_aws_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_aws_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     language_map = {
         # Arabic
         Language.AR: "arb",
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ class PollyTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_aws_language(language)
 
     def _construct_ssml(self, text: str) -> str:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/azure.py b/src/pipecat/services/azure.py
index 0781c04b9..51b8e7e26 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/azure.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/azure.py
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_azure_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_azure_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     language_map = {
         # Afrikaans
         Language.AF: "af-ZA",
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ class AzureBaseTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_azure_language(language)
 
     def _construct_ssml(self, text: str) -> str:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/canonical.py b/src/pipecat/services/canonical.py
index 31bd6e89a..1c268ab22 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/canonical.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/canonical.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import os
 import uuid
 import wave
 from datetime import datetime
-from typing import Dict, List, Tuple
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
 
 import aiohttp
 from loguru import logger
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ class CanonicalMetricsService(AIService):
         api_url: str = "https://voiceapp.canonical.chat/api/v1",
         assistant_speaks_first: bool = True,
         output_dir: str = "recordings",
-        context: OpenAILLMContext | None = None,
+        context: Optional[OpenAILLMContext] = None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia.py b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia.py
index 525071271..d5ea46a30 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/cartesia.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/cartesia.py
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_cartesia_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_cartesia_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.DE: "de",
         Language.EN: "en",
@@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ class CartesiaTTSService(WordTTSService, WebsocketService):
         await super().set_model(model)
         logger.info(f"Switching TTS model to: [{model}]")
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_cartesia_language(language)
 
     def _build_msg(
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ class CartesiaHttpTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_cartesia_language(language)
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/elevenlabs.py b/src/pipecat/services/elevenlabs.py
index 13faa78a5..b479759ae 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/elevenlabs.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/elevenlabs.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ ELEVENLABS_MULTILINGUAL_MODELS = {
 }
 
 
-def language_to_elevenlabs_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_elevenlabs_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.AR: "ar",
         Language.BG: "bg",
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ class ElevenLabsTTSService(WordTTSService, WebsocketService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_elevenlabs_language(language)
 
     def _set_voice_settings(self):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/fal.py b/src/pipecat/services/fal.py
index 3eeead4bb..d229861f1 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/fal.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/fal.py
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class FalImageGenService(ImageGenService):
         params: InputParams,
         aiohttp_session: aiohttp.ClientSession,
         model: str = "fal-ai/fast-sdxl",
-        key: str | None = None,
+        key: Optional[str] = None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(**kwargs)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/gladia.py b/src/pipecat/services/gladia.py
index 3a91c62fa..c93dfef3b 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/gladia.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/gladia.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_gladia_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_gladia_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.AF: "af",
         Language.AM: "am",
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ class GladiaSTTService(STTService):
         }
         self._confidence = confidence
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_gladia_language(language)
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/google/google.py b/src/pipecat/services/google/google.py
index 1b0665d4f..dea2f5ab7 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/google/google.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/google/google.py
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_google_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_google_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     language_map = {
         # Afrikaans
         Language.AF: "af-ZA",
@@ -346,9 +346,9 @@ class GoogleContextAggregatorPair:
 class GoogleLLMContext(OpenAILLMContext):
     def __init__(
         self,
-        messages: list[dict] | None = None,
-        tools: list[dict] | None = None,
-        tool_choice: dict | None = None,
+        messages: Optional[List[dict]] = None,
+        tools: Optional[List[dict]] = None,
+        tool_choice: Optional[dict] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(messages=messages, tools=tools, tool_choice=tool_choice)
         self.system_message = None
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@ class GoogleTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_google_language(language)
 
     def _construct_ssml(self, text: str) -> str:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/lmnt.py b/src/pipecat/services/lmnt.py
index e40dc2ce9..645494cc1 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/lmnt.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/lmnt.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_lmnt_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_lmnt_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.DE: "de",
         Language.EN: "en",
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ class LmntTTSService(TTSService, WebsocketService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_lmnt_language(language)
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/openpipe.py b/src/pipecat/services/openpipe.py
index b72201923..98241eb50 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/openpipe.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/openpipe.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-from typing import Dict, List
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 
@@ -28,11 +28,11 @@ class OpenPipeLLMService(OpenAILLMService):
         self,
         *,
         model: str = "gpt-4o",
-        api_key: str | None = None,
-        base_url: str | None = None,
-        openpipe_api_key: str | None = None,
+        api_key: Optional[str] = None,
+        base_url: Optional[str] = None,
+        openpipe_api_key: Optional[str] = None,
         openpipe_base_url: str = "https://app.openpipe.ai/api/v1",
-        tags: Dict[str, str] | None = None,
+        tags: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
         super().__init__(
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/openrouter.py b/src/pipecat/services/openrouter.py
index 4c99fb767..d25990d2e 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/openrouter.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/openrouter.py
@@ -4,23 +4,12 @@
 # SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
 #
 
-from typing import Dict, List
+from typing import Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 
-from pipecat.processors.aggregators.openai_llm_context import OpenAILLMContext
 from pipecat.services.openai import OpenAILLMService
 
-try:
-    from openai import AsyncStream, OpenAI
-    from openai.types.chat import ChatCompletionChunk, ChatCompletionMessageParam
-except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
-    logger.error(f"Exception: {e}")
-    logger.error(
-        "In order to use OpenRouter, you need to `pip install pipecat-ai[openrouter]`. Also, set `OPENROUTER_API_KEY` environment variable."
-    )
-    raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
-
 
 class OpenRouterLLMService(OpenAILLMService):
     """A service for interacting with OpenRouter's API using the OpenAI-compatible interface.
@@ -38,7 +27,7 @@ class OpenRouterLLMService(OpenAILLMService):
     def __init__(
         self,
         *,
-        api_key: str | None = None,
+        api_key: Optional[str] = None,
         model: str = "openai/gpt-4o-2024-11-20",
         base_url: str = "https://openrouter.ai/api/v1",
         **kwargs,
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/playht.py b/src/pipecat/services/playht.py
index 74caff303..bd9463f91 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/playht.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/playht.py
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
     raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
 
 
-def language_to_playht_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_playht_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.AF: "afrikans",
         Language.AM: "amharic",
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ class PlayHTTTSService(TTSService, WebsocketService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_playht_language(language)
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ class PlayHTHttpTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_playht_language(language)
 
     async def run_tts(self, text: str) -> AsyncGenerator[Frame, None]:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/whisper.py b/src/pipecat/services/whisper.py
index 18c25b6b5..4a8f489ed 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/whisper.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/whisper.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import asyncio
 from enum import Enum
-from typing import AsyncGenerator
+from typing import AsyncGenerator, Optional
 
 import numpy as np
 from loguru import logger
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ class WhisperSTTService(SegmentedSTTService):
         self._compute_type = compute_type
         self.set_model_name(model if isinstance(model, str) else model.value)
         self._no_speech_prob = no_speech_prob
-        self._model: WhisperModel | None = None
+        self._model: Optional[WhisperModel] = None
         self._load()
 
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/xtts.py b/src/pipecat/services/xtts.py
index 7259b91d8..4d0f3fca6 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/xtts.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/xtts.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ from pipecat.transcriptions.language import Language
 # https://github.com/coqui-ai/xtts-streaming-server
 
 
-def language_to_xtts_language(language: Language) -> str | None:
+def language_to_xtts_language(language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
     BASE_LANGUAGES = {
         Language.CS: "cs",
         Language.DE: "de",
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ class XTTSService(TTSService):
             "base_url": base_url,
         }
         self.set_voice(voice_id)
-        self._studio_speakers: Dict[str, Any] | None = None
+        self._studio_speakers: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
         self._aiohttp_session = aiohttp_session
 
         self._resampler = create_default_resampler()
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ class XTTSService(TTSService):
     def can_generate_metrics(self) -> bool:
         return True
 
-    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> str | None:
+    def language_to_service_language(self, language: Language) -> Optional[str]:
         return language_to_xtts_language(language)
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/base_input.py b/src/pipecat/transports/base_input.py
index e5e8b344c..a44332a65 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/base_input.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/base_input.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import asyncio
 from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor
+from typing import Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 
@@ -51,7 +52,7 @@ class BaseInputTransport(FrameProcessor):
         return self._sample_rate
 
     @property
-    def vad_analyzer(self) -> VADAnalyzer | None:
+    def vad_analyzer(self) -> Optional[VADAnalyzer]:
         return self._params.vad_analyzer
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/base_transport.py b/src/pipecat/transports/base_transport.py
index f9c1eb65e..436e78b94 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/base_transport.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/base_transport.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class TransportParams(BaseModel):
     audio_in_filter: Optional[BaseAudioFilter] = None
     vad_enabled: bool = False
     vad_audio_passthrough: bool = False
-    vad_analyzer: VADAnalyzer | None = None
+    vad_analyzer: Optional[VADAnalyzer] = None
 
 
 class BaseTransport(ABC):
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/local/audio.py b/src/pipecat/transports/local/audio.py
index 946ce5bda..3801142e2 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/local/audio.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/local/audio.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 
 import asyncio
 from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor
+from typing import Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 
@@ -116,8 +117,8 @@ class LocalAudioTransport(BaseTransport):
         self._params = params
         self._pyaudio = pyaudio.PyAudio()
 
-        self._input: LocalAudioInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: LocalAudioOutputTransport | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[LocalAudioInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[LocalAudioOutputTransport] = None
 
     #
     # BaseTransport
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/local/tk.py b/src/pipecat/transports/local/tk.py
index 7d6fa6c75..78e89bc91 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/local/tk.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/local/tk.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 import asyncio
 import tkinter as tk
 from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor
+from typing import Optional
 
 import numpy as np
 from loguru import logger
@@ -145,8 +146,8 @@ class TkLocalTransport(BaseTransport):
         self._params = params
         self._pyaudio = pyaudio.PyAudio()
 
-        self._input: TkInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: TkOutputTransport | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[TkInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[TkOutputTransport] = None
 
     #
     # BaseTransport
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/network/fastapi_websocket.py b/src/pipecat/transports/network/fastapi_websocket.py
index 106bcb30d..8da8396ff 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/network/fastapi_websocket.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/network/fastapi_websocket.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import io
 import time
 import typing
 import wave
-from typing import Awaitable, Callable
+from typing import Awaitable, Callable, Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 from pydantic import BaseModel
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
 class FastAPIWebsocketParams(TransportParams):
     add_wav_header: bool = False
     serializer: FrameSerializer
-    session_timeout: int | None = None
+    session_timeout: Optional[int] = None
 
 
 class FastAPIWebsocketCallbacks(BaseModel):
@@ -202,8 +202,8 @@ class FastAPIWebsocketTransport(BaseTransport):
         self,
         websocket: WebSocket,
         params: FastAPIWebsocketParams,
-        input_name: str | None = None,
-        output_name: str | None = None,
+        input_name: Optional[str] = None,
+        output_name: Optional[str] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(input_name=input_name, output_name=output_name)
         self._params = params
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_client.py b/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_client.py
index 2de4e2914..d7db9c4bd 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_client.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_client.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ class WebsocketClientSession:
 
         self._task_manager: Optional[TaskManager] = None
 
-        self._websocket: websockets.WebSocketClientProtocol | None = None
+        self._websocket: Optional[websockets.WebSocketClientProtocol] = None
 
     @property
     def task_manager(self) -> TaskManager:
@@ -240,8 +240,8 @@ class WebsocketClientTransport(BaseTransport):
         )
 
         self._session = WebsocketClientSession(uri, params, callbacks, self.name)
-        self._input: WebsocketClientInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: WebsocketClientOutputTransport | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[WebsocketClientInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[WebsocketClientOutputTransport] = None
 
         # Register supported handlers. The user will only be able to register
         # these handlers.
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_server.py b/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_server.py
index 1d8420116..7dae04c7f 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_server.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/network/websocket_server.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import asyncio
 import io
 import time
 import wave
-from typing import Awaitable, Callable
+from typing import Awaitable, Callable, Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 from pydantic import BaseModel
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
 class WebsocketServerParams(TransportParams):
     add_wav_header: bool = False
     serializer: FrameSerializer
-    session_timeout: int | None = None
+    session_timeout: Optional[int] = None
 
 
 class WebsocketServerCallbacks(BaseModel):
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ class WebsocketServerInputTransport(BaseInputTransport):
         self._params = params
         self._callbacks = callbacks
 
-        self._websocket: websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol | None = None
+        self._websocket: Optional[websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol] = None
 
         self._server_task = None
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ class WebsocketServerOutputTransport(BaseOutputTransport):
 
         self._params = params
 
-        self._websocket: websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol | None = None
+        self._websocket: Optional[websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol] = None
 
         # write_raw_audio_frames() is called quickly, as soon as we get audio
         # (e.g. from the TTS), and since this is just a network connection we
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ class WebsocketServerOutputTransport(BaseOutputTransport):
         self._send_interval = 0
         self._next_send_time = 0
 
-    async def set_client_connection(self, websocket: websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol | None):
+    async def set_client_connection(self, websocket: Optional[websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol]):
         if self._websocket:
             await self._websocket.close()
             logger.warning("Only one client allowed, using new connection")
@@ -242,8 +242,8 @@ class WebsocketServerTransport(BaseTransport):
         params: WebsocketServerParams,
         host: str = "localhost",
         port: int = 8765,
-        input_name: str | None = None,
-        output_name: str | None = None,
+        input_name: Optional[str] = None,
+        output_name: Optional[str] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(input_name=input_name, output_name=output_name)
         self._host = host
@@ -255,9 +255,9 @@ class WebsocketServerTransport(BaseTransport):
             on_client_disconnected=self._on_client_disconnected,
             on_session_timeout=self._on_session_timeout,
         )
-        self._input: WebsocketServerInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: WebsocketServerOutputTransport | None = None
-        self._websocket: websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[WebsocketServerInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[WebsocketServerOutputTransport] = None
+        self._websocket: Optional[websockets.WebSocketServerProtocol] = None
 
         # Register supported handlers. The user will only be able to register
         # these handlers.
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/services/daily.py b/src/pipecat/transports/services/daily.py
index 13e52df2c..6ae091731 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/services/daily.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/services/daily.py
@@ -62,12 +62,12 @@ VAD_RESET_PERIOD_MS = 2000
 
 @dataclass
 class DailyTransportMessageFrame(TransportMessageFrame):
-    participant_id: str | None = None
+    participant_id: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 @dataclass
 class DailyTransportMessageUrgentFrame(TransportMessageUrgentFrame):
-    participant_id: str | None = None
+    participant_id: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class WebRTCVADAnalyzer(VADAnalyzer):
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ class DailyTransportClient(EventHandler):
     def __init__(
         self,
         room_url: str,
-        token: str | None,
+        token: Optional[str],
         bot_name: str,
         params: DailyParams,
         callbacks: DailyCallbacks,
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ class DailyTransportClient(EventHandler):
             Daily.init()
 
         self._room_url: str = room_url
-        self._token: str | None = token
+        self._token: Optional[str] = token
         self._bot_name: str = bot_name
         self._params: DailyParams = params
         self._callbacks = callbacks
@@ -226,9 +226,9 @@ class DailyTransportClient(EventHandler):
         self._in_sample_rate = 0
         self._out_sample_rate = 0
 
-        self._camera: VirtualCameraDevice | None = None
-        self._mic: VirtualMicrophoneDevice | None = None
-        self._speaker: VirtualSpeakerDevice | None = None
+        self._camera: Optional[VirtualCameraDevice] = None
+        self._mic: Optional[VirtualMicrophoneDevice] = None
+        self._speaker: Optional[VirtualSpeakerDevice] = None
 
     def _camera_name(self):
         return f"camera-{self}"
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ class DailyTransportClient(EventHandler):
         )
         await future
 
-    async def read_next_audio_frame(self) -> InputAudioRawFrame | None:
+    async def read_next_audio_frame(self) -> Optional[InputAudioRawFrame]:
         if not self._speaker:
             return None
 
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@ class DailyTransportClient(EventHandler):
         self._client.stop_recording(stream_id, completion=completion_callback(future))
         await future
 
-    async def send_prebuilt_chat_message(self, message: str, user_name: str | None = None):
+    async def send_prebuilt_chat_message(self, message: str, user_name: Optional[str] = None):
         if not self._joined:
             return
 
@@ -723,10 +723,10 @@ class DailyInputTransport(BaseInputTransport):
         # internally to be processed.
         self._audio_in_task = None
 
-        self._vad_analyzer: VADAnalyzer | None = params.vad_analyzer
+        self._vad_analyzer: Optional[VADAnalyzer] = params.vad_analyzer
 
     @property
-    def vad_analyzer(self) -> VADAnalyzer | None:
+    def vad_analyzer(self) -> Optional[VADAnalyzer]:
         return self._vad_analyzer
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
@@ -891,11 +891,11 @@ class DailyTransport(BaseTransport):
     def __init__(
         self,
         room_url: str,
-        token: str | None,
+        token: Optional[str],
         bot_name: str,
         params: DailyParams = DailyParams(),
-        input_name: str | None = None,
-        output_name: str | None = None,
+        input_name: Optional[str] = None,
+        output_name: Optional[str] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(input_name=input_name, output_name=output_name)
 
@@ -926,8 +926,8 @@ class DailyTransport(BaseTransport):
         self._params = params
 
         self._client = DailyTransportClient(room_url, token, bot_name, params, callbacks, self.name)
-        self._input: DailyInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: DailyOutputTransport | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[DailyInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[DailyOutputTransport] = None
 
         self._other_participant_has_joined = False
 
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ class DailyTransport(BaseTransport):
     async def stop_recording(self, stream_id=None):
         await self._client.stop_recording(stream_id)
 
-    async def send_prebuilt_chat_message(self, message: str, user_name: str | None = None):
+    async def send_prebuilt_chat_message(self, message: str, user_name: Optional[str] = None):
         """Sends a chat message to Daily's Prebuilt main room.
 
         Args:
diff --git a/src/pipecat/transports/services/livekit.py b/src/pipecat/transports/services/livekit.py
index 925f7dae1..f104e99c8 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/transports/services/livekit.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/transports/services/livekit.py
@@ -40,12 +40,12 @@ except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
 
 @dataclass
 class LiveKitTransportMessageFrame(TransportMessageFrame):
-    participant_id: str | None = None
+    participant_id: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 @dataclass
 class LiveKitTransportMessageUrgentFrame(TransportMessageUrgentFrame):
-    participant_id: str | None = None
+    participant_id: Optional[str] = None
 
 
 class LiveKitParams(TransportParams):
@@ -79,12 +79,12 @@ class LiveKitTransportClient:
         self._params = params
         self._callbacks = callbacks
         self._transport_name = transport_name
-        self._room: rtc.Room | None = None
+        self._room: Optional[rtc.Room] = None
         self._participant_id: str = ""
         self._connected = False
         self._disconnect_counter = 0
-        self._audio_source: rtc.AudioSource | None = None
-        self._audio_track: rtc.LocalAudioTrack | None = None
+        self._audio_source: Optional[rtc.AudioSource] = None
+        self._audio_track: Optional[rtc.LocalAudioTrack] = None
         self._audio_tracks = {}
         self._audio_queue = asyncio.Queue()
         self._other_participant_has_joined = False
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ class LiveKitTransportClient:
         logger.info(f"Disconnected from {self._room_name}")
         await self._callbacks.on_disconnected()
 
-    async def send_data(self, data: bytes, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    async def send_data(self, data: bytes, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         if not self._connected:
             return
 
@@ -349,11 +349,11 @@ class LiveKitInputTransport(BaseInputTransport):
         super().__init__(params, **kwargs)
         self._client = client
         self._audio_in_task = None
-        self._vad_analyzer: VADAnalyzer | None = params.vad_analyzer
+        self._vad_analyzer: Optional[VADAnalyzer] = params.vad_analyzer
         self._resampler = create_default_resampler()
 
     @property
-    def vad_analyzer(self) -> VADAnalyzer | None:
+    def vad_analyzer(self) -> Optional[VADAnalyzer]:
         return self._vad_analyzer
 
     async def start(self, frame: StartFrame):
@@ -463,8 +463,8 @@ class LiveKitTransport(BaseTransport):
         token: str,
         room_name: str,
         params: LiveKitParams = LiveKitParams(),
-        input_name: str | None = None,
-        output_name: str | None = None,
+        input_name: Optional[str] = None,
+        output_name: Optional[str] = None,
     ):
         super().__init__(input_name=input_name, output_name=output_name)
 
@@ -483,8 +483,8 @@ class LiveKitTransport(BaseTransport):
         self._client = LiveKitTransportClient(
             url, token, room_name, self._params, callbacks, self.name
         )
-        self._input: LiveKitInputTransport | None = None
-        self._output: LiveKitOutputTransport | None = None
+        self._input: Optional[LiveKitInputTransport] = None
+        self._output: Optional[LiveKitOutputTransport] = None
 
         self._register_event_handler("on_connected")
         self._register_event_handler("on_disconnected")
@@ -562,12 +562,12 @@ class LiveKitTransport(BaseTransport):
             await self._input.push_app_message(data.decode(), participant_id)
         await self._call_event_handler("on_data_received", data, participant_id)
 
-    async def send_message(self, message: str, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    async def send_message(self, message: str, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         if self._output:
             frame = LiveKitTransportMessageFrame(message=message, participant_id=participant_id)
             await self._output.send_message(frame)
 
-    async def send_message_urgent(self, message: str, participant_id: str | None = None):
+    async def send_message_urgent(self, message: str, participant_id: Optional[str] = None):
         if self._output:
             frame = LiveKitTransportMessageUrgentFrame(
                 message=message, participant_id=participant_id