Since it launched last year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been available in more than 240 languages, but there was one important one missing. No longer though, as American Sign Language is now an option.
On 988lifeline.org, callers who wish to use American Sign Language can click “For Deaf & Hard of Hearing” and then click “ASL Now.” The system will take them through a few prompts to connect them with someone on a video call. And in the coming weeks, they’ll be able to dial 988 directly from a videophone.
“The introduction of 988 videophone services is a reflection of our collective pursuit of a society where no one feels isolated in times of crisis and ensures that the deaf and hard of hearing community have equitable access to a vital and life-saving service,” said DeafLEAD CEO Dr. Stephanie Logan in a statement.