The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is now available in American Sign Language (ASL) for callers who are deaf and hard of hearing.
The hotline launched last year as a three-digit, easy-to-remember number for people experiencing suicidal feelings or emotional distress. Prior to Friday, the Lifeline had the ability to translate in more than 240 languages, but it did not offer ASL.
Callers who want to contact a trained Lifeline counselor in ASL can click "For Deaf & Hard of Hearing" on 988lifeline.org, then click the "ASL Now" button and follow the prompts.
In the coming weeks, ASL callers will also be able to direct dial 988 from a videophone. In the meantime, they can dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone to reach ASL services.
"With the introduction of 988 ASL services, we are taking a significant stride forward in providing inclusive and accessible support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community," Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, said in a statement released Friday.
In the statement announcing the addition of ASL, Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, said the move followed years of advocacy to ensure that the Lifeline would be available through video calls and sign language.
DeafLEAD, a nonprofit that provides crisis intervention services and mental health support to deaf and hard of hearing individuals, partnered with the Lifeline to implement ASL access.
"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 Dr. Stephanie Logan, CEO of DeafLEAD, in a statement.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
