And so I think that we're hoping to see similar things here."ĭeafLEAD CEO Dr. "And so if we're able to offer what apparently is something that people desire, then we can reach people where they are and the way in which they need to be communicated with, the way they want to communicate - their preferences are put first.
"What we've learned from that line is that the need is there ," Johnson said. One of those centers, DeafLEAD, already operates on a similar basis for another SAMHSA-funded helpline - the Disaster Distress Helpline. The ASL video calls will be fielded by two of the call centers in the 200-plus center Lifeline network. "And the ASL video services certainly create another point of engagement, that I think better supports that access to care." "Being able to speak in the language that you are used to speaking in, and being able to do that via ASL I think will reach a broader part of the population," she added. The Lifeline has offered teletypewriter, text and chat tools that are accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, but Wesolowski noted that some of those options may not feel as personal for some users.
Rosenblum said in a press release that the new service comes after "years of advocacy to ensure that 988 is available to everyone not only through voice calls but also texting and video for sign language users." National Association of the Deaf CEO Howard A. "So seeing the video phone-enabled services being offered, I think it's going to be a huge improvement in making sure we're increasing access." "Traditionally, we have seen that there are a lot more barriers to care for the deaf and hard of hearing community in accessing mental health services," Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told ABC News. Johnson explained that ASL services have been part of the vision for 988 since the beginning, calling the moment an important "milestone," coming just after the Lifeline's first anniversary at its new number. It has received nearly $1 billion in funding from the Biden-Harris Administration to help stand up and expand the service.
Since the Lifeline launched under its new three-digit number in July 2022, SAMHSA reports that it has received over 5.5 million contacts (calls, texts and chats). "We're demonstrating our commitment to supporting individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing and need mental health or substance use support services, and we are making sure that we are continuing to be equitable in terms of access," Monica Johnson, director of SAMHSA's 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office, told ABC News. Callers will be able to connect to the service after dialing 988 in the coming weeks, according to SAMHSA. Users can connect with the service on the 988 Lifeline website using the "ASL now" button or dial into the previous ten-digit number (1-80) using a video phone to reach a Lifeline counselor trained in ASL. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline now offers American Sign Language services for the deaf and hard of hearing, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced Friday.
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