The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has added American Sign Language services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in need of mental health support, ABC News reported Sept. 8.
Users can be connected with a Lifeline counselor trained in ASL through the 988 Lifeline website by clicking the "ASL Now" button or by dialing the Lifeline's 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255, through video call. Callers will be able to connect to ASL services by dialing 988 in the coming weeks, the report said.
The Lifeline previously offered teletypewriter, text and chat options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, but the ASL services aim to make the experience more accessible and personal for users, the report said.