We believe that the focus of our supporting services is grounded in how each person experiences and accesses care.
The goal of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is to provide a service that is accessible, where people can communicate in their preferred language without a dominant language negatively defining their communication or sense of belonging, for all people seeking support. Our approach is driven by the vision that all people reaching out to the 988 Lifeline receive services that are thoughtful, competent, and affirming no matter your location, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. The 988 Lifeline has specific contact centers for Spanish speakers and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. The 988 Lifeline offers call translation services in more than 240 languages to enhance accessibility for people with other language needs.
We are continually working to expand our services and pathways for access to 988 Lifeline services. The 988 Lifeline team conducts ongoing evaluation of service delivery, community/committee feedback, and quality monitoring centered on the needs of all users to help us achieve our goals of equitable service to all.
Accessibility
Section 508 requires that when federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT), Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access to and use of information and data as Federal employees who have no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have comparable access to and use of information and data as the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.
Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all EIT that they develop, maintain, or use compliant with Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured EIT because it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action. Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, are subject to Section 508 (see FAR Final Rule).
According to the Access Board, the Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to pre-existing EIT. Specifically, the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment,” states that
“The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require Federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards.” (See Chapter 2.1 Final Standards)
It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and guidelines (e.g., Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) require equal access for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.