ASL:               

 

 

Petition for Direct ASL/LSQ Access to 9-8-8 Mental Health Support Services by Deaf Wireless Canada Consultative Committee (DWCC) and the Canadian DDBHH Community 

To: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Government of Canada

CC: Canadian Association of Mental Health (CAMH), and
Canadian Administrator of Video Relay Services (CAV)

We, the undersigned, call for urgent action to ensure the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is fully accessible to Deaf Canadians by providing a fourth accessible communication option: direct video communication in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ).   

Why is this important?

Currently, the 9-8-8 service is only available in three formats:

Text messaging
Phone calls
Video Relay Services (VRS)

We recognize and support these existing options, but they do not meet the full range of communication needs within the Deaf community. A significant service gap exists that needs to be addressed.

We need a fourth option: direct video calls in American Sign Language (ASL) and La Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ).

ASL and LSQ are our primary languages.

We must have the freedom to choose how we reach out, whether by text, VRS, or direct ASL/LSQ video calls.

Direct video communication ensures privacy, emotional connection, and cultural relevance.

When facing a mental health crisis, no one should be forced to go through a third-party interpreter.

The Problem

Many Deaf individuals struggle to access proper mental health support due to language barriers.

There are only two mental health government programs in Canada dedicated to Deaf people, one in British Columbia and one in Ontario.

There are only two Deaf support safety houses in Quebec: Maison des femmes Sourdes de Montréal (MFSM) and Maison des hommes Sourds (MHS), leaving significant gaps in services across the country.

The Solution

Ensure 9-8-8 includes a stable, funded, and professional fourth option: direct access to ASL and  LSQ communication with trained professionals who understand Deaf culture and language.

Create and invest in training opportunities for Deaf professionals in social work, psychology, and mental health counselling.

Increase job opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing Canadians, reducing underemployment in our community.

Our Demand

We, the undersigned, demand direct ASL and LSQ access to suicide and mental health calls for Deaf Canadians.

We urge the CRTC and the Government of Canada to make 9-8-8 fully accessible for all Deaf Canadians by adding a fourth accessible option to access mental health and suicide support.

Sign this petition and let’s make 9-8-8 truly accessible!

FYI : In the U.S., the 988 Lifeline offers text, phone, chat, and direct ASL videophone services for DDBHH users through a dedicated webpage, managed by Vibrant and funded by SAMHSA. Canada must match this level of accessible, equitable support.