NEW YORK, March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) and its Connect Direct division announced today the launch of a new coronavirus hotline for the deaf community made available through its ASL Now platform. CSD’s free hotline brings the deaf community important and accessible information on COVID-19 in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
CSD is the world’s largest deaf-led social impact organization and Connect Direct is the leading provider of comprehensive ASL customer contact center solutions, providing organizations with one-to-one customer service directly in ASL via trained deaf representatives.
“On behalf of all us at CSD, I extend my deepest concern and compassion to all those impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus,” said Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD. “Protecting the welfare of our community right now remains paramount in the face of this unprecedented global pandemic. This is exactly why we are providing our free hotline, to help ensure that our community is getting equal access to critical information on COVID-19 in their own language.”
CSD’s ASL Now hotline, administered by Connect Direct, has a team of deaf agents who are both fluent in ASL and trained to provide important information about coronavirus and to help curb confusion and misinformation.
Individuals may contact the ASL Now hotline anytime Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST either by visiting CSD and clicking “ASL Now” or by dialing 833-682-7630 on any videophone (VP).