Organization
DeafLEAD
A Deaf-led Missouri nonprofit founded in 1995, providing 24/7 crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, and mental health support specifically for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Late-Deafened survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and crime. DeafLEAD serves as Missouri's designated 988 Lifeline chat and text centre and as a national 988 backup centre.
About
DeafLEAD (Leadership through Education and Advocacy for the Deaf) was founded in 1995 and operates from Columbia, Missouri as a Deaf-led, Deaf-fluent organisation providing crisis and advocacy services to members of the Deaf community who face barriers when accessing mainstream support systems. Its Deaf leadership and staff give it unique capacity to serve people for whom ASL is a primary language.
What They Do
DeafLEAD operates a 24/7 crisis hotline, chat, and text line staffed by Deaf-fluent advocates — including as Missouri's 988 Lifeline chat/text centre and a national 988 backup centre. Services include crime victim advocacy, legal and medical advocacy, case management, interpreting, and professional training for first responders and social service providers on serving Deaf communities effectively.
Who They Serve
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Late-Deafened individuals of any age experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, stalking, or other crises — primarily in Missouri, with 988 crisis services available nationally.
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