How People with Disabilities Can Find Help in Their Communities

(NewsUSA) – The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is national call center that helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Additionally, DIAL has information on COVID-19, flu and other adult vaccines and can help you find how to access vaccines in your community.

DIAL serves people with disabilities across the country who have a variety of needs. DIAL Referral Specialists are trained to work with people with various communication abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. For example, DIAL has enhanced accessibility with options for people to text or communicate through American Sign Language direct video call.

DIAL is managed by USAging, which represents the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Through DIAL, USAging partners with disability organizations to ensure that people are referred to the appropriate disabilities services.

The training and expertise of DIAL Referral Specialists enables them to focus on and respond to the unique needs of each caller. Said one caller, “The specialist connected me with the person I needed to speak to. She went above and beyond, and I appreciate her so much.”

To find local services, you can contact DIAL in several different ways. To speak with a Referral Specialist by voice, videophone call or text use 888-677-1199. You can chat online with a Referral Specialist at dial.acl.gov. And Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers who use American Sign Language can contact DIAL by clicking here.