Connect Direct: Introducing ASL Now!

Introducing ASL Now – Customer Service in ASL

Relay services revolutionized communication. In the beginning, relay meant that deaf people could make TTY (teletypewriter) calls to anyone on the phone, whether or not the person they were calling had access to a TTY. And later, relay meant that deaf customers could use video to communicate in ASL. CSD was leading each of these innovations, from providing 24-hour relay services all the way back in 1981, to beginning video relay trials in 1991.

And now, we’re introducing the next step… eliminating the need for a third party! With ASL Now, we can now provide direct communication between deaf customers and companies with our cutting-edge technology. 

In relay calls, every time a deaf person wants to communicate with a customer service representative, for example, they must access a third party operator and rely on their ability to relay information from written text or ASL to the intended recipient – and vice versa. It’s time-consuming, increases room for error, and is impersonal. It’s not a preferred method of communication.

Our new ASL Now option means that deaf customers can communicate with a CSD customer service representative directly in ASL! You can video chat with our ASL Now reps anytime between 7 AM and 7 PM CST, Monday through Friday. Our staff is made up entirely of deaf employees who are fluent in ASL, and we are ready to take your calls.

If you have any questions about CSD, simply visit our “Contact Us” page and select the “ASL Now” button on the right side of the screen to begin your chat!

Leading companies are recognizing the need for this service, and understand that you as a customer have the best experience when you are able to communicate in your native language. ASL Now will be rolling out this same model at many other places as well – ASL Now at CSD’s call center is only the beginning! We look forward to continuing to expand this service to new companies, new cities and new states.

Research has shown that offering direct ASL-based customer service results in three to five times more deaf callers, while average call lengths decreased by over a third. If there is a company you wish offered this option, let them know! And if your company is interested in providing customer service via direct communication, connect with us.

CSD continues to innovate and find new ways to make communication as seamless as possible. We look forward to chatting with you!