Crisis & Immediate Help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call emergency services (911 in the US) or use the hotlines below based on your location and situation.
This section provides fast access to crisis resources, emergency support, and safety planning for disabled people and those supporting them.
About This Section
Section titled “About This Section”Crisis support looks different for disabled people. A mental health crisis might happen silently. A caregiver emergency can escalate quickly. Disaster preparedness needs to account for medication, medical equipment, and accessibility. This section is designed by and for disabled people to meet real crisis needs.
All hotlines and resources are verified for accessibility when possible. We continue to improve this resource based on community feedback.
When to Use This Section
Section titled “When to Use This Section”- You or someone you’re supporting is having a crisis
- You’re experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- You need emergency support during a disaster or emergency
- You’re planning for emergencies and want to be prepared
- You need help figuring out which resource fits your situation
Pages in This Section
Section titled “Pages in This Section”Crisis hotlines by region: US, Canada, UK/Ireland, EU, Africa, Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Pacific & Oceania, and Latin America. Includes numbers for mental health, substance use, self-harm, suicide, abuse, trafficking, and disability-specific services.
Note: Crisis lines vary in accessibility. We’ve noted which lines offer text/chat, TTY/video relay, and other accommodations where known.
Disability-specific crisis resources including AAC-accessible lines, services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, crisis support during chronic illness flare-ups, navigating psychiatric vs. medical crises, and support when communication is limited.
Resources for domestic violence, caregiver abuse, institutional abuse, and exploitation by guardians. Includes information on reporting safely when you’re disabled, recognizing abuse in different care settings, and accessing support.
Create a disability-specific emergency plan. Covers evacuation with mobility devices, backup power for medical equipment, service animal evacuation, emergency information cards, and preparing for different types of emergencies.
Quick Resources by Situation
Section titled “Quick Resources by Situation”I’m having suicidal thoughts right now
Section titled “I’m having suicidal thoughts right now”- US: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call/text 988)
- Canada: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text 988)
- UK: Samaritans (call 116 123)
- More options →
I’m being abused or harmed
Section titled “I’m being abused or harmed”- Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation Resources →
- US: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, also text START to 88788)
- International: See regional options →
I’m Deaf or hard-of-hearing and need crisis support
Section titled “I’m Deaf or hard-of-hearing and need crisis support”I use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) or can’t speak
Section titled “I use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) or can’t speak”- AAC-Accessible Crisis Lines →
- Many crisis lines now support text-based contact and chat
I need help planning for emergencies
Section titled “I need help planning for emergencies”What These Resources Cover
Section titled “What These Resources Cover”Crisis Hotlines: Mental health, substance use, self-harm, suicide, abuse, trafficking, and disability-specific support across six continents.
Disability-Specific Crisis: Services designed by and for disabled people, including accessibility information and guidance for communication needs.
Abuse Resources: Help for domestic violence, caregiver neglect, institutional abuse, and exploitation. Includes information on safe reporting when you’re disabled and under surveillance.
Emergency Planning: Checklists for medication, medical equipment, mobility aids, service animals, and low-energy evacuation strategies.
Accessibility Notes for Crisis Lines
Section titled “Accessibility Notes for Crisis Lines”We’ve worked to identify which crisis lines offer:
- Phone/call options for people who prefer voice
- Text/chat for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-speaking
- TTY/Video Relay for Deaf users
- Language support for non-English speakers
- Disability-aware staff trained in disability culture
- Line-accessible with mobility devices (accessible waiting areas)
If a crisis line in your region is not accessible, please report this via our contribution form →. Accessibility barriers are a crisis issue too.
A Note on Language
Section titled “A Note on Language”We use “crisis,” “emergency,” and “disaster” differently:
- Crisis: An acute situation where someone is in danger (mental health, physical safety, self-harm, substance use)
- Emergency: Sudden, urgent medical or safety situation (falls, accidents, sudden illness)
- Disaster: Large-scale events affecting communities (storms, earthquakes, floods, power outages)
If you’re not sure which applies to your situation, start by reading about crisis support →.
Creating Your Personal Safety Plan
Section titled “Creating Your Personal Safety Plan”A safety plan is not just for people in abusive relationships—it’s for anyone living with a disability that can become acute. Your safety plan might include:
- Emergency contacts (people you trust)
- Crisis hotlines for your situation
- Backup power for medical equipment
- Communication devices and backup batteries
- Medications and doses
- Mobility device locations and backup options
- Service animal care plan
- Accessibility needs in emergency settings
Learn more in Emergency Preparedness →
If You’re Supporting Someone in Crisis
Section titled “If You’re Supporting Someone in Crisis”Supporting a disabled person in crisis is different. They may need you to:
- Listen without judgment or “fixing”
- Respect their autonomy in deciding next steps
- Ensure they have access to communication
- Keep medications and medical equipment secure
- Maintain their dignity in emergency settings
- Check on them without monitoring or controlling
Learn more about trauma-informed support →
Contributing Crisis Resources
Section titled “Contributing Crisis Resources”If you know of a crisis resource that serves disabled people and isn’t listed here, especially resources from the Global South, Indigenous communities, or multiply-marginalized disabled people, we want to hear from you →.
Accuracy and accessibility of crisis information saves lives. This section is maintained by disabled volunteers from crisis-affected communities.
Maintained by: DisabilityWiki Community Crisis Response Team
Emergency? Contact local emergency services or use the hotlines above
Feedback or missing resources? Report here →
Contribute to This Page
Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.