Terms of Service

Watch our Terms and Conditions in American Sign Language (ASL):

About This Service

Deaf Survivor Services (DSS) is a program under Activating Change. DSS uses Izzy for online chat and text. Izzy is a safe and private service for people who need support. We do not call 911 or send police or ambulances.

If you are in danger right now, please call 911.

DSS can help you find information and local services. We do not provide therapy or counseling.

Your Privacy and Confidentiality

What you share with us stays private. We will not share your information without your written permission. There are some situations where we have to share your information:

  • You want to hurt yourself

  • You know someone who is being hurt

  • You want to hurt someone else

  • A child (age 0 to 18) is being abused, neglected, or seeing abuse happen

  • An older adult or person with a disability is being hurt or abused

  • A court or law requires us to share your information

Your Chat Record

Your chat is safe and private. All chat records are deleted every two weeks.

Your Responsibilities

By using Izzy, you agree to:

  • Be kind and respectful to our staff. Rude or hateful messages will not be allowed.

  • Not send sexual photos, videos, or messages through any communication method including videophone, online chat, text, or social media direct messaging.

  • Not record or videotape any conversations through any communication method and share them on public platforms or social media.

  • Do not try to find or share any personal information about our staff or anyone connected to them, such as their social media, address, phone number, photos, or workplace.

  • Stay active in the chat. If we do not receive a message from you for more than 10 minutes, the chat will end.

  • Pay any fees your phone carrier charges for texting.

  • Know that Izzy and Activating Change are not responsible for late or lost messages.

If you engage in disrespectful, abusive, or offensive behaviors, or any of the behaviors listed, advocates will ask you to stop these behaviors and have the right to end the conversation at any time. Some of these behaviors may be against the law. DSS takes these seriously and may take further action if the behaviors continue after you are asked to stop.