Summer Webinar Series Week 6:

The Deaf Community

Welcome & Introduction

Brittany HoffTravel Trainer, MTM, Inc.Washington, DC

Holly Rioux, MSWCoordinator of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Greater Nashua Mental Health CenterNew Hampshire

What is the Deaf Community?

A diverse group of individuals connected through shared history & experiences regarding language, communication & oppression (“audism”)• Culturally Deaf• Education • Dual diagnosis

US National Institute of Health Statistics

2-3 out of every 1,000 US children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears

Cochlear implant devices as of December 2012:• Approximately 58,000 have been implanted in

adults• Roughly 38,000 have been implanted in children

US National Institute of Health Statistics

Hearing loss of 35 DB or more in better ear (hearing aids may be beneficial):• About 2% of adults 45-54• 8.5 % of adults 55-64

• 25% of adults 65-74• 50% of adults 75 &

older

When to Hire ASL/English Interpreters

The individual requests

an interpreter Signing papers Completing

assessments Travel training sessions

Question 1When working with an individual who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, what is the

proper terminology to remain respectful?

Question 2What are perceived barriers to an individual who is Deaf or Hard of

Hearing within the community setting? On public transportation?

Question 3What are some tips, tricks, or tools you

find helpful when working with an individual who is Deaf or Hard of

Hearing within the community setting? On public transportation?

Question 4What are some safety concerns to be

aware of when working with an individual who is Deaf or Hard of

Hearing within the community setting? On public transportation?

Question 5Do you have a specific example of a

situation involving an individual who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing that did not go as expected? How did you handle the

situation? What would you do differently or suggest others do instead?

Additional Resources

National Association of Deaf: www.nad.org Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.: www.rid.org Local community: NAD & RID chapters, Deaf-focused

agencies; state schools for the Deaf; Independent Living centers; related programs at colleges & universities

World Federation of the Deaf: www.wfdeaf.org www.DeafNewsToday.com www.ASLPro.com

Questions?