Deaf Lesbians’ Systemic Barriers to Adoption

Ella and Judy discuss the challenges they faced as first-generation lesbian mothers dealing with systemic barriers to adoption.

Domestic Violence Led to Move

Judy: I had five children who I brought with me to Kansas from Oklahoma due to domestic violence that caused a breakdown in spiritual growth, as well as physical, emotional and verbal abuse. I moved to protect my children from this. We lived in a shelter for a long while. 

Ella: Just before she left Oklahoma, we both had met and fell in love. Because of this situation with her husband, I supported them the best I could, visiting from time to time. On each visit, I spent time with the children, and got to know them. They were quite young then, the oldest around 8 – 9 years and youngest around 2-3 years old. That was during 1983-1984.

Search for Housing Suitable for Five Children

Judy: Finding our own place with five children was next to impossible. Thanks to a friend in the Vocational Rehabilitation Division, who helped us locate a townhouse that was part of a coop. With that, we finally settled a bit.

Ella: Judy filed for divorce…and after one year, what happened?

Judge Rules in favor of Lesbian Mother

Judy: I got my (maiden) name back. I also got full custody of my children. I was thrilled! My lawyer knew that I was a lesbian and was worried that the judge’s ruling would prejudice against me. However, to our great relief, the judge ruled in my favor! 

No Child Support From Former Husband

Ella: A blessing indeed! At that hearing, the judge also ruled that Judy’s ex-husband must pay monthly child support. How much was that?

Judy: $200.

Ella: Only $200 for five children.

Full Custody Gave Mother Freedom to Take Children to Another State

Judy: When I got full custody, I could then take my children anywhere we wanted to move. 

Ella: So they all moved to California, joining me. Not one penny of the $200/monthly child support came from her ex-husband. Luckily, we both managed to find jobs and places to rent. It wasn’t easy, but we scraped by and eventually, we bought a house. The whole time, we worked together as a family. 

Blended Family Means Multiple Relationships

Oh, one important point, before Judy and the children moved here, I told several people about falling in love with her and that she had five children. One friend told me that since Judy had five children, I am not having a relationship with only one person but with six people altogether. That hit me hard. It is not right to focus on Judy alone and ignore the children. All the children were as important as Judy and need to be seen as a part of my relationship with Judy (Family picture showing Ella and Judy at top left, with four boys and one girl, all smiling). 

Without Adoption, Unrecognized Status as Nonbiological and Non-adoptive Mother

Judy and I shared finances and childcare, but problems existed because of my unrecognized status. Even though my insurance covered all of the children, to ensure they would be taken care of, I had no rights when it came to the children. For example (turns to Judy), do you want to share this incident?

Unable to Make Decision during Medical Emergency without Adoption

Judy: One time I flew to North Carolina for something job-related. That night I arrived, as I was getting ready for the first day of work, someone pressed the light flasher at the door. I opened the door and was told that there was an emergency at home. My son had an infected appendix, necessitating surgery, and I had to fly home before I could start my work there.

Ella: The reason for this was…even though my insurance covered that boy and along with the fact that he lived with me – when the hospital found out that I wasn’t his legal mother, they kicked me out. I explained to them that his mother was in NC for work for the weekend, but they just went “sorry” and made the boy wait for Judy’s appearance and permission before they could operate on him. I had no choice but to call her in North Carolina and tell her to fly back home. At that point, it was very clear that I had zero legal relationship to the children. 

Barriers to Adoption When Children Under 18 Years of Age

Judy: That’s what started us thinking about adoption. We did our homework, researched how adoption would work in our case, what would be expected of us, what our house would need to be like, what the requirements would be, and so on. We learned that it would be extremely expensive.

Ella: That’s right, because they were under 18 years of age, plus we were two women. Back in 1983, that was a big deal – although nowadays it can be challenging, it’s much easier – However, back then, it was much harder. So figuring out what would work best was a struggle. Also, since the children’s father was still alive, he could use his privileged status to block any adoption effort on our part. If Judy died, the children would go back to their father instead of staying with me. It was a complicated situation. But, out of the blue, things took a turn….what happened?

Death of Ex-Husband Makes Adoption Easier

Judy: My ex-husband died.

Ella: Our youngest was 12 at that time.

Judy: I was now free to marry again. I could share my children with Ella. She had been fully involved in raising my children and I felt it was not right to limit her. I wanted to share my children with her because I loved, respected and truly appreciated her hard work and the fact that she accepted the children as her own and took on the responsibility of caring for them. She deserved to be recognized as a good mother.

Adoption of Two Oldest Children

Ella: Two things: yes, it would mean the world to me to be recognized as the children’s legal mother…and also, there was the issue of what would happen if Judy died – where would the children go? Even though they had lived with us – with me – all those years, if Judy were to die, they would be taken away from me immediately and probably become wards of the state. That was a terrifying thought. However, adoption was expensive and there was great bias in the system. 

Importance of LGBT-Friendly Lawyer for Adoption Process

The year when our youngest was 12, the two oldest were 18 and 19, we found a good lawyer who was a lesbian herself and specialized in handling lesbian and gay adoptions, and met with her. She told us that adopting the two oldest children would be easy because they were adults, and could consent to the adoptions on their own. Adopting the younger children was more complicated because it would involve home study, transfers, and other things. 

When I asked the two older children if they wanted me to adopt them, they both responded with an enthusiastic “yes!”. It was a heartwarming moment. With the lawyer’s help, we filed for the adoptions and everything went smoothly. It was such a special and breathtaking feeling at the moment when the adoptions were finalized. We felt even more connected. For the younger three children, though, we decided to wait until our financial and home situation was better. However, after that, life went on, and lots of things happened throughout the years. We were very fortunate that nothing very serious happened though, and that we all stayed together. The adoption idea for the three younger children was put on the back burner.  

Adoption of Remaining Three Children

We became grandparents, and life went on…until our daughter developed some health issues and had to check about applying for social security benefits. She learned she could not get her father’s social security due to his debt. She wondered if she could apply under my social security. “That would be fine” I said, “Sure, we could look into that.” However, in order to do this, we needed proof that she was my daughter. That’s when we realized that we should revisit adopting the three younger children.

Judy: Yes, right. We discussed with the three older children –

3/3 Ella: – the three younger children.

Judy: They were all over 18 by then.

Ella: Oh, ok. 

Judy: … and they all said “why not?” to the adoption idea. So, we went ahead…and then what happened?

Through Adoption, A Fully Recognized and Legal Family at Last

Ella: We contacted that same lawyer who helped us with the two older children. To help us save money, she gave us tips on how to properly prepare forms to submit to the court. Everything worked out and a court date was scheduled. How many people came with us to court that day?

Judy: We had a full line-up of people – some grandchildren came, even our nephew, Tim. We all went to court, the whole family was there to celebrate, and even Ella’s mother went.

Ella: It was really nice and touching. The judge, who was a man, went through everyone’s names and other details, then asked each child if they agreed to the adoption. When our third child said “Yes, I do agree”, my heart melted. After that, our fourth and fifth children gave their consent. The judge turned to me and asked me if I wanted to adopt all of them and be their mother. I replied, “of course”. The judge pounded his gavel and proudly announced that the adoptions were finalized. Judy and I looked at each other, beaming. We were now a fully recognized and legal family, bound not only by love, but by law, too. That was a powerful feeling (picture of Ella standing in the courtroom with three adult children and judge, all smiling, with their arms around each other). The beaming judge said he thought we had a beautiful story, which meant a lot to us. It was nice to see people’s attitudes slowly changing throughout the years, from strong resistance and negativity to full acceptance and support.

First-Generation Deaf Lesbian Mothers

Judy: I think it’s important to note two things. First, when we moved here, we were pioneers. There were hardly any Deaf lesbians who had children in California. There were quite a few hearing lesbians with children, but no Deaf ones that we knew of that time. If we had problems and needed help, there was hardly anybody for us to turn to. It was tough and we felt alone – 

Ella: Our support system was quite nonexistent. 

Prior Experience with Stepmother Role Critical

Judy: – it was awful. Ella’s side of the family had a hard time accepting me. We suffered through it. Second, I think Ella was very lucky that I had experience being a stepmother to two children from my first marriage, the person who died. I took on raising my ex-husband’s two children and learned how to be a stepmother. Now, when Ella was one to my children, I knew how important it was to support her.

Ella: She was very good.

Co-Parenting as a Team

Judy: When there were conflicts with the children, it was hard, but it was important for us to stand strong together, and for the children to see me, their mother, in alliance with Ella. It was also important that we discussed any conflicts between the two of us in private – 

Ella: It wasn’t easy, but…

Judy: – discuss until we came to an agreement, then come out and talk with the children. The children always knew we worked together, always. That was an important lesson. 

Ella: Yes. That’s our story (picture of Ella and Judy in front, with all five adult children standing behind them, smiling, with orange leaves on the trees in background).

Video description: Judy (l) and Ella (r) are seated on a sofa with a few plants behind them. Both are wearing short-sleeved shirts, glasses, and signing their story.

Resources:

https://deafcounseling.com/adoption-a-deaf-adoptive-parent-kyms-story/

https://deafcounseling.com/deaf-adoption-unwanted-medical-advice-story/

https://deafcounseling.com/deaf-indian-adoption-maureens-story/

https://deafcounseling.com/deaf-transracial-and-trans-country-adoption/

https://awaa.org/blog/adopting-a-deaf-child-meet-levi/

The post Adoption Barriers Faced by Deaf Lesbians appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Complicated Grief after Murder of Deaf Young Man

Deaf Counseling Center’s Dr. Candace McCullough and Sharon Duchesneau share some thoughts on the complicated nature of grief after murder of Grant Whitaker by Mavrick Martin Fisher and offer support to the national Deaf community in the form of pro bono counseling sessions to those who may be directly impacted by the situation, yet lack insurance to access therapy.

Candace: Sharon and I would like to share some thoughts after this past week’s news about Grant Whitaker’s alleged murder by Mavrick Martin Fisher.

Different Grief Process

Sharon: The grief process following a death by murder is very different and more complicated than that of a death by natural causes such as a heart attack or illness.

Anger as Normal Reaction

Candace: This is because the death is caused by another person, and not simply a natural cause. Anger is a normal reaction and it is okay to feel angry. To add to the complexity, many people in the Deaf community may know one or both of the people involved. For example, we know Grant, with whom we traveled to China on a Deaf school trip with our daughter, and we all have memories of a wonderful time with him. We also know Mav, whom we met with his dad at a national Deaf Academic Bowl reception back when he was young. I’m sure that many people are impacted by this situation, including teachers, friends, and family members. The fact that Mav was well-known on a national basis for his vlogs in which he shared his dreams with the community makes this hit even closer to home for many people.

Danger of Assumptions

Sharon: The public nature of this situation adds to the complexity of grief in the community. People have been sharing their opinions, perspectives, stories, and assumptions online – and these can be difficult for family members and friends of the men to see. None of us have all the information about exactly what happened and the history behind this. Some people have shared concerns that the Deaf community should have been able to prevent this from happening somehow. Again, we can’t assume anything. It’s possible that help was offered or that Mav sought help in the past. We just don’t know, so it’s important that we be mindful of what we say in public, especially online.

Duty of Confidentiality of Professionals

Candace: It’s also interesting that if Mav did get help, those professionals are not able to say so, due to confidentiality reasons.

Sharon: I think when discussing this – of course, it’s important for us as a Deaf community to discuss how we can support people who may be dealing with difficult situations. When we say that no one helped him, however, we may be indirectly placing blame on people close to him, such as family, friends, teachers and others who were close to him and knew him well. We can’t assume they did nothing. Maybe they didn’t or maybe they did.

Deaf Mental Health Stigma

Candace: Also, it’s important to address stigma related to mental health, which is likely to be a factor here, but again, we don’t know the full story. In general, only a very, very small percentage of people dealing with mental illnesses commit crimes like murder. The majority of these people are fine and harmless – we don’t want to see the stigma about people with mental illness being blown out of proportion and spreading unnecessary fear. Let’s be careful about this.

National Legal System and Deaf People

Sharon: Yes, that’s right. Another issue that is coming up here relates to the national legal system. Now we have an alleged murder, which means we are looking at issues related to the court process, a trial, lawyers, interpreting access, fairness, individual rights – all of which are triggers for our Deaf community.

Candace: I think that Deaf people as a whole already have a difficult experience with trying navigate the legal system.

Sharon: Yes, that’s something to keep in mind with the many layers of complexity in this situation, in particular, while we are waiting for answers and things are still unknown. This makes people feel sensitive. It’s a difficult thing.

Pro Bono Deaf Counseling and Therapy Services

Candace: We’d like to offer free counseling/therapy to anyone who is directly impacted by this situation, but who may not have insurance to access counseling/therapy. Please feel free to contact us and we can discuss how we can provide support through the grief process.

Sharon: Thank you.

Candace: Good bye.

(video description: Sharon and Candace, Deaf therapists, (l-r) are seated on a sofa, signing their comments.) Deaf Counseling Center offers national Deaf therapy services.

References:

https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyMoth/videos/2205459446424784/

https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyMoth/videos/492864761281393/?v=492864761281393

https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyMoth/videos/live-mavrick-fisher-in-custody-in-mexico-for-suspected-murder-of-grant-whitakerl/293300168202592/

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/08/27/missing-mendocino-camper-body-found-companion-arrested-in-mexico/

https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao-dc/legacy/2013/08/07/coping_after_homicide.pdf

https://victimconnect.org/learn/types-of-crime/homicide-and-grief/

https://deafcounseling.com/recommended-films/ Films on Grief/Loss

The post Grief After a Murder of Grant Whitaker appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Hi, my name is Sandy Graham. I’m from Michigan. My son was shot when he was only 14 years old, back in 1997. He would have been 36 years old today. His name is Saleh (shows name-sign “S” shaking from side to side). What happened was that a boy named John, who was almost 16 years old, found his father’s hand gun in his parents’ bedroom closet. John’s father was a retired police officer and had three hand guns in his closet. There was no lock. John thought that it would be cool to show the gun to his friends, so he invited three friends into his car. My son was sitting in the front and the other two boys were in the back. John asked the three boys to play the Russian roulette game. He first put a bullet in the gun, then removed it. He thought the gun was empty, but there was actually one bullet already inside. He pulled the trigger and killed my son. The two boys in the back were okay.

This hit me so hard and broke my heart. He was such a young boy – he was gone already and would never come back. It was heartbreaking. It was suggested that I go to a grief support group, but I didn’t feel comfortable with that group. One of my close friends, who is hearing and knows sign, Kriya (shows name-sign K moving down right side of head), invited me to meet her friend named Smokey Rain (shows name-sign smoke-rain), who is a half Native American healer. She offered to do a ritual for my son and I accepted.

I had never experienced that Native American ritual before. She asked me to bring one of Saleh’s favorite things, so I brought a large quartz crystal from his desk. We went to the place where he was shot, at John’s parents’ house, to try to reach Saleh’s spirit through a ritual that involved chanting, and bring the spirit into the crystal. Then I brought the crystal home and asked Smokey Rain what to do next. She told me to focus on communicating with my son, so I thought it over and asked my son what he wanted me to do for him. The answer I received was to invite all of Saleh’s close friends from school over, because many of them had always come over to our house to play with my son, joke around, act funny, sign, and other things. Many kids loved him. He played both soccer and basketball. So, I reached out to one of his best friends, a boy, who agreed to come, along with 10 close friends, and my daughter, who was 11 years old at that time.

When Saleh’s friends came over, they felt better just being able to see Saleh’s things in his bedroom. Visiting helped them to feel better and heal. Many of them had been afraid to come over to my house. No one had come over to my house after Saleh died. I felt heartbroken, depressed and all alone. When his friends came over, I felt better. It helped me heal from my grief.

Next, Smokey Rain suggested that I go with her to a Native American community center to celebrate Saleh’s spirit. I went there and played the drums, felt the vibrations and it was such a beautiful ritual. I was filled with gratitude. After this, Smokey Rain suggested that we go to Saleh’s grave for another ritual, which was a truly beautiful one where we let Saleh’s spirit leave the earth and journey into the universe with the wind. I had to accept this and let him go. My grief went on and my healing happened slowly. Almost one year after Saleh died, Kriya invited me to go to a sweat lodge, which helped me feel better and heal from my grief. That was the last part of my journey. I had to go on with my life. I will always love my son in my heart forever.

(video description: Sandy is a light-skinned woman wearing glasses, and a purple top with a black jacket, standing with trees and sky behinder her, signing her story.)

Resources:

https://deafcounseling.com/grief-after-a-murder-grant-whitaker-and-mavrick-martin-fisher/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_roulette

The post Grief: Sandy’s ASL Story of Her Son Being Shot appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Transcript:

Matt: Hello, my name is Matt Reinig (name sign). Natasha: Hi, I’m Natasha Ofili (name sign). Matt: So, we want to share our experience in our relationship. Today… Yesterday, June 12th, we celebrate Richard and Mildred Loving… If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to marry and celebrate our love in public. Natasha: I think that National loving Day yesterday is really inspiring, for me, and other relationships because love does not discriminate. It really doesn’t! Matt: Love is Love! We don’t really think about that [discrimination] in our relationship. We met and we just fell in love. Until I had my own worries. A Black / African American Woman? What would black men think of me? That was short-lived, but it did dwell in my thoughts. Just focus on each other. Focus on the love that was there from the beginning, from the moment we met. Natasha: I think it was that instant human connection, where we were able to confess our love to each other, grow together, learn from each other, laugh… Matt: And she scares me a lot too! That has nothing to do with race. That’s another thing about Loving: when they met, they had no idea what was going on in our nation… And they still loved each other. They didn’t see what was going on… But people outside of that town saw them and didn’t like that. Natasha & Matt: We are so grateful for them. Natasha: Really grateful for them because, again, we wouldn’t be in the same room or married if it wasn’t for them. This made a really big impact… and it’s only been 51 years… It’s still new… Wow. Matt: That is some of our story! Natasha & Matt: Thank you! Matt: Have a great day!

The post Loving Day: Matt Reinig & Natasha Ofili appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

June 12 is Loving Day in the USA. This day celebrates the anniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia. Interracial marriages were banned in Virginia and other 15 states in 1924. A Deaf woman, Debbie Colbert, shares her story about being in interracial relationships and how she dealt with people’s opinions.

Video transcript provided by Debbie Colbert: Debbie Colbert is signing. She is white, has long, dirty blonde hair and is wearing a teal V-neck t-shirt, with ILY symbol on the left side. She is sitting on a white leather sofa and the background is royal blue. She is also wearing various colors of beads bracelets on her left arm as well as a necklace with a heart-shaped rose quartz.

“Right now is the month of June. Loving Day is on the 12th of this month. I feel I the need to share my experience of being in the closet and being oppressed when I experienced acts of racism. I will explain several situations briefly here.

First of all, when I was living at a residential school for the deaf, I dated a guy and we both were not the same race. As we had been dating, several boys informed me that the guy I was dating got picked on by some boys, even though he was athletic; not the best, but he played well in some sports such as football, basketball, and was on the track team. But he was picked on by some boys because of us dating. Then one day I saw the boys gang up and pick on him. I just stood there and saw the whole thing. I confronted him about it. He brushed it off and said it didn’t bother him and he was okay. I didn’t feel right about it, so I ended our relationship. That was it. My parents were not aware that I dated that guy.

Years went by, I enrolled in Gallaudet University as a student. I started dating a guy and we both were not of the same race. Then, in the spring, my parents decided to come and visit me all the way from Illinois to Washington, DC. That was about a 12-hour drive. You know, in Gallaudet University’s dorm life, other students can come and visit also stay in your room. I was worried about that, so I told my former boyfriend, who wasn’t the same color as me, that my parents were coming and he needed to stay away from me. He was surprised by my decision that he needed to stay away because I didn’t want to upset my parents who drove all the way from Illinois to visit me. He didn’t complain, but accepted my suggestion out of his love for me. When he was around, I saw him and I became very nervous, so badly that I wanted to hide myself. My parents kept asking me if I had a boyfriend. I told them no because I had no interest in dating as of yet. After my parents left, he and I were back together and everything went back to normal.

On my parents’ second visit, I told my ex-boyfriend that he needed to avoid me again. He expressed his frustration because he felt that I was rejecting him. I was surprised at his reaction because I thought he would understand about my being in the closet about dating someone outside of my race. He insisted that if I really loved him, I would introduce him to my parents, but I was not ready to come out of my closet. During my parents’ visit, he became more bold. He would approach my parents and tell them that he liked me and we were in the same class, which was not true. He was an employee during that time. I immediately said bad things about him to my parents after he left. That he was goofy and dumb. Now I looked back and think to myself that I let fear get the best of me.

The third time around of my parents’ visiting me, I told him not to be around me again. This time, he became furious and we argued about my being selfish and being in the closet when it was time for me to get out, but I was still not ready. My parents and I went to the Abbey. It was once called Rathskeller, then it changed to the Abbey, but over time, it changed back to Rathskeller. I was busy having fun with my parents. All of sudden, I saw him with a lady whom I had seen around on campus. He was flirting with her. I was upset. My mom noticed and asked me if I was alright. I told her yes. Then, the next day, I went up to him and asked him why he did that. He pressured me to introduce him to my family, so I did. I told my mom that I was dating him, but it was nothing serious, and I kept on making some excuses like he was no one special and he was just someone to hang out with and have fun.

My mom was concerned about my dating someone who is not the same race as me. She told me to think about my future, like I might encounter oppression, some friends would not want to be friends with me, and my job. She was focused on my future. Meanwhile, my dad said nothing, as usual. He followed whatever my mom said. My mom lived like a queen when I was growing up.

On Thanksgiving, in between my parents’ first and second visits, I was with my family visiting my grandparents for Thanksgiving dinner. My grandmother boldly told everyone at the table that she was told I was dating a black guy and that he made me become a wild woman. My stomach turned upside down and I froze because I didn’t know how to react. But my step-grandfather, who was the only grandfather I knew growing up, immediately told my grandmother off by saying if you heard those rumors, please make it go in one ear and out the other ear. He proceeded to eat, so we all ate.

Many years later, I met my husband. We both decided not to have a wedding because I felt that no one would want to come to my wedding since he is hearing and I am deaf and we were an interracial couple. I didn’t think people wanted to come and witness us. My husband agreed, so we got married at the Justice of Peace and I was pregnant at that time. My friend asked if my parents knew I got married and was expecting a baby. I told her no, but she kept on asking me, which made me feel uneasy. So I told her that I would let the rumor reach my parents. 

My mom found out through the grapevine, so she contacted me via TTY asking me if I was married and pregnant. I told her yes, but I was very vague about being married. In a few months, my parents informed me that they were moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania. I was not too thrilled because it knew it was time for me to get out of the closet. But then I thought to myself, maybe my baby would change my parents’ hearts about me being married to a black man and having a biracial baby. 

On that very night of my parents moving, my mom saw my beautiful baby girl. She informed me that family members would come to see us, too. Then family members came. They were upset to see me with my biracial baby, so my mom went out to try convince them to come in, but they refused because of me and my baby. They were arguing about me being with a black man and having a biracial baby. I stood there and watched them arguing from the window. I saw the whole conversation and it was very hurtful to watch because they didn’t realize that I’m my mom’s firstborn child. My parents had been trying for two years to conceive a child and finally had me. My parents were so proud to have me as their firstborn child and those family members tried to turn my mom against me. I was very hurt when I watched them talking about me. 

When my mom came back in the house, she had tears rolling down her face. I decided not to talk about it. She told me she felt bad about the whole thing and I told her to forget about it. I didn’t even tell my mom that I had seen the whole conversation between her and my family members. Still today, I’ve never told those family members that I saw their conversation with my mom. I simply put it in a can and canned it tightly because it was too ugly to talk about. My mom loved my husband and always asked for him. When she saw him, she always waved at him and chatted with him. My husband, Derik, liked my mom as well. They tended to chat with each other. My mom passed on 8 years ago, so that’s the end of the story. I am going to share some other stories about my peers and the deaf community.

Alright! Here is my other story: When I was a student at Gallaudet University, I was dating the same boy for a while. I remember how he used to stop by in the hallway, trying to get my attention while I was in my class, just to say hi to me or tell me to come out of class to steal a kiss from me. One day he was hiding something in the back and told me to come out. So I did…He handed me a bag and told me to take a look inside the bag. I was surprised to see a nice Seiko watch in a box. Seiko wristwatches were so popular back in 1980. I asked him why, because it was not Christmas, since it was Spring and my birthday was not until Fall. He said he got the wristwatch just because he loved me. He put it on my left wrist. I was so proud. I had to run back to my class and he had to go back to work. As soon as I sat on my chair, my friend asked me what’s up. I told her that I got a nice wristwatch. My friend, who is a person of color herself, immediately told me that black people always buy wristwatches from drug dealers because they made fake wristwatches. So my wristwatch was not a real Seiko but a fake one. I showed my friend the bag and a box with the department store on it, but she said he pretended that he had bought it from a store. I thought to myself, wow it’s really sad that people don’t like people from different races, but again I was confused because she is also a person of color. I was hurt by that, and I decided not to tell him what my friend had said. Ever since I was dating him, I can see people’s attitudes toward me were not the same. I had to be extra careful because I can be easily removed from them. I felt oppressed by that on a daily basis. I had some women talking to me about why I was dating a black man. They told me they would rather it was someone like Billy Dee Williams, who was a famous singer a long time ago. They would rather someone like him than my ex boyfriend who had very black hair. Billy Dee Williams’ hair was very soft and looked almost like white people’s hair. They were telling me many things about why they would not date black men…I felt oppressed. It was hard because people treated me differently ever since I dated my ex-boyfriend. I went through a lot and it was nothing but peer pressure. I plan to write a book about it one day soon.

My experience in a deaf community: Years and years later, I got married and have biracial children. A woman came up to me informing me that her daughter is dating a black man. I was surprised by that, because it was out of the blue that she came to me and informed me. I thought to myself, can she see that I’m married to a black man and have a biracial child with me. It was just my daughter at that time. She blurted out to me, saying that she would rather that her daughter was a lesbian than dating a black man. I was tempted to say, “What if your daughter was going with a black lesbian?” but instead, I said to her that maybe it was because her daughter had fallen in love with him, which was her decision. She said no, then she showed me her arm and pointed at her arm. I was not sure what she meant by that, but I had to be careful because my daughter was with me and I thought about my husband, so I decided to say nothing more. So I am always careful with people around me like her. I’ve encountered so many acts of racism in my life. Now, I’m telling you from my life experience up to now. I’m so glad I live for myself and stay with who I am. I married my husband, Derik, and we have two beautiful children. My family is one of a kind and I am truly blessed to have them. I can’t worry about what people are thinking and what their opinions are. If people don’t look at me as a person but negatively focus on what I have, I keep myself away from them. But as for people who look at me as a person, Debbie, and accept what I have, that’s who I want to be around. I’ve learned to be very selective about people, for my protection, after the acts of racism I’ve experienced with some people. That goes the same with my job, because people forget that I’m married to a black man and have biracial children and they slip and demonstrate their acts of racism. So I am always careful around those people.

Alright! Here is my other story: When I was a student at Gallaudet University, I was dating the same boy for a while. I remember how he used to stop by in the hallway, trying to get my attention while I was in my class, just to say hi to me or tell me to come out of class to steal a kiss from me. One day he was hiding something in the back and told me to come out. So I did…He handed me a bag and told me to take a look inside the bag. I was surprised to see a nice Seiko watch in a box. Seiko wristwatches were so popular back in 1980. I asked him why, because it was not Christmas, since it was Spring and my birthday was not until Fall. He said he got the wristwatch just because he loved me. He put it on my left wrist. I was so proud. I had to run back to my class and he had to go back to work. As soon as I sat on my chair, my friend asked me what’s up. I told her that I got a nice wristwatch. My friend, who is a person of color herself, immediately told me that black people always buy wristwatches from drug dealers because they made fake wristwatches. So my wristwatch was not a real Seiko but a fake one. I showed my friend the bag and a box with the department store on it, but she said he pretended that he had bought it from a store. I thought to myself, wow it’s really sad that people don’t like people from different races, but again I was confused because she is also a person of color. I was hurt by that, and I decided not to tell him what my friend had said. Ever since I was dating him, I can see people’s attitudes toward me were not the same. I had to be extra careful because I can be easily removed from them. I felt oppressed by that on a daily basis. I had some women talking to me about why I was dating a black man. They told me they would rather it was someone like Billy Dee Williams, who was a famous singer a long time ago. They would rather someone like him than my ex boyfriend who had very black hair. Billy Dee Williams’ hair was very soft and looked almost like white people’s hair. They were telling me many things about why they would not date black men…I felt oppressed. It was hard because people treated me differently ever since I dated my ex-boyfriend. I went through a lot and it was nothing but peer pressure. I plan to write a book about it one day soon.

My experience in a deaf community: Years and years later, I got married and have biracial children. A woman came up to me informing me that her daughter is dating a black man. I was surprised by that, because it was out of the blue that she came to me and informed me. I thought to myself, can she see that I’m married to a black man and have a biracial child with me. It was just my daughter at that time. She blurted out to me, saying that she would rather that her daughter was a lesbian than dating a black man. I was tempted to say, “What if your daughter was going with a black lesbian?” but instead,  I said to her that maybe it was because her daughter had fallen in love with him, which was her decision. She said no, then she showed me her arm and pointed at her arm. I was not sure what she meant by that, but I had to be careful because my daughter was with me and I thought about my husband, so I decided to say nothing more. So I am always careful with people around me like her. I’ve encountered so many acts of racism in my life. Now, I’m telling you from my life experience up to now. I’m so glad I live for myself and stay with who I am. I married my husband, Derik, and we have two beautiful children. My family is one of a kind and I am truly blessed to have them. I can’t worry about what people are thinking and what their opinions are. If people don’t look at me as a person but negatively focus on what I have, I keep myself away from them. But as for people who look at me as a person, Debbie, and accept what I have, that’s who I want to be around. I’ve learned to be very selective about people, for my protection, after the acts of racism I’ve experienced with some people. That goes the same with my job, because people forget that I’m married to a black man and have biracial children and they slip and demonstrate their acts of racism. So I am always careful around those people.

LOVING DAY…I am glad I have a loving family. I cherish my children and my husband. My husband and I may not have a perfect marriage but…that makes us The Colbert Family. I love you all.”

The post Loving Day: Deaf Interracial Relationships appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

National Deaf Therapy, Hit with Abuse Allegations, Is Closing. A treatment center for Deaf people that was investigated and sued over abuse allegations

Insurance Journal
Negligence or Medical Negligence? Florida Supreme Court Offers Clarity
By Janice L. Merrill
June 6, 2018

Whether a claim arises out of medical negligence and is subject to the presuit screening requirements of Chapter 766 of the Florida Statutes is a question legal practitioners and courts alike have struggled with for years.

In April 2018, the Florida Supreme Court issued an opinion which provides clarity and guidance in making this determination.

Historically, to bring a medical negligence claim in Florida, potential plaintiffs have had to incur the expense of securing an affidavit from a qualified medical professional attesting to a deviation from the standard of care, under a two-year statute of limitations. Healthcare providers largely viewed this presuit screening requirement as an important safeguard in preventing non-meritorious claims.

However, because this process requires a significant expenditure, which can far exceed that of an ordinary negligence claim, many attorneys representing plaintiffs have been reluctant to classify a claim as a medical negligence claim. This allows them to avoid compliance with the presuit screening requirements and affords a four-year statute of limitations. Moreover, conflicting appellate court decisions as to when a claim arises out of the rendering or failure to render medical care and services has only muddied the waters.

The Florida Supreme Court was called on to determine when a negligence claim arises out of the “rendering of, or the failure to render, medical care or services” in the case of National Deaf Therapy, LLC v. Townes.

National Deaf Academy Resident Injured

In this case, a resident was injured during a restraint. The court said while the restraint was included as an intervention in the resident’s care plan, the restraint could be performed by any member of the staff. Although the resident was injured when a registered nurse performed the restraint, any member of the staff, including unlicensed staff such as a sign language interpreter trained on the restraint process, could have performed the restraint.

The court held that simply because a registered nurse performed the restraint, it did not turn the claim from an ordinary negligence claim into a medical negligence claim. The court contrasted these claims with one where an injury arose out of the application of excessive pressure while using mammographic equipment, which caused one of the claimant’s breast implants to rupture, and where a patient was injured while connected to physical therapy equipment. In each of those instances, the injury was sustained as a direct result of medical care, which required the use of professional judgment or skill.

The court held that for a claim to sound in medical malpractice, the act from which the claim arises must be directly related to medical care or services, which require the use of professional judgment or skill. The key is whether the act is one which will require expert testimony as to the standard of care as opposed to the jurors determining through common experience whether the actor breached relevant standard of care.The inquiry for determining whether a claim sounds in medical negligence is two-fold and requires the court to determine (1) whether the action arose out of “medical…diagnosis, treatment, or care,” and (2) whether such diagnosis, treatment, or care was rendered by a healthcare provider (Silva v Southwest Florida Blood Bank, Inc.).

The injury must be a direct result of receiving medical care or treatment by a healthcare provider. As the Florida Supreme Court appropriately noted, merely because a wrongful act occurs in a medical setting does not mean that it involves medical malpractice.

Examples of National Deaf Therapy Negligence

Examples of acts which constitute ordinary negligence as opposed to medical negligence include:

A nurse practitioner spilling scalding hot tea on a patient who arrived at the hospital complaining of a cough, shortness of breath, bronchitis and nasal congestion. This is an ordinary negligence claim, as the act of serving hot tea did not amount to a medical service. There was no medical standard for the serving of hot tea, and thus the claimant was not required to comply with the presuit screening requirements.
A claim arising out of an injury sustained by a dialysis patient when a hospital employee inadvertently kicked the patient’s foot in an attempt to return the foot rest of the patient’s chair to the upright position. This is also an example of an ordinary negligence claim. The testimony of a medical expert as to how to return a chair to an upright position would not be required.
A further example of this is a psychiatric hospital employee’s decision not to separate patients resulting in a patient being punched in the face.
As a result of the Florida Supreme Court’s opinion in National Deaf Therapy, LLC v. Townes, claims that do not arise out of the act of providing medical services and do not involve the use of professional judgment and skill will be treated as ordinary negligence claims. These claims are subject to a four-year statute of limitations and do not require the claimant to incur the expense of obtaining an affidavit from a qualified medical expert attesting to a deviation from the standard of care and causation.

Malpractice

We can expect to see more plaintiff attorneys attempting to characterize claims which arise in a healthcare setting as ordinary negligence opposed to medical malpractice. This will require the defense team to scrutinize the claim carefully to determine whether the act giving rise to the claim truly sounds in ordinary negligence or whether it arises out of the rendering of, or the failure to render, medical care and services and involved the use of professional judgment or skill.

Reference:
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2018/06/06/491206.htm

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/mom-please-help-fbi-probing-alleged-abuse-deaf-autistic-kids-n193846

http://uhsbehindcloseddoors.org/item/national-deaf-academy/

https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/supreme-court/2018/sc16-1587.html

https://deafcounseling.com/purchase-of-national-deaf-academy/

The post National Deaf Therapy Negligence appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

The purpose of this position statement is to acknowledge and emphasize the importance and need for specialized sign language interpreting services in the delivery of mental health services to deaf individuals. While direct mental health services are optimal and always preferred, such services are not always available. When there are no direct mental health services, it is critical to ensure effective communication through specialized sign language interpreting services, which must be complete with sensitivity to cultural affiliation and awareness of the dynamics involved, in the delivery of mental health services to people who are deaf.[1] The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) wishes to use this platform to increase meaningful access to mental health services by elevating the knowledge, awareness, and sophistication with respect to use of sign language interpreting by mental health professionals, healthcare delivery systems, and deaf consumers. The sections below highlight critical information for mental health providers, interpreters and the deaf community to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to better serve and support deaf individuals.

Direct vs. Interpreted Mental Health Services

The NAD recommends that individuals who are deaf be referred to specially trained providers for direct mental health services (see NAD Position Statements on Mental Health Services) whenever possible and that appropriate support services, guided by consumer choice, be made available, if necessary. In situations where it is not possible to find a service provider who is able to provide direct mental health services, or because of consumer preference, the NAD strongly recommends that service providers work collaboratively with qualified sign language interpreters who have specialized mental health interpreting expertise.

The NAD urges mental health professionals, interpreters and the Deaf Community to recognize the unique challenges faced by mental health providers and interpreters working with deaf consumers in mental health settings and to be aware that there is a need for specialized training in order to meet those challenges. The mental health care field is broad and includes both deaf and hearing service providers in the areas of psychotherapy, psychiatry, counseling and social work, psychological testing, substance abuse treatment, forensic therapy, and more. Settings may range from a client’s home, private offices, hospitals and prison facilities.

According to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s (RID) Standard Practice Paper on Interpreting in Mental Health Settings, “Mental health professionals depend heavily on language form and content for diagnosis and treatment. Nuances in communication, including affective tone and subtleties of language structure, may be significant for diagnosis and treatment effectiveness.” (RID, 2007). While there is great variability in ability to recognition of mental health terms in English by hearing people, a reliable study exploring cultural and linguistic barriers to mental health service access found that deaf participants’ ability varied even more widely (Steinberg, Sullivan, & Lowe, 1998). In addition to understanding terminology specific to mental health settings, interpreters face complex interpersonal dynamics stemming from the symptoms of psychological disorders, diagnostic and treatment goals specific to various mental health settings, as well as the unique communication and therapeutic objectives of each member of the mental health treatment team.

Interpreters are encouraged to adhere to high standards of ethical practice (RID, 2007), which includes ensuring that they have appropriate training in mental health interpreting prior to accepting work in such settings. Interpreters need to be prepared for a variety of group dynamics including but not limited to: hearing clinicians working directly with deaf consumers; hearing clinicians working with deaf consumers and their hearing family members or partners; and deaf mental health professionals with various interpreting needs. These scenarios present their own challenges and complications (Hauser, Finch, & Hauser, 2008) and interpreters would benefit from training and preparation in order to be qualified for such jobs.

Credentials in Mental Health Interpreting

Though the RID lists standards of practice in mental health interpreting, as of early 2012, RID does not have any specialist certification for mental health interpreting.[2] There are several independent programs focusing on mental health interpreting, but there is no uniformity in those programs. The only known certification program that provides intensive training in mental health interpreting is offered through the Alabama Mental Health Interpreter Training. (Alabama Department of Mental Health Administrative Code, 2003; Crump, 2012).

Requirements of Mental Health Interpreters:

Intrapersonal Awareness
While mental health professionals are trained to deal with patients and situations that are emotionally charged, most interpreters are not. As such, interpreters working in the mental health setting must have keen intrapersonal skills in terms of strong awareness of biases and values, triggers, limitations, and potential for countertransference. The ability of the interpreter to self-manage and remain calm during a mental health interpreting assignment is paramount to a successful mental health session for the deaf consumer. Intrapersonal skills can be developed with training, supervision, and peer support, and such skills can guide decisions on accepting jobs in this field. A few aspects of the assignment to consider prior to accepting the job would be: culture, race, gender, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation.

Expertise in Language and Culture
In order to avoid misdiagnosis in deaf consumers, it is critical that interpreters not only have receptive and expressive fluency in American Sign Language, but are extensively trained in mental health techniques. Mental health interpreters must be familiar with and able to utilize different interpreting modalities. Furthermore, the interpreter must be prepared to educate providers on the possible need for longer sessions, the need for appropriate pausing during sessions, or changes in how questions are posed. Providers may rely on interpreters for cultural information. For optimal results, the interpreter’s communication with the service provider and the consumer prior to the first session is critical (Hamerdinger & Karlin, 2003).

Some deaf consumers, especially those with a lifetime experience of mental illness, may also have limited language or information deficits. This can make it much more difficult for a provider working through an interpreter to appropriately differentiate between such deficits and symptoms of mental illness. It is important to ensure that the interpreting process does not mask the language deficits of consumers as clinicians rely on accurate interpretation to make inferences about mental processes (Crump & Glickman, 2011).

Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries
Throughout the United States, limited resources often restrict options for interpreter services. Deaf consumers may encounter the same interpreters at general life events or appointments that were present for their mental health appointments. These encounters could create some conflicts or discomfort for both the individual and the interpreter. Maintaining confidentiality becomes even more crucial.

Confidentiality in mental health interpreting requires a level of discernment and critical thinking unique to this setting. The NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct encourages interpreters to “share assignment-related information only on a confidential and ‘as-needed’ basis (e.g., supervisors, interpreter team members, members of the educational team, hiring entities)” (RID, 2005). While it is important for the interpreter to receive some information on what has been happening with a deaf consumer’s treatment, there must be strict protocols to maintain confidentiality. When communicating in writing, it is imperative that interpreters learn standards of such communication, be aware that such communication may become a part of the client’s official file and understand relevant confidentiality laws such as HIPAA and Federal Regulation 42 CFR, Part 2.

Ethics, Supervision & Peer Consultation
Mental health providers are expected to adhere to high standards of ethical practice.[3] In mental health work, there is higher risk for abuse of power, vicarious trauma, boundary crossings, and burnout. As such, providers are encouraged to engage in regular supervision and peer consultation. Interpreters working in such settings need to be held to the same standards and benefit from the opportunity to work with supervisors and/or consult with peers (Atwood, 1986; Fritsch-Rudser, 1986; Dean & Pollard, 2009, 2011; Keller, 2008; Hetherington, 2011; Anderson, 2011). In order to achieve higher standards of supervision in mental health interpreting, the NAD recommends building a pool of experienced interpreters who are qualified to perform supervision and are available to work with new mental health interpreters on a national level.

Qualified Mental Health Interpreters
The NAD recommends the following qualifications for interpreters working in mental health settings:

1. Fluency in American Sign Language;

2. Fluency in English and register choices;

3. Culturally competent;

4. Attending a comprehensive training curriculum for mental health interpreting

5. Mentoring with experienced mental health interpreters (at least 50 hours);

6. Individual or group supervision and peer consultation;

7. High standards of ethical practice; and

8. Knowledge of relevant ethical literature or decision-making models in interpreting.

The NAD recommends that a certification process for specialization in mental health interpreting be set up through nationally recognized means. Alternatively, a standardized portfolio system can be used to emphasize the individual’s specialization in mental health interpreting. It is also recommended that interpreters maintain their skills with continuing education in the area of mental health with every certification cycle (15 hours annually or 60 hours per four year RID certification maintenance program cycle). To achieve this, developing more options for seminars to meet the required 60 hours of continuing education in a four year period in the area of mental health is critical. In order to recruit more interpreters specializing in mental health interpreting, the interpreter training programs are encouraged to provide students at least one class focusing solely on mental health interpreting for a full quarter or semester to capture their interest in this specialization.

In summary, mental health interpreters are an important component in the mental health delivery system for deaf individuals with mental health needs, as they provide auxiliary services when a service provider is unable to deliver direct mental health services or when a deaf consumer requests it. While the field of mental health interpreting has aimed to set higher standards over the past decade, this position paper hopes to raise the standards by defining qualifications, expanding the credentials and requirements for mental health interpreters, as well as addressing the professional boundaries, ethics, supervision, and peer consultation in this profession.

References

Alabama Department of Mental Health. (2003). Chapter 580-3-24, Mental health interpreter standards. Retrieved from http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/mhlth/3mhlth24.htm
Anderson, A. A. (2011). Peer Support and Consultation Project for Interpreters: A Model for Supporting the Well-Being of Interpreters who Practice in Mental Health Settings. Journal of Interpretation, 21(1), pp. 9-20.

Atwood, A. (1986). Clinical supervision as a method of providing behavioral feedback to sign language interpreters and students of interpreting. In M. L. McIntire (Ed.). New dimensions in interpreter education: Curriculum and instruction (pp. 87-93). Proceedings of the 6th national Convention of the Conference of Interpreter Trainers. Chevy Chase MD.

Crump. C. (2012). Mental Health Interpreting Training, Standards, and Certification. In K. Malcolm and L. A. Swabey (Eds.). In Our Hands: Educating Healthcare Interpreters. (pp. 54-76). Gallaudet University Press. Washington, D.C.

Crump, C. & Glickman, N. (2011). Mental Health Interpreting with Language Dysfluent Deaf Clients. Journal of Interpretation, 21(1), pp. 21-36.

Dean, R. K. & Pollard, R. Q. (2011). The importance, challenges, and outcomes of teaching context-based ethics in interpreting: A demand control schema perspective. Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 5(1), pp. 155-182.

Dean, R. K. & Pollard, R. Q. (2009, Fall). “I don’t think we’re supposed to be talking about this:” Case conferencing and supervision for interpreters. VIEWS, 26, pp. 28-30.

Fritsch-Rudser, S. (1986). The RID code of ethics, confidentiality and supervision. Journal of Interpretation, 3, pp. 47-51.

Hamerdinger, S., & Karlin, B. (2003). Therapy using interpreters: Questions on the use of interpreters in therapeutic settings for monolingual therapists. Journal of American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, 36(3), pp. 12-30.

Hauser, P. C., Finch, K. L., and Hauser, A. B. (2008). Deaf Professionals and Designated Interpreters: A New Paradigm. Gallaudet University Press. Washington, D.C.

Hetherington, A. (2011). A Magical Profession? Causes and management of occupational stress in sign language interpreting profession. In L. Leeson, S. Wurm, M. Vermeerbergen (Eds.). Signed Language interpreting: Preparation, practice and performance (pp. 138-159). St. Jerome Publishing. Manchester, UK.

Keller, K. (2008). Demand-control schema: Applications for deaf interpreters. In L. Roberson & S. Shaw (Eds.).Proceedings of the 17th National Convention of the Conference of Interpreter Trainers: Putting the pieces together: A collaborative approach to excellence in education. (pp. 3-16). Conference of Interpreter Trainers. San Juan, PR.

Steinberg, A. G., Sullivan, V. J., and Loew, R. C. (1998). Cultural and Linguistic Barriers to Mental Health Service Access: The Deaf Consumer’s Perspective. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(7), pp. 982-984.

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). (2005). NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from http://rid.org/ethics/code-of-professional-conduct/

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). (2007). Standard Practice Paper on Interpreting in Mental Health Settings. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3DKvZMflFLdWmFVV2tydVRFTHM/view

The post NAD’s position on Mental Health Interpreting appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Electronic Means of Interpretation: The bill gets it very wrong on several other counts, however. First, it specifies that the interpretation can be done via electronic means. This could mean video remote interpreting (VRI), which would involve the Deaf child watching and talking to an interpreter who is not present in the room, but working from another location and visible on a computer screen. This is not appropriate. An abuse investigation is highly stressful for the child, has legal ramifications, and requires a live interpreter in the room who is able to communicate with the child at the child’s level, mentally and physically. Even worse than VRI, the bill’s mention of an electronic medium of interpretation could mean typed English. No Deaf child undergoing an abuse investigation should be expected to communicate in a second language, period.

Certified AND Qualified Interpreters: Third, the bill notes that the interpreting may be done using an interpreter who is “trained” in ASL. It states that the interpreter may be a volunteer. No on both counts. Any interpreter working in this type of situation must be a certified professional interpreter, preferably one who has both legal and mental health training. Certification alone, however, is not enough. There must be oversight and validation of the interpreter’s credentials and qualifications by Deaf professionals and community members. It is unethical to leave the determination of who is qualified to interpret up to an individual or agency with no professional credibility in this area. Ideally, a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) will be available as well, to facilitate communication. The best person to understand and communicate with a Deaf child in this situation is often another Deaf person whose first language is ASL and who understands the nuances of children’s signing. An even more ideal solution is to hire Deaf investigators and social workers who can work directly with the Deaf child, reducing the need for interpreters and the complications involved.

Compounding Trauma: As mental health professionals, we cannot condone the Tennessee bill. It needs to be rewritten, with more precise language specifying requirements for certified interpreters and CDIs in cases involving Deaf children and suspected domestic abuse or child abuse. More attention needs to be paid to behind-the-scenes moves of companies such as sComm, which sells the UbiDuo2, a device for typed communication. sComm may be promoting self-interest in advocating for passage of this bill. If the bill passes, Deaf children stand to experience additional trauma as a result of inadequate interpreting access, on top of any trauma they may have already experienced. The system must protect Deaf children, not set them up for additional emotional and mental abuse.

Related articles:

Doing More Harm than Good by Trudy Suggs

Open Letter to Jason Curry, sComm CEO by Trudy Suggs

Bill allows volunteer interpreters for deaf in abuse allegations by The Tennessean

Tennessee General Assembly SB0594 and HB0672

The post Abused Deaf Children Need Certified Interpreters appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Missouri Association of the Deaf Win Suit Against State

From KBIA

May 11, 2012
By ASSOCIATED PRESS

A federal judge has approved settlement of a lawsuit filed on behalf of more than 1,000 deaf Missourians over mental health services for the deaf.

U.S. District Judge Matt Whitworth approved the settlement Thursday in Jefferson City in a suit filed by the Missouri Association of the Deaf and 13 named plaintiffs. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say about 20 percent of deaf persons in need of mental health services are children.

The suit accused the state of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide adequate mental health care for the deaf. Among many provisions, the settlement requires greater availability of sign language interpreters and development of outpatient and inpatient centers staffed with clinicians and case managers trained in aiding the deaf.

http://kbia.org/post/missouri-association-deaf-win-suit-against-state

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2012/05/11/settlement-okd-over-deaf-mental-health-services/

TAGS: missouri associaton of the deaf Jefferson City judge matt whitworth lawsuit

The post Missouri Association of the Deaf Win Suit Against State appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.

Mia Orr, Consultant
Senate Health Committee
State Capitol, Room 2191
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Honorable Senate Health Committee Members:

Alternative Solutions Center, a Deaf-owned and operated private psychotherapy practice, OPPOSES Assembly Bill 2072 (AB 2072).

AB 2072 hurts Deaf children and adults by ignoring all the research and testimonials that show just how critical American Sign Language is for healthy intellectual, emotional, and social development and well-being. As psychotherapists who work on a daily basis with Deaf people who were deprived of American Sign Language as children, we can tell you that this is one of the most painful and inhumane experiences anyone could have. The failure to give Deaf children the opportunity to converse and learn in their natural, visual language is a form of communication abuse.

Vote NO on AB 2072.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Candace A. McCullough, PhD
Sharon M. Duchesneau, LCPC

Alternative Solutions Center
www.ascdeaf.com

The post Letter in Opposition to California AB 2072 appeared first on Deaf Counseling Center.