Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Task Force Update

In mid-2013, NASW - Michigan was called on by NASW members and the Deaf community to address gaps in mental health services being experienced by the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind (DHHDB) individuals. DHHDB people in Michigan are currently not being provided equal access to care and when they are provided access it is not adequate. These issues lead many individuals to become isolated and experience increased trauma. Furthermore, language interpreters often lack an understanding of mental health and many providers are unfamiliar with Deaf culture. As a result, there are many misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospitalizations, and errors in prescribing appropriate medications.

NASW – Michigan has organized a task force comprised of members of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind communities, as well as advocates and service providers for the DHHDB. One of our first accomplishments was collaborating on a policy brief. "Gaps in Mental Health Care for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Michigan" outlines the gaps in mental and physical health care for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and makes recommendations for change. Soon after this document was authored, members of the task force were able to present the recommendations to the Michigan Mental Health and Wellness Commission (MHWC), created by Governor Snyder. We are proud to announce that many of the task force's policy recommendations have been included in the MHWC list of recommendations.

NASW-Michigan's Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind Task Force continues to work closely with the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to ensure that the recommendations are implemented. We are in the process of developing and procuring funding for a statewide training program that would train interpreters in mental health fundamentals and train providers of mental health services in competency of Deaf culture.

If you are interested in learning more about this project, would like to get involved or help fund interpreters for the Task Force or conferences, please contact the office at 517.487.1548 or emailpolicy@nasw-michigan.org

More Info

Read the Gap paper