Why a Program Just for the Deaf

Why a program just for the Deaf?

Many times, a Deaf person needing treatment for chemical dependency issues has been admitted to a typical treatment program designed to serve hearing people, and communication takes place through a sign language interpreter. Unfortunately, in such a situation, many times interpreters can be provided only on a limited basis, such as a just few hours a day for group sessions or lectures. Without the constant service of an interpreter – a service costly and difficult to provide every moment – the Deaf client can feel restricted in his access to staff, as well as isolated from interactions with other clients, such as during meal times or recreation. Such connections are a key part of the treatment process. Add to that the fact that the typical treatment program will have little or no knowledge of Deaf culture and its impact, and that client can be left feeling even further alienated.

Our program provides for such clients with services specifically designed and staffed to meet the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. We are distinctive in that everyone on our program staff is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), knowledgeable and respectful of Deaf culture and has expertise working with Deaf and hard of hearing chemically dependent individuals. We provide a full range of professional services in chemical dependency treatment including individual therapy, group therapy and self-contained therapeutic services. The program individualizes all services and when appropriate provides oral or sign language interpreters to clients to enhance communication.

We at the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals are proud to be a component of Fairview Chemical Dependency Services, located in Minneapolis at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. For more than 30 years Fairview has been nationally recognized as a pioneer in chemical dependency treatment. Our program serves ASL fluent adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Here are just some of the ways in which we meet the specific needs of our clients:

• Our team is made up of members who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. All are fluent in American Sign Language and meet Fairview’s exceptional standards.
  
• A small staff to patient ratio allows us to meet the individual needs of patients.
  
• Sign language interpreters are on staff to facilitate seamless communication.
  
• A thorough assessment of communication skills is conducted for each patient. The information obtained is used by staff to provide individualized communication tailored to each patient's level of understanding.
  
• Education on many topics related to alcohol and other drugs is a crucial component of the program. Clients participate in workshops covering an array of topics such as coping with grief, success in the workforce, and improving interpersonal relationships.
  
• Psychological testing is available, when appropriate, with consideration for the unique needs of individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
  
• A family program specifically designed for families with Deaf and hard of hearing members is provided as a component of our program. Group therapy and lectures offer the participants both information and support. Families are invited to attend our Family Week, an educational and therapeutic program bringing patients together with their loved ones, participating in the process side by side. 
  
• Treatment materials are adapted to a broad spectrum of client communication preferences. Adaptations include modified written English, signed and captioned videos and drawing.
  
• As part of the therapeutic process, patients attend several twelve-step meetings in the community every week. Support is continually given to clients coping with the feelings of frustration or isolation that are sometimes felt as a Deaf person among the larger, hearing recovery community.
  
• To help ease the transition back to the realities of daily life, aftercare plans are individualized to meet each patient's needs. Plans include communication, counseling approaches, written or videotaped materials, and an educational component, all individualized on a case by case basis, developed according to the patient's targeted needs. Ongoing sobriety management counseling is available to assist our clients in meeting their goals.

For more information, contact:
Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
2450 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(800) 282-3323 (voice or TTY)
(866) 928-5713 (video phone)
(612) 273-4516 (fax)
Email us at Deafhoh1@fairview.org

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