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Summer Webinar
Series Week 6:
The Deaf
Community
Welcome & Introduction
 Brittany Hoff
Travel Trainer, MTM, Inc.
Washington, DC
 Holly Rioux, MSW
Coordinator of Deaf & Hard of
Hearing Services, Greater Nashua
Mental Health Center
New 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 1
When working with an individual who is
Deaf or Hard of Hearing, what is the
proper terminology to remain respectful?
Question 2
What are perceived barriers to an
individual who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing
within the community setting? On public
transportation?
Question 3
What 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 4
What 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 5
Do 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?