Annual Goals of Services to
Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Currently, a staff of some 21 professionals and para-professionals is engaged full-time in the delivery of these services to people of all ages, and throughout the entire State. Service delivery priorities include the following:

The recruiting and retention of qualified staff to fill vacant positions statewide. Recruiting for Deaf Services has always involved national (and international) efforts to identify linguistically and culturally competent mental health professionals.

Given the lack of resources in the state, we are seeking way to fund resources and services which would provide the Deaf community with access to counseling services beyond the services provided to those with a serious mental illness or a severe emotional disturbance. 

Expansion of communication options for our crisis “warm-line”. At present, we have e-mail and TTY access. However, many of our consumers are now using videophones as their sole or primary means of communication. We will be exploring ways to increase access to crisis services as the appropriate technology becomes available.

The availability of videophone communication for each member of the Deaf services staff, whether at their main office or when at satellite mental health centers, offices and clinics.

As the electronic medical record is expanded to all of the mental health centers across the state, working with Information Technology and Quality Management staff to be sure that the system is effective for staff with clients at multiple centers and across multiple catchment areas.

Working with the USC School of Medicine to develop training resources for individuals wanting to learn more about serving this population.

The development of training and informational materials for people who are Deaf through the creative use of video tape, DVD and Internet resources.

The dissemination of SCDMH Deaf Services documents through publications, and Internet modalities.

November 17, 2009