Annual Goals of Services to
Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Currently, a staff of some 32 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.

The development of a payment vehicle to reimburse housing providers for the additional costs incurred by providing High Management Group Home care for Deaf youngsters, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Efficient, two-way communication being the primary barrier to the appropriate delivery of services to Deaf consumers, a more effective means of inter-staff communication needs to exist among the Deaf Services team (Deafnet). For several years we have used 2-way pagers, but service areas for these devices is limited, and patient care along with staff safety has been compromised as a result. We need a state-of-the art communication network which will not discriminate against Deaf staff, while providing immediate two-way access to support for staff members in remote locations of the state.

The development of an upgraded video conferencing system which will allow Deaf staff members and consumers to communicate face-to-face with other professionals, including supervisors.

To assure Corporate Compliance, Deaf Services has unique data-sharing needs. Since services are provided through EVERY mental health center and hospital in the state (and each has its own unique set of forms and service requirements), there needs to be a central data base of Deaf Services consumers which can be accessed remotely by staff members across catchment area boundaries. As an example of the problem, our two psychiatrists need to be able to access patient records in each mental health center and hospital where they see patients.

The enhancement of the existing Training Program for Psychiatry Residents and Rehabilitation Counselors in collaboration with the USC School of Medicine, through creative grant funding for the professional positions required.

The creation of a full-time Director of Deaf Children’s Services position, to provide full-time support and supervision of the counselors and case managers currently working throughout the State.

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.