Mncddeaf.org
Title
The Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
Description
The Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (MCDPDHHI) is a specialized program designed to meet the communication and cultural needs of deaf and hard of hearing persons in chemical dependency treatment. The Program is the recipient of a critical populations grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (previously the Office for Treatment Improvement). The Program was awarded the initial grant funds in September, 1990, and was awarded two additional years of continuation funds in September, 1993. The grant funds enable Program staff to provide outreach and training, to modify and develop materials as well as to provide treatment to deaf and hard of hearing persons.
The MCDPDHHI is comprised of a highly trained staff who provide a full range of treatment services. The treatment team includes a medical director, a program director, certified chemical dependency counselors, interpreters, nurses, unit assistants, a prevention specialist, a resource center coordinator, and an intake coordinator. Staff are fluent in sign language as well as knowledgeable about and sensitive to Deaf Culture. Program offerings include individual and group therapy, school programming, lectures, occupational therapy, spirituality group, recreational therapy, grief group, men’s/women’s groups, participation in Twelve Step groups, comprehensive assessment services and aftercare planning. As a part of a major metropolitan medical center, the Program also offers a full range of physical and mental health services.
The Program operates on a Twelve Step philosophy and offers patients the opportunity to attend Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or other Twelve Step meetings within the hospital as well as in the community. Some meetings are interpreted for deaf people; others consist of all deaf members. Treatment approaches are modified to respect the linguistic and cultural needs of the patients. For example, patients are encouraged to use drawing, role play and communication in sign langauge as opposed to written work to complete Step assignments. Written materials used in the Program are modified and video materials are presented with sign, voice and captions. TTY’s (which allow deaf people to communicate on the phone), assistive listening devices and decoders for the television are among the special equipment provided for patients. A Clinical Approaches Manual has been developed by the Program. This manual describes treatment approaches, philosophy, task rationale, step assignments and educational topics used with deaf and hard of hearing clients in treatment. This manual is intended to assist other service providers who want to replicate the Minnesota Program.
