Accessibility of mental health services and crisis intervention to the deaf

The percentage of deaf and hard of hearing people who need mental health services and crisis intervention is similar to that of the general population. Hence, a survey was conducted to evaluate the accessibility of these services to the deaf population in Rhode Island. Staff members at agencies were asked about the number of deaf clients they serve, and asked to judge the accessibility of their basic services (e.g., TDD, interpreters). The results indicated that although more than 70% of respondents indicated they had served deaf people during the past year, only 25% provided certified interpreters and only 39% were accessible to the deaf community via TDD. Other services as well as the needs of the deaf community are also discussed.