By Denise Johnson, AODA Coordinator
A good way to learn about mental health is to start learning about mental illness so that you are informed and prepared to help your family members, friends, co-workers and your significant other.
Today I will share links to an article and two captioned and signed videos that will offer more information about mental illness and mental health services for those who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing.
I’ll start by sharing this link with you that was provided by our wonderful partner, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI posted an article on “Mental Illness in the Deaf Community” written by Kim Puchir, NAMI Communications Coordinator. In addition to the article, there is a 60-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) video produced by the University of Rochester’s Deaf Wellness Center that is signed in American Sign Language (ASL) and is also closed-captioned.
Below is another link to some very good educational information. deafdepartment, which posted this video, described it as follows: ”This signed and captioned video puts emphasis on accessibility and availability of the important, but often unrecognized, necessity for mental health services in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.”
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Mental Health Awareness
About Denise Johnson: I am the coordinator for a project to improve Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) outcomes for persons who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing in the state of Wisconsin and I am able to offer AODA/Mental Health prevention educational services to Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing children and adults for FREE. I can provide a one-time presentation or provide a weekly or monthly educational series for youth from kindergarten to grade 12.
Please also check our AODA website www.deafaodawi.org to learn more about AODA and Mental Health information.
