Identifying Substance Abuse Needs in the Deaf Community
Information
Date & Time
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Educational Goal
Participants will gain increased knowledge on cultural considerations and tools for working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing clients with substance use disorders.
Description
Deaf or Hard of Hearing clients (DHH) have a unique culture that often goes unrecognized by individuals and organizations alike. DHH clients also face significantly increased barriers to accessing services. This workshop will include information about various aspects of substance use dependency, Deaf Culture and how it impacts individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The workshop will introduce attendees to research-based screening tools for substance use disorders and mental health issues for DHH clients, provide information on the use of ASL interpreters, and implications of the COVID pandemic on DHH individuals. Material being developed for a new e-cigarette curriculum will be highlighted as well as online 12 step meetings and other resources that are available for DHH individuals.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Deb Guthmann, Ed.D., NIC, is a nationally recognized lecturer, administrator, researcher, educator, and advocate with over forty years of extensive experience in service to the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) population. Dr. Guthmann is the founding Director of the Minnesota Substance Use Disorder Program for DHH Individuals which is one of the first inpatient treatment programs of its kind in the U.S. She was also the lead consultant for a NIDILRR funded grant which focused on the validation of mental health,substance abuse and career related screening tools in American Sign Language. Dr. Guthmann worked for 17 years as the Director of Student Services at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, California where she was responsible for admissions, clinical services, IEP implementation and due process. She has made over 200 national and international presentations, written numerous articles and several book chapters focusing on ethical issues, substance abuse and treatment models to use with DHH individuals.
Dr. Guthmann has been involved in teaching online classes and the development of materials for DHH individuals including an Anti Tobacco/E-Cigarette Curriculum. She is also the lead editor on a book recently published by Gallaudet Press titled “Deaf People in the Criminal Justice System: Selected Topics
on Advocacy, Incarceration and Social Justice.