Issues and Implications of Deaf Culture in Therapy.

Abstract

In the United States, it is estimated that between 200,000 and 500,000 individuals are culturally Deaf. Deaf culture provides unique challenges that can impact standard therapeutic techniques. Issues regarding the abilityof hearing therapists to effectively work with Deaf clients are addressed, and a number of guidelines are offered to assist hearing therapists in bridging language barriers and cultural gaps with Deaf clients. Additionally, concerns about the selection and inclusion of sign language interpreters are discussed.