Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Laura Boisen
Second Advisor
Lois Bosch
Third Advisor
Kathy Lytle
Abstract
Mental health services are essential and need to be equally accessible and non-discriminatory to all individuals within our society. Traditionally, the Deaf community has encountered many hindrances when attempting to access mental health seruices. This study examines the systemic barriers that prevent Deaf individuals from obtaining mental health services in the Twin Cities Metro and regional area. Questionnaires were sent out to 100 individuals that serve Deaf adults with mental illness within the Twin Cities Metro Area. The results from the 48 seruice providers' questionnaires responses show specific qualitative barriers; Community Service Agencies, Cultural Competency, Deaf lndividuals with Additional Needs, Stigma, Discrimination and Stereotypes. The researcher follows with a discussion of the findings' implications on the impact of program development, state legislation, community seruice councils, and policies that would provide viable linkages to the accessibility for Deaf individuals.
Identifier
SC 11.MSW.2003.RutherUh.J
Recommended Citation
Ruther-Uhrich, Jen, "Systemic Barriers That Prevent Mental Health Services From Being Accessed by the Deaf Population" (2003). Theses and Graduate Projects. 1191.
https://idun.augsburg.edu/etd/1191