People who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing are often not well served by health care systems. This is true both locally and across the country. Many people do not receive clear, accessible health information. Health care providers are often not aware of laws that require communication access and accommodations.
In 2004, the Behavioral Health Task Force of Allegheny County for Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing was formed to address these gaps. The Task Force includes advocates, consumers, educators, health care providers, payers, community members, audiologists, interpreters, and representatives from county and state government.
With funding from the Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health and Community Care Behavioral Health, the Task Force organized ten focus groups. These groups included people who are culturally Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, as well as providers who serve these communities. All groups reported the same concerns: limited access to health information and difficulty finding mental health and social services. Participants said this lack of access was frustrating and could put people at risk.
Based on this feedback, participants recommended creating one clear, accessible website to share information about local mental health and social services. This website was created in response to that recommendation.
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