Social Work Practice with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
Social Work Practice with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
- Martha A. Sheridan, Martha A. SheridanDuring her 43-year career, Martha A. Sheridan, Ph.D., MSW, a developmental scholar, researcher, clinician, administrator, and advocate, pioneered programs for deaf people in academic, mental health, social service, and community settings. A retired, tenured, full professor from Gallaudet University, she continues to write, present, consult, advocate, and serve on boards.
- Judith L. MountyJudith L. MountyJudith L. Mounty, Ed.D., MSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with deaf and hard of hearing adults and their family members. Over the course of her interdisciplinary career, she worked in human service, research, K-12, and higher education settings. She retired in 2019 from Gallaudet University.
- , and Barbara J. WhiteBarbara J. WhiteBarbara J. White, DSW, is Professor Emerita of Gallaudet University. Her career interests encompassed mental health, adoption in Deaf families, macro and international social work, disaster relief, and advocacy for accessible social and mental health services to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Summary
Effective social work practice with deaf and hard of hearing people requires a unique multifaceted application of knowledge, values, skills, and ethical considerations. Salient topics include language, communication, educational experiences, culture, and access to information and community resources. Required competencies include knowledge of diversity within the population, the implications of various psychosocial and developmental environments, deaf communities, cultural values and norms, and sign language fluency. In this article, related theory, research, practice competencies, and intervention approaches are discussed. An integrative strengths-based transactional paradigm is recommended.
Keywords
Subjects
- Aging and Older Adults
- Children and Adolescents
- Disabilities
- Policy and Advocacy
- Populations and Practice Settings
Updated in this version
Article sections added and terminology updated to reflect advancements in scholarship.
