Obesity educational video for the Deaf: A collaborative medical school and community project

Background: Local research and Deaf community input identified obesity and lack of obesity educational materials available in ASL as concerns. To address this, Rochester medical students collaborated with the local community to create an obesity educational video in ASL and a website for future ASL videos.

Program Design: Background research on obesity education and available resources was completed, followed by Informative Interviews of community member and experts for direction in program development. Script feedback ensured cultural appropriateness and medical accuracy. Local Deaf community volunteers and medical students collaborated on website development, filming and post-production work. Initial evaluations by members of both communities were obtained in a screening with community members.

Program Evaluation: The screening provided positive feedback and suggestions for points of improvement. Both the Deaf community and medical school representation expressed interest in providing support for continuing the project.

Discussion: This project provides an educational resource to the Deaf community, a unique experience for medical students and an opportunity for continued collaboration between communities.