Deaf Health Talks: A grassroots community driven health educational program

Deaf people who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary means of communication comprise a linguistic minority with limited access to health information and education programs. Health information written in English is not accessible to many ASL users for whom English is a second language that is poorly understood.

Deaf ASL users at the Rochester Recreational Club for the Deaf requested health information delivered in ASL. In response, the Deaf Health Community Committee (DHCC) in Rochester NY held monthly health educational talks. Goals of the program were to provide accessible health information and stimulate interest among deaf individuals in becoming health educators. A family physician fluent in ASL led a team of deaf community members in designing “Deaf Health Talks.” Topics for the following month's talks were chosen by the audience at the prior talk. Talks included “Swine Flu and Common Infections,” “Sleeping Disorders,” and “Diabetes.”

The number of participants at these talks ranged from 25-41 individuals. The talks were designed to be interactive to allow participants to ask questions and share successful strategies on how to put new knowledge into routine actions. The comparison of pre- post-test survey knowledge scores improved by 6.8%-78% depending on the topic presented. In addition, two DHCC members are interested in pursuing a career in health education or medicine. Social justice requires us to address the health education and information needs in underserved communities. Interactive talks in ASL provide the best way to convey accessible health information to the deaf community.