Papers by Steve Hamerdinger
published, 2020
In this paper, the medical, social and historical forces resulting in much smaller numbers of dea... more In this paper, the medical, social and historical forces resulting in much smaller numbers of deaf children having quality access to natural sign languages are presented. These forces mean that people who work in the clinical specialty of Deaf mental health are seeing more clients with atypical or dysfluent sign language. An historical overview of the development of this clinical specialty is outlined, followed by a discussion of how the problem of language deprivation is a "game changer" for the work of mental health clinicians, interpreters, communication assessors, and administrators of Deaf mental health services. Special attention is given to the proposed new condition called language deprivation syndrome (LDS). Knowledge about LDS is presented along with current research questions. Some innovative clinical, interpreting, communication assessment, and administrative practices relevant to work with deaf people with language deprivation are presented.
1. Can there be meaningful work in a counseling session when the client must either use a deaf in... more 1. Can there be meaningful work in a counseling session when the client must either use a deaf interpreter or a foreign language translator? The answer hinges on developing a common understanding of what is meant by “meaningful work. It is our view that the answer is a qualified, “yes, but…” Before addressing the main issue, it is important to clarify some terms. “Deaf interpreter ” is misleading. There are such people as “deaf interpreters”, but they are not whom we suspect the inquirer is asking about. Deaf interpreters are people who are themselves deaf and by virtue of their native fluency in American Sign Language and understanding of dysfluent language use are able to function as intermediate interpreters, relaying message between a deaf consumer with minimal or dysfluent language skills and a secondary interpreter working between English and American Sign Language. An interpreter is a person who works between the spoken (or in this case signed) forms of two languages providin...
Ibis article provides comprehensive information on how to develop a successful statewide mental h... more Ibis article provides comprehensive information on how to develop a successful statewide mental health model serving consumers who are Deaf. The article also covers three different statewide models currently in operation in Minnesota, South CaroUna, and Alabama, including information about how each program was implemented. The successes, similarities, and differences of each model are analyzed and the information on how to establish and advocate for a statewide mental health model in your home state is discussed.
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Papers by Steve Hamerdinger