ASC is featured in the August 2011 issue of SIGNews. Check out the interview by Sara Collins here and learn more about the only Deaf-owned and operated counseling practice in the country:

Alternative Solutions Center’s Crusade in Addressing the Gaps in Mental Health Care for the Deaf

Suing for Equity in Services: Early last month in Florida, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., together with the National Association of the Deaf, filed a lawsuit seeking accessible medical services for Deaf citizens in the state. The lawsuit charges Humana Insurance and the Florida Department of Financial Services with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Humana providers allegedly refused to provide ASL interpreters for Deaf patients. Humana also refused to accept VRS calls from Deaf members.

A National Issue: Although this lawsuit was filed in Florida, the issue is a national one and the results will carry implications across the country. Very few insurance companies reimburse providers for the cost of interpreters during appointments and very few providers willingly pay for interpreters. Deaf consumers are left with few options for accessible medical and mental health services. It is also typical for insurance companies to give Deaf members a list of in-network providers who claim to be fluent in ASL, but who, in reality, have often taken only one or two ASL classes and have minimal or no knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture. When Deaf consumers voice complaints, both the insurance company and the providers point fingers at each other, refusing to take responsibility.

Best Solution: So, what is the ideal solution for meeting Deaf consumers’ needs? We offer the following guidelines to insurance companies:

1. When it’s an option, make it possible for the Deaf person to see a Deaf provider fluent in ASL. This should be a priority and the preferred standard of care over matching the Deaf consumer with a hearing therapist who signs or a hearing therapist and an interpreter. If this means authorizing out-of-network services, do it. Research shows that psychotherapy sessions and certain types of medical consultations can be conducted successfully using videophones and webcams. Studies also show that Deaf people prefer working with Deaf therapists and that utilizing interpreters in psychotherapy sessions not the best option.

2. Hire a consultant to evaluate in-network providers’ ASL skills. Require hearing providers to hold national sign language interpreting certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or meet an advanced level of ASL proficiency. If providers fail to meet this standard, remove them from the list of providers who are qualified to work with Deaf consumers.

3. Require in-network providers to provide ASL interpreters, period. If they refuse, take them off the provider list.

Really, it is as simple as that.

Click here to read the full article about the lawsuit: Humana, State of Florida Sued for ADA Violations

Deaf People Seeking Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Whether you are a Deaf person who has been sober for many years or one who is struggling to take steps toward sobriety, you are probably more than aware that Deaf-friendly and accessible AA meetings are difficult to find. Many Deaf people rely on individual therapy sessions for regular support in dealing with addictions issues, but sometimes there is no substitute for the experience of gathering in an AA group. The power of connection and understanding can be important aspects of recovery.

We came across an app called “12 Step Meetings”, which enables users to locate nearby 12-step meetings. It lists the address, distance, and contact information, making it a handy tool for anyone seeking a 12-step meeting.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone made an app specifically for Deaf AA meetings? It could identify Deaf-run meetings and ASL-interpreted meetings. The app could even contain contact information in case advance notice about an interpreter request is needed. A great project for a Deaf app designer!