Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf


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  • Therapeutic Approaches for Working with Deaf Individuals Impacted by Language Deprivation

Therapeutic Approaches for Working with Deaf Individuals Impacted by Language Deprivation

  • September 14, 2019
  • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 935 Edgehill Ave, | Nashville, TN 37203

Language Deprivation Workshop(2).pdf

Melissa L. Anderson, PhD, MSCI
September 14, 2019 | 9:00 am-3:30pm CST (includes a one hour lunch break)

Cost: $55 for 0.55 CEUs, $30 to register without CEUs
Register: due by September 7, 2019 mailto:amy@bridgesfordeafandhh.org

A person with language deprivation will typically struggle with concepts of time, story sequencing/developing a coherent narrative, a sense of self, cause-and-effect/the concept of why?, experiences of powerlessness/confusion, rigid modes of behavior, ability to learn from mistakes (use of generalizations), lacks awareness of others’ need for context, lacks theory of mind (understanding others’ perspectives), lack of understanding of limits to others’ ability to figure out the message, abstract concepts, difficulty learning, emotional regulation, acting out of emotions/feelings, struggles in relationships, can lead to victimization or victimizing, competency to stand trial, reduced fund of information, etc.
This session is targeted at service providers who specialize in some aspect of Deaf mental health (therapists, rehabilitation counselors and specialists, direct care staff, substance abuse providers, teachers and education staff, and interpreters, etc.). The presenter will discuss various aspects of working with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing impacted by language deprivation. This course will include a discussion of barriers that Deaf/hard of hearing individuals face, unique characteristics of the population, best practice approaches, and cultural and linguistic differences that are part of the developmental process for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
About the Presenter
Melissa L. Anderson is a psychologist and clinical researcher in the Implementation Science & Practice Advances Research Center (iSPARC), Department of Psychiatry, UMass Medical School. She completed her graduate work at Gallaudet University, where she studied intimate partner violence and trauma in the Deaf community. At UMass, Melissa offers outpatient therapy to Deaf clients recovering from trauma, addiction, and comorbid disorders; provides psychological evaluation and treatment on a Deaf inpatient psychiatric service; and conducts community-engaged research on best approaches for working with Deaf clients. Supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, she and a team of Deaf and hearing clinicians, filmmakers, actors, artists, and community members are currently developing and testing a digital American Sign Language therapy manual for treating trauma and addiction.


Should you require any accommodations, please contact Amy Lankheit at amy@bridgesfordeafandhh.org prior to September 7, 2019
This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias.
CEUs on the Go! is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This PS program is offered for 0.55 CEUs at the Some Content Knowledge Level


TRID Mission Statement

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. promotes excellence in the delivery of interpreting services among diverse users of signed and spoken languages through professional development, networking, advocacy, and standards.



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