Social Work / Other

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SWK 795/PST876 Global Health and Mental Health in Deaf communities (3 credits)

This course is designed as an online course which introduces the student in the allied health and mental health professions to the global health issues and needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community. The student is introduced to the salient issues in health and mental health care to a population that has been historically overlooked by health care providers due to attitude and communication barriers. The intent of the course is to develop knowledge, values and skills which will give students a basic understanding of the health and mental health issues of deaf people, the health disparities to this population, and the need to become advocates for quality care. In four modules, students learn a) the frameworks for understanding deaf people from medical and cutural perspectives, b) the major health care access issues by deaf communities interfacing with health care providers, c) models of health access for deaf people, and d) salient health issues such as mental health care, HIV/AIDS, cochlear implants, genetic testing and counseling, and disaster response to deaf people in emergencies. BA/BS required or permission of department. This course is offered for both Graduate (SWK 795) and Professional Studies (PST 876) credit.