This new video, produced in British Sign Language (BSL), is aimed primarily at deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL, to provide information for those who have a mental health illness/problem. Within the mental health field, there are very few professionals who use BSL. Therefore, deaf people do not consistently get full information in their first or preferred language. This video is a breakthrough in allowing deaf people access to vital information, such as: what would happen if they were detained, and their rights under the Mental Health Act 1983; medication; and how long their stay in hospital would be. The video will also help widen the understanding of hearing professionals who may have little or no knowledge of deaf issues, and in this respect, it describes how to book interpreters, shows strong deaf role models to promote wider deaf awareness and explains communication tactics, along with other vital information.
This video is an extremely positive step forward; however, there is still a long way to go. There are many areas of information that deaf people have difficulty in accessing. It is hoped that the video will encourage professionals to think about how to get involved in making positive changes in the healthcare of deaf people.
To purchase the video in VHS or DVD format please contact Forest Bookshops (www.forestbooks.com; tel/minicom: 01594 833 858). For further information please contact the British Society for Mental Health and Deafness (BSMHD): www.bsmhd.org.uk.
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