Here Jude Whelan speaks with Kris Chapman, Co-ordinator Community Work Team, about what is happening in Victoria for people who are deaf and have a psychiatric disability. Sign language is a full and complete language equal to any other language. The statistics in relation to deaf people who have a psychiatric disability are very difficult to obtain. The Victorian Deaf Society come into contact with many people who have had contact with a psychiatric organisation, but who do not have a psychiatric disability, and vice versa. Studies have shown that obtaining statistical information is hindered by many issues but three major areas where problems can arise have been identified.
Psychiatric illness is missed completely.
Psychiatric illness is diagnosed where none exists. We are all aware that treatment in psychiatric services largely pivots around the art of communication. This is the important tool in diagnosis and consequent treatment. The list could go on and on. Deaf people use a three dimensional language which is different to English.