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Forensic Evaluation of Deaf Individuals: Challenges and Strategies.

Robert Q PollardBrian T Berlinski
Published in: Journal of social work in disability & rehabilitation (2017)
Forensic evaluation of deaf individuals presents unique challenges due to many examinees' fund of information deficits, potential for language deprivation, and examiners' frequent lack of creativity regarding communication methods. This article describes challenges most frequently encountered in competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations and offers strategies for overcoming them. The value of employing multiple communication methods, especially the use of illustrations, is emphasized. Suggestions also are offered regarding preparing evaluation reports and effectively communicating "key deaf fundamentals" to legal personnel. Encouragement is offered for qualified, sign-fluent professionals to engage in forensic work.
Keyphrases
  • traumatic brain injury
  • clinical trial
  • study protocol
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • emergency department
  • phase iii
  • phase ii
  • adverse drug
  • electronic health record