Georgia Deaf Case

News story about deaf Georgians' lawsuit for equal access to mental health care.

Click "MORE INFO" above for a text transcript of the report.

Reporter: Families are suing the state for discrimination against deaf Georgians. They filed a class action suit in federal court. The families claim the state discriminates against the deaf in its funding of public mental health services.

Renita Belton is learning how to be independent. She is doing it with staff who speak her language. But now the group home her mother started is at risk of losing its provider with a battle with the state over funding.

GALE: I cant believe that here it is 2010 and were still having to fight this issue that the state knows has existed for six or more years.

Reporter: Right now Georgia doesnt set aside funding for mental health needs for the deaf. That means that the 1400deaf individuals who need these services have to get them in places that are not equipped. Places that dont have special phones, doorbells, and most importantly people who can communicate with them.

Attorney: These are real people who need these services who simply cannot get them and are isolated and thats not just.

Reporter: Attorneys for Belton say they have a solid case. One that has been fought before and won, in states like Florida and Alabama.

Attorney: To us it is a very simple issue. Should deaf Georgians have access to the same mental health care the rest of us do. Federal law says yes.

Reporter: Renita is just hoping she can keep her life style the way it is.

Interpreter for Renita: When I talk with hearing people its really difficult because we have to write back and forth. I prefer signing with a deaf staff.

Reporter: And living with other deaf people. People who are like her, striving to be independent.

Attorneys say they dont know how long it will take before the case is resolved.

http://www.georgiaunemploymentappeals.com

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• deaf
• lawsuit
• mental health
• georgia
• james radford

[sbeee21]

Wow... Not all deaf people have mental problem... jesus christ.

[BLANKNOTING]

Can't Hear...

Deaf Of The World...

Help You...

Church or Cooper Helper...

(Call Personal Interpeter)

Thank You..

Too Much..

[Lydiaabbey]

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