Deaf Mental Health Workshops
img description: Full sheet light green flyer with informationin several white rectangular boxes. Upper left has a photo of Dr. Wilson, a white male in blue scrubs, text in the box directly right to the photo states: Dr. Jaime Wilson is a prescribing medical psychologist & board-certified neuropsychologist, practicing full-time both within and beyond Washington State.
Dr. Wilson’s book “Preserving the Etchings of the Mind” explores the intricate relationship between dementia and hearing loss.
Book available here: https://bit.ly/3XAJwAI
The box in the center, left side, shows the schedule for Friday, May 16th. There are two events, one at 9am-12pm called “Strategies for Preserving and Enhancing Quality of Life for Deaf Individuals with Dementia”
In the bottom of that box an evening session is at 5pm-8:30pm is a workshop for the Deaf Community “Differentiating The Three D’s: Depression, Dementia, & Delirium.”
The box in the center, right side, shows a Saturday session which lasts from 9am until 5pm titled “The Force of Equity: Culturally and Linguistically Competent Evaluation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals.”
All of these events are free.
Another box on the center right shows “For more information and to register, check http://www.deafmaine.org/deafmh or to contact us at deafmh@deafmaine.org — Register by April 30th.
A box on the bottom has the RID/ACET, Maine Association of the Deaf, Savory Words, and Wilson Clincial Services logos in a row.
Friday Morning Workshop
Title: “Strategies for Preserving and Enhancing Quality of Life for Deaf Individuals with Dementia”
Location: Augusta DHHS
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, Maine 04330
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2GpBJtzASu43mpJc8
Date and Time: May 16th, 2025 9am – 12pm
Cost: Free
Workshop Overview:
In this workshop, Dr. Wilson gives an in-depth exploration into the intersection of deafness and dementia. Starting with a journey into the science behind dementia, participants will then examine the unique risks and barriers faced by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. This presentation will illuminate crucial risk factors, groundbreaking research, and innovative interventions tailored to improve cognitive health and daily functioning within this underserved population. Through compelling storytelling, real-world case examples, and interactive discussions, attendees will not only expand their understanding of dementia but also walk away equipped with practical strategies to support Deaf individuals in their communities.
Objectives:
- Identify at least three key risk factors that contribute to the increased prevalence of dementia among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.
- Describe the neurobiological changes associated with dementia, including the formation of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neurotransmitter disruptions.
- Explain the impact of language deprivation and social isolation on cognitive decline in Deaf individuals and discuss strategies to mitigate these effects.
- Compare and contrast the symptoms and progression of the four most common types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
- Apply at least three evidence-based interventions to enhance communication, engagement, and quality of life for Deaf individuals living with dementia.
- Discuss the seven stages of dementia and identify creative interventions tailored to specific stages to support cognitive function and emotional well-being.
- Evaluate the role of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches in dementia care and recognize their implications for Deaf patients.
Target Audience: This presentation is essential for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates who are passionate about ensuring that quality of life is preserved, communication needs are met, and culturally competent care is prioritized.
Continuing Education: This professional studies program is offered for .3 CEUs for professionals with some knowledge of the content.
**At the conclusion of this workshop Dr. Wilson will do a meet & greet and book signing
Friday Evening Workshop
**This is a Deaf Only event**
Title: “Differentiating The Three D’s: Depression, Dementia, & Delirium”
Location: Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
University of Maine Augusta Campus
46 University Drive
Augusta Maine 04330
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PmV7tbS4sNiksfhg7
Date and Time: May 16th, 2025, 5 pm – 8:30 pm
Audience: This is a Deaf-Space event centering Deaf community members and Deaf professionals.
**At the conclusion of this workshop Dr. Wilson will do a meet & greet and book signing
SATURDAY WORKSHOP
Title: “The Force of Equity: Culturally and Linguistically Competent Evaluations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals”
Location: Jewett Hall
University of Maine, Augusta Campus
46 University Drive
Augusta Maine 04330
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAYMQhEukKQpUzrF9
Date and Time: May 17th, 9:00am – 5pm (one hour lunch break)
Cost: Free
Overview: The session will explore the systemic barriers that contribute to misdiagnosis and inappropriate service provision, emphasizing the critical distinctions between language deprivation, learning disabilities, and other neurocognitive conditions.
Participants will examine the ethical responsibilities of professionals working with DHHDB individuals, particularly in assessment settings where linguistic access and cultural competence are essential for accurate evaluations. The session will also address the role of interpreters in high-stakes evaluations and the importance of adhering to professional boundaries while advocating for best practices in assessment and service delivery. Through real-world case examples, engaging discussions, and interactive exercises, attendees will leave with a stronger foundation in recognizing assessment pitfalls, advocating for linguistically appropriate evaluation procedures, and ensuring that DHHDB individuals receive equitable and accurate diagnoses.
Objectives
- Recognize common biases and systemic barriers in psychological and educational evaluations for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) individuals.
- Differentiate between language deprivation, learning disabilities, and neurocognitive disorders to prevent misdiagnosis.
- Describe the impact of language deprivation on cognitive development and academic performance.
- Explain the importance of cultural competence in assessment settings and how it affects the accuracy of diagnoses.
- Assess the role of ASL interpreters in high-stakes evaluations and identify ethical considerations in their involvement.
- Outline professional boundaries for interpreters and Deaf professionals in mental health and educational settings.
- Develop strategies to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment procedures for DHHDB individuals.
- Formulate recommendations for improving access to equitable diagnostic services within various professional settings.
Target Audience: ASL interpreters and Deaf professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of culturally and linguistically competent evaluations for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) individuals.
Continuing Education: This professional studies program is offered for .7 CEUs for professionals with some knowledge of the content.
Continuing Education for Professionals, Providers, and ASL Interpreters will be provided for Friday morning and Saturday workshops.
Workshop Presenter
Jaime A.B. Wilson, Ph.D., ABN, ABPP
Postdoctoral M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Dr. Jaime Wilson is a prescribing medical psychologist and board-certified neuropsychologist, practicing full-time both within and beyond Washington State. He holds privileges at several hospitals and collaborates extensively with physicians, healthcare providers, and forensic experts, providing neuropsychological evaluations nationwide. Neuropsychology is a field dedicated to understanding and diagnosing conditions related to the brain and nervous system.
As a Past President of the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss (AMPHL), Dr. Wilson also contributes his expertise to the Diversity Council for the Society of Prescribing Psychology and serves as Chair of the Diversity Committee for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology.
Dr. Wilson has also written a book, Preserving the Etchings of the Mind, which explores the intricate relationship between dementia and hearing loss. In it, he provides insights on protecting against dementia while enhancing the quality of life during the golden years. This work offers a unique perspective on dementia through the lens of hearing loss. You can find the book at https://bit.ly/3XAJwAI
Born with a profound hearing loss, Dr. Wilson grew up using bilateral hearing aids and primarily communicated using spoken language, although he is also fluent in American Sign Language. He resides in Olympia, WA, with his wife, a registered nurse who is also deaf, their three children, and a King Charles Spaniel named Pepper Jack. To learn more about Dr. Wilson, click here: www.WilsonClinical.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dr_wilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_Wilson_Neuro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilsonClinical
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabwilson/
Registration
Accommodations: ASL Interpreters and CART providers will be available for workshops. If there are any other accommodations you may need to access these workshops please contact: deafmh@deafmaine.org by April 30th, 2025.
Cancellation/Refunds: To cancel attendance/seek refund please contact deafmh@maine.org.
Workshop Conduct Policy:
Workshop instructors and sponsors will not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Participants of MeAD workshops agree to contribute to the inclusive and welcoming environment.