This project was funded by Queensland Health during 2003 -2004. The project sought to address four key problems for deaf and hearing impaired consumers accessing Queensland Mental health services.

These four problems are:

1. access - communication barriers and lack of research in Australia into mental health needs of deaf people in Australia.
2. information / training for service providers - need for a resource base of information to distribute to service providers.
3. information for deaf and hearing impaired people - having access to the same amount and type of information. Use of clear language. Mental health education for deaf and hearing impaired communities.
4. training for AUSLAN interpreters - the need for sign language interpreters to have specific mental health training.

These pages are a result of an audit of current available information on mental health and mental illnesses. It is designed to raise awareness amongst mental health professionals, organisations and the deaf and hearing impaired population about mental health and mental illnesses. The site is an attempt to guide best practice in mental health service provision. The site does not seek to replace medical advise that people might need from a doctor, psychiatrist or other health care professional. Above all, this site aims to provide resources and information on mental health and mental illnesses. These pages are intended to be an educational tool for mental health workers and providers who liaise with deaf and hearing impaired people.

Over the next few days, the other parts of the project will be uploaded.

Note: The previous name of Deaf Services Queensland, was Queensland Deaf Society, as noted within this particular project.

_{DISCLAIMER: "Whilst the Queensland Deaf Society Inc., receives funding from Queensland Health, the content and design of the information provided in this website are the responsbility of Queensland Deaf Society Inc. Queensland Health has had no role in the approval or the monitoring of the content and, as such, the opinions and advice offered in this website are not necessarily those of Queensland Health."}