Mt. Sinai Press Release

Published August 26, 2004 Southwest News-Herald – City Edition

The Health System and Access Community Health Network’s Deaf Access program at Mount Sinai Hospital, 15th Street and California Avenue, were the recipients of the World Ability Federation’s award for best community program in the annual New Ability Awards Gala.

Accepted by Gary Kauffman, MD, medical director, and Teri Hedding, manager, the award acknowledged the comprehensive program that provides both medical and mental health services for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults.

Deaf Access is strengthened by a program manager who is deaf, plus three physicians fluent in American Sign Language, three staff interpreters and three signing mental health therapists.

The program serves as national mold and is assisting two other states in developing similar programs.