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A few weeks ago I posted a message regarding a newly diagnosed celiac who
contacted me.  In addition to CD this woman was also deaf.  I was looking
for any ways other celiac groups may have handled similar situations.

In addition to this list I also contacted the Texas School for the
deaf.  They had referrals for interpreter services.  They explained that
most interpreters are paid for their work but some will work pro bono.  I
have not yet begum to contact these groups.

Below is a list of the suggestions made by the list.  So many of them are
simple yet accomplish the task perfectly.  I want to thank everyone who
responded and I also want to thank those of you who are deaf and
volunteered to be contacted by this woman.

Suggestions:

- Have a note taker sit with the deaf person and take notes and work with
the person.
-  If they read lips sit the deaf person in a position where the lip
reading is made easier and ask people to look at him or her when they ask
questions.  Be careful with this as a lot of people do not like to draw
attention to themselves
- Refer the person to internet resources
- Contact Gallaudet University, a liberal arts college for the deaf in
Washington,D.C. (202) 651-5000.  You might ask the telephone operator to
put you in touch with the department that deals with health and nutrition.
- Try a local university or community college and get a student of ASL to
sign for the meeting
- Tape and transcribe the meetings

And, one person told be about a group that meets in a restaurant.  Because
the restaurant is selling about 150 meals they pay for the
interpreter.  Unfortunately we have about 20 people at our meetings and we
meet at a church that is already being extremely generous to us by letting
us use their facility.

Thank you again for all of your suggestions.

Francie Kelley
Austin, TX

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