NYU Silver School of Social Work
Zelda Foster Studies
In June 2017, with generous funding from the Ernst & Paula Deutsch Foundation, the Zelda Foster Studies Program launched a unique and innovative three-day course in the skills, methodologies, interventions, and sensitivities needed to provide culturally congruent care to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind (D/HH/DB) clients, their families and health care providers.
Open only to PELC social workers who have had previous involvement with the Zelda Foster Studies Program, the overarching aim of the course is to develop a cadre of PELC social workers who can work effectively with the D/HH/DB community and can increase awareness of their needs in their host institutions and on their interdisciplinary teams.
According to US Census Bureau data, in the New York area alone there are an estimated 12,400 elderly deaf people (64 years of age and older). Yet until now there have been no educational programs for PELC social workers about the distinct needs of this population. In keeping with the Zelda Foster Studies Program
