Sexual Health Video Library for Use by Deaf Communities

A Prevention Research Center Tool

OVERVIEW

The University of Rochester, Prevention Research Centerexternal icon launched an American Sign Language (ASL) video library to raise awareness about sexual health information with deaf communities. As part of the PRC’s Deaf² [deaf-squared] project, the free library features more than 30 educational videos in ASL, covering topics including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and testing, and safe sex practices. All videos include English captions for full access. Much of the sexual health information in this library is not available anywhere else in sign language.

The library offers four categories of topics:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Safe sex practices.
• Myths about HIV.

The Deaf² team also operates a videophone “Warm-Line” with trained, sign-fluent counselors on call during business hours. Deaf community members can call a videophone, similar to a Skype call, to ask questions and get answers directly in sign language.

The project is Deaf² team-led and community-driven with a deaf community advisory board, deaf script-writers, translators, actors, film crew, and post-production crew. All content is adapted from CDC source material.

The video library was funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute and created by the University of Rochester PRC staff.

TOOL LOCATION

Access the tool at the National Center for Deaf Health Researchexternal icon.