Working with Persons Involved in the Legal System Who Are Deaf.

Between 2006 and 2016, the team at Whiting Forensic Hospital saw seven defendants who were deaf or hard of hearing for restoration to competence to stand trial. As a result of this experience, the team developed expertise in understanding Deaf Culture, the effects of hearing loss on psychological development and evaluation and treatment techniques for this population. Based on the team's experiences, we discuss best practices to ensure that deaf defendants have the same access as hearing persons to fair treatment by the legal system and to the education and treatment required for restoration.