Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center
Addressing the gap between children who have experienced trauma and the mental health services they deserve.
What We Do
The DHHCRC supports the mental health of DHH children and families by increasing resources and reducing barriers to quality care.
Addressing trauma among underserved deaf and hard of hearing children.
Making a way for new innovations, treatment, and training.
Closing the gap between mental health services and accessibility.
Unique Needs
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children experience unique communication and social barriers which can increase their overall risk for trauma exposure.
The Child Resilience Center is here to combat the limited trauma-informed and language-accessible mental health treatments available for deaf and hard of hearing children. We are making tools and resources accessible in ASL, adapting evidence-based treatments, training clinicians, and learning more about language deprivation.
Quality Care for All
Develop different approaches to best improve services and provide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.
Measures
Creating accessible tools and questionnaires for more accurate screening.
Treatments
Increase specialized intervention adapted for deaf and hard of hearing children and youth.
Training
Provide culturally- and linguistically-sensitive training for mental health professionals.
Resources
Distribute new resources and educational materials.
Language
Develop a better understanding of language deprivation to improve identification and prevention.
Programs and Services
Our Sponsors and Partners
Dollar amount of federal funds awarded:
$577,996
September 30, 2024 – September 29, 2025
Percentage total cost of the program financed with federal funding:
100%
Percentage and dollar amount of the total costs funded by non-governmental sources:
0%
Meet the Team
Lori Day
Center Director / Professor
Patrick Boudreault
Translation Track Director
Va'Lecia Penney
Graduate Apprentice
Dru Balsley
Graduate Research Assistant / DHHCRC
Sharon Baker
Evaluator
Wyatte Hall
Language Deprivation Track Director
Danielle Previ
Intervention Track Director - TF-CBT
Kasey Pendexter
Intervention Track Director - SMART
Judith Cohen
TF-CBT Co-Developer
Elizabeth Warner
SMART Co-Developer
Chelsea Lee
On-Call Worker/DHHCRC
Janell Hemby
Research Support Specialist
Ann Chapman
Graduate Apprentice
Moss MacLean
Graduate Research Assistant
Jack Dean
Graduate Assistant
David Spiecker
Research Services Consultant
Kristine Gile
Intervention Track Co-Director – TF-CBT
News
Gallaudet Center makes trauma-informed care more available and accessible
Feb 22, 2026
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreNew books on Deaf mental health spotlight Gallaudet expertise
Feb 11, 2026
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreSymposium addresses ways to improve deaf access to mental health care
Apr 16, 2025
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreCongressman visits Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center
Mar 04, 2025
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreGallaudet researchers recognized for work on sign language interpretation in Japanese healthcare settings
Nov 15, 2024
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreGallaudet experts share information, win awards at ADARA conference
Jun 24, 2024
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreLearn how to identify and prevent human trafficking
Jan 22, 2024
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreGallaudet creates ASL video resources in response to Lewiston shooting
Nov 27, 2023
Discover resources and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at Gallaudet University's Resilience Center, fostering growth, resilience, and community.
Read MoreFAQs
Campus Students
Yes, we welcome Gallaudet undergraduate or graduate interns who are enthusiastic about contributing to mental health research and interventions for the DHH community. To apply for an internship please contact the center directly for specific application details and requirements. Please note that spaces are limited and fill quickly, so we recommend contacting us at least one semester in advance of when you anticipate completing your internship.
Yes, we offer opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to complete internships and/or to work as assistants, contributing to our various projects at different levels. As an assistant, you will have the chance to collaborate with experienced researchers and professionals in the field. Please reach directly for more information on application procedures and eligibility criteria.
General
Yes, we welcome visitors interested in learning more about our research and projects. To plan your visit, please contact the center in advance to schedule a meeting. If you have specific agenda items, it would be helpful to know, so we may involve other team members to join the discussion. We look forward to learning about your work, too.
Yes, whether you prefer an in-person or virtual meeting, we are open to discussions and collaborations. To schedule a meeting, please contact us.
As a part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), we welcome partnerships that align with our center’s mission. To explore collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us for more information and possibilities.
No, the DHHCRC focuses on research, training, and development of resources related to mental health within the DHH community. While the DHHCRC does not provide clinical services, our work may contribute to advancements in mental health services. If you seek clinical services, you can visit the Gallaudet University Psychology Clinic and make an appointment.
Contact Us
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center
- HMB | e150
- click to show email
- (202) 370-1315
Footer Content
At a Glance
Our Community
Visit Gallaudet
Engage Today
Copyright © 2026 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002