B - 30 A Consultation Model Approach to Working with the Deaf Community: a Neuropsychological Case Report.

Objective: Neuropsychological evaluation with Deaf individuals is of increasing interest in light of the recent SCOTUS decision in Perez v Sturgis. We describe an evaluation approach with a Deaf patient and his wife (who is deaf blind) using consecutive sign language interpretation and a remote consultant. Method: A 76-year-old Deaf man with 8 years of education presented to a rural Northeastern medical center with memory concerns. An expert in neuropsychological evaluation with Deaf individuals provided remote consultation on relevant background, linguistic, and cultural questions for patient and interpreters, test battery choices that are robust to interpretation, modification of instructions as needed, functional equipment (clear masks, face shields), and optimal testing room setup with both a medical interpreter and a Certified Deaf Interpreter. Results: Difficulties were noted with visual learning and memory in the context of estimated average perceptual intellectual ability and intact attention, executive functions, and spatial skills. Expressive language (ASL) and memory for ASL signs were intact. Processing speed was variable. Conclusions: We present an example of neuropsychological evaluation using expert consultation and both hearing and Deaf interpreters for an individual from the Deaf community. The consultation process, decision making with respect to the test battery, testing room setup and coordination with interpreters, and issues related to interpreting findings in the context of a Deaf patient's educational and medical history are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]