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RSSSubstance Abuse and AIDS Prevention Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Substance Abuse and AIDS Prevention Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (also known as SAAPPD) offers unique prevention programming that addresses the specific needs of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Due to communication barriers, people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing are at great risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
MOPD's SAAPPD Program uses American Sign Language and visual images to provide information to youth in their school classrooms and adults in educational workshops and trainings. SAAPPD staff develop lesson plans and activities suitable to the developmental and educational level of the students.
Early intervention with positive role models and appropriate recreational activities has proven to be instrumental in providing alternatives to substance abuse for youth.
Through this programming, MOPD offers fun and exciting events for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students such as:
- An annual Halloween Party for students in 3rd through 5th grades
- Citywide Deaf Finger Spelling Bee for students in 5th through 8th grades
- Snowball and Snowflake events for elementary and high school students
- World AIDS Day Remembrance for high school students
Department Main Office
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
