Telepsychiatry

A collaboration of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) in conjunction with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, the State Budget and Control Board and the Public Service Commission. These agencies developed a two-way video conferencing capability which enables deaf students to communicate with their parents, caregivers, teachers and friends in their preferred language, American Sign Language. They partnered with BellSouth and PictureTel to initiate this pilot project that may have far-reaching impact on children with special needs and their families and enhance their quality of life.