This report provides an overview of chemical dependency, communication barriers, and assessment/treatment considerations for individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments and have drug or alcohol problems. Following a discussion of the pattern of substance abuse, risk factors, and signs and symptoms, the report describes a model treatment program: the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals. The following recommendations for treatment are made: (1) accessible Twelve Step groups are needed; (2) education/prevention services should be provided to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing of all ages; (3) there is a need for accessible outpatient, inpatient, and after care services; (4) training opportunities about specialized treatment considerations should be offered to professionals working in the field of chemical dependency; (5) more interpreter training programs are needed that offer specialized training in the area of chemical dependency; (6) more chemical dependency counselors are needed who are fluent in American Sign Language; (7) additional research is needed in the prevalence of chemical dependency within the Deaf community; and (8) vocational rehabilitation counselors are needed to work closely with chemical dependency treatment programs. (Contains 13 references.) (CR)