While some may prefer separate Deaf churches, true integration requires hearing churches to become intentionally cross cultural. This typically means interpretation between ASL used by the Deaf community and spoken English.Ĭongregations can approach the inclusion of Deaf persons in the same way as they would provide for any person who communicates in a different language. Cross cultural communicationįor individuals with little or no hearing, sign language interpretation may facilitate participation in a hearing community. Many who are hard of hearing or deaf rely on speech reading (also called “lip reading”), which requires proper lighting of the face of speakers. As churches serve increasing numbers of aging members, installing loop systems offers a way of valuing the participation of hard of hearing members.Ĭhurches do well to note the essential role of lighting in supporting the participation of people with hearing loss. Hearing aids that provide this technology are becoming more common. A loop system reduces background noise and greatly clarifies the sound heard by the listener. Hearing aid users activate the "telecoil" (T-coil) receptor within their hearing aid simply by pushing a button.
#ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES FOR CHURCH HOW TO#
Ushers should be educated on the location of ALDs and know how to assist persons wishing to use them.Īn alternate technological innovation for hearing assistance is the “induction loop,” which delivers a magnetic signal directly to a tiny, inexpensive receiver in a person’s hearing aid. If a roving microphone is not available, a leader who repeats each comment over the pulpit microphone is an adequate alternative.Ĭongregations may also provide Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) for use in worship. A roving microphone used by all speakers who offer sharing, prayer requests, announcements, etc., will help all to hear. Regular use of a public address system for group gatherings is a good place to begin when congregations want to be welcoming to people who live with a mild to moderate hearing loss.Īll participants benefit when leaders make sure all parts of a worship service or meeting are amplified. Some persons who identify with Deaf Culture may have some hearing. Deaf (with a capital “D”) persons use a distinct language-American Sign Language (ASL)-and identify themselves with a cultural group-North American Deaf Culture.These folks rely on the English language (either spoken or signed), speech reading (sometimes called "lip reading"), print, and/or other visual materials as their primary means of communication. Persons who are deaf (with a small “d”) have very little or no hearing.A hearing aid or Assistive Listening Device may improve hearing and facilitate participation. Hard of hearing persons have a hearing loss, but can still hear.People who do not hear well, or at all, use various terms to distinguish between the degrees of hearing loss. Accommodations that include people who have mild or moderate hearing loss differ significantly from those that benefit people who hear very little. Communities of faith risk losing the gifts of people with limited hearing unless the community pays special attention to accommodating their various needs. Participation in communities of all kinds, including communities of faith, depends on our being able to communicate.
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