Deaf people live and interact as a distinct people group. Approximately 6 million strong in North America, they have their own customs, norms, habits, thought patterns, language, and common experiences that identify them as a unique culture group.
Introduction to the Deaf Community
Deaf people tend to believe that deafness is not a disability or handicap, but rather a quality that unites them into a cohesive, vibrant community. As such: Deaf people prefer to be called “Deaf” rather than “Hearing Impaired”.
Deaf individuals live in a world largely designed for those who can hear and speak. Their many responses to these situations often require on-the-spot ingenuity, which in turn instills pride within the community.Many Deaf people are proud to be Deaf—and would want it no other way.Myths About Deafness
1
Myth: If a person is deaf, then they cannot hear or speak at all.
Fact: Deaf people still have voices. There are varying degrees of speaking abilities, but many can speak quite well.
2
Myth: Lip-reading is as easy as listening.
Fact: At best around 30% of English speech is visible on the lips. Some words look exactly the same—for instance, the words "paddle" and "battle" or "maybe" and "baby". (Note: Not all Deaf people can lip-read.)
3
Myth: Deaf people have below average intelligence.
Fact: Deaf people have the same intelligence range as those who are hearing. The lack of hearing does not affect one's IQ. In fact, many Deaf people hold college degrees.
4
Myth: Hearing aids make speech sound clear and understandable.
Fact: Hearing aids do not correct one's hearing to near normal as do glasses.
5
Myth: Deaf employees are safety risks.
Fact: Numerous studies, such as the one done by DuPont, have shown deaf employees to have equal to better safety records.
6
Myth: American Sign Language (ASL) is universal.
Fact: Sign language varies among countries and within countries, just as with spoken languages. ASL is used in the U.S. and Canada.
7
Myth: Deaf people are not suitable for most jobs.
Fact: Deaf people are very capable and suitable for a wide range of jobs. Deaf people can hold competitive positions in a wide range of professional and technical fields.
8
Myth: Deaf parents usually have deaf children.
Fact: 90% of deaf children have hearing parents.
9
Myth: The early use of ASL interferes with the deaf child's acquisition of good English language skills.
Fact: If that were true, then why do deaf children of deaf parents tend to have better English language skills?
10
Myth: Deaf people are well-suited for noisy work environments.
Fact: A deaf person's residual hearing can be damaged just the same way as anyone else.
11
Myth: Deaf people cannot use the telephone.
Fact: Deaf persons use a device called a TTY. Video phones are also used. If the deaf person needs to call a hearing person, they use a relay service, where an operator serves as a type of interpreter.
12
Myth: Deaf people lead totally different lives from other people.
Fact: Deaf people are set apart by only one thing. As I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University, has said, "Deaf people can do anything except hear."Language Notes:
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Most Deaf People's preferred language is American Sign Language (ASL).
•
ASL is not a form of English — it has its own distinct grammatical structure.
•
Most Deaf people regard ASL as their natural language, which reflects their cultural values and keeps their traditions and heritage alive.
•
Not being able to hear the spoken language makes learning to speak and write English fluently difficult. It remains, at best, a second language for them, while Sign Language is their heart language.
•
ASL is more like French Sign Language than like British Sign Language.
Setting the Record Straight:
Deaf people can drive cars
Deaf people do not use Braille
(unless perhaps they are also visually impaired)
Most deaf people have some hearing
Many deaf people also have some college education
Deaf people can hold competitive positions in a wide range of professional and technical fields
Deaf people are human beings (like you) with unique personalities and skills.
How do Deaf people…
Wake up in the morning?
There are special alarm clocks attached to either a flashing light or a bed vibrator that will activate when the alarm goes off.
Understand T.V.?
Many television shows/movies are captioned. There is a decoder inside the television, which can be turned on via remote control. Once turned on, words appear on the screen like subtitles.
Talk on the phone?
Deaf individuals often use Video Phones (VP) to make calls. A Video
Phone has a screen and camera, allowing the Deaf caller to communicate
using sign language.
When calling someone who does not use sign language, the Deaf person
connects through a Video Relay Service (VRS). This service uses a
trained sign language interpreter who appears on the screen. The Deaf
caller signs to the interpreter, who then speaks to the hearing person
on a regular phone. When the hearing person responds, the interpreter signs their words back to the Deaf caller. This process happens in real time, allowing both parties to have a natural conversation
despite the language difference.
Things to Remember...
•
Take an interest in their lives. Find out who they really are and what struggles and triumphs they are experiencing. Get to know them as great friends.
•
Don't be shy, communicate! Deaf people don't bite! They aren't lepers either, though sometimes they feel as if they are. Trying to communicate with a Deaf individual can be terrifying, just keep in mind that this is how Deaf people feel on a day-to-day basis. Relax and just take it slow. If you don't know ASL, try writing. Also, occassional gestures are appropriate.
•
Make sure that the church has materials to meet a Deaf person's needs. There are some materials to help build faith and help them become strong believers, such as the Easy Reading Edition of the Sabbath School lesson and sermons or studies in ASL on DVDs.
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Get them involved! Don't let your Deaf member(s) be mere spectators! Find out what their spiritual gifts are and put them to work! By developing true friendships and actively involving Deaf people in ministry, they'll feel less like spectators.
•
Socialize! Invite them to your home for a meal. Make sure they're invited to church socials and make certain they are participating rather than sitting on the sidelines like a wall flower finding comfort in the refreshments.
•
Don't isolate Deaf people. If a Deaf person asks what was just said, don't fall for the tempation to say, "It's not important." Or "I'll tell you later."
•
Assume nothing! Never assume that the interpreter is taking care of all the needs of Deaf members or visitors. Also, find out how to meet their needs on Sabbath and how they would like to be involved in the church. Each person is different, just as you and your friends are different.
•
Do not make decisions for Deaf members. Do not try to protect or control them.
•
Be a student! Ask Deaf people about their culture and listen to them. What better way to learn than just being with Deaf people! Drink in their world and learn from them.
•
Never forget that you, as a hearing person, are a stranger or a foreigner in the Deaf culture. It is an all too common complaint that hearing workers engaged in Deaf ministry don't have a real heart for Deaf. They think "hearing" and act superior. Always guard against this.
The below information might be helpful to you:
Religion and the Church for Deaf
Most Deaf people don’t go to church—not because they don’t want God, but because church was never built with them in mind. Interpretation is only the first step. What if true Deaf ministry meant rethinking church itself?
Read
Why Deaf Ministries is Needed?
Over 2 million Deaf people live in North America — yet fewer than 4% know Jesus. Most churches remain inaccessible, leaving the Deaf feeling isolated in the very place meant to offer connection. Here’s why Deaf ministry can’t wait any longer.
Read
How to Call Deaf People
Ever wonder how to call a Deaf person? Relay and video services make it possible — but there’s a right way to do it. Learn how to connect respectfully, naturally, and confidently in just a few simple steps.
Read
Families with Deafness
Behind every Deaf person is a family with unseen struggles and untold stories. Discover how your church can become their place of hope and belonging.
Read
Can You Hear Us?
“Can You Hear Us?” is a must-read for anyone interested in Deaf ministry. Written by Esther M. Doss, this guide offers valuable insights, myth-busters, and heartwarming stories, showing that friendship—not sign language—is the key to connecting with Deaf individuals.
Read
Deaf Experiences
Ever wondered what daily life is like for Deaf individuals? On this page, real stories from Deaf voices offer honest, humorous, and eye-opening glimpses into their experiences—from everyday frustrations to moments of joy. Come see the world through their eyes—and check back often for new stories.
Read
Deaf Poems
Discover powerful poetry written by Deaf voices—where hands speak, eyes listen, and stories come alive. Open the page and experience language in a way you’ve never seen before.
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