Don't ignore the deaf and hard of hearing in Church

Ignoring your hearing loss won’t make the problem go away. 

 Having the church ignore the problem won’t make it go away either. 

 Remember that bumper sticker that says ‘I’m not deaf, I'm ignoring you'? 

 Ignoring the deaf won’t make the problem go away.

 They still don’t have access to church life unless there is Captioning, Sign Language and Audio Loops, whichever is their social -cultural and linguistic preference that works for that person and makes it effective in order for them to fully participate at Mass.  

Captioning, though benefits a wide spectrum of those with hearing loss and including other ‘disabilities’ that need comprehension and effective communication support by providing captioning of the spoken word.

Don’t look the other way and ignore the deaf and hard of hearing in church.

Why not advertise a simple but very evangelizing message to them in your bulletins and newsletters saying:

Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Can’t hear the Mass?  Audio Induction Loops, CART/captioning, and sign language is available upon request.  Contact ABC person at XYZ number or ask  your pastor for further information.

That way it lets people know what is available, and that they can actually

ask for it in order to participate in church.  Otherwise, how will they

know they can ask for it and what to ask for?  

Encourage your diocese and churches to reach out with this

very simple message letting them know the church is accessible to them.