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Parish Guidance for providing Worship for Deaf People.

Contents 

• 1. Purpose of Guidelines.
• 2. Definitions.
• 3. An introduction to the needs of Deaf people.
• 4. Acknowledgements.
• 5. Communicating with Interpreters'.
• 6. Diocesan Policy and Funding.

Appendix 1 - Including people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Appendix 2 - Considerations for Baptism.  Priest or worship leaders

Appendix 3 - Considerations for Funerals. Priest or worship leaders.

Appendix 4 - Considerations for Marriage. Priest or worship leaders.

Appendix 5 - Useful contacts.

Prepared by Mike Boast a member of the Diocesan Vulnerable Adults and disability Management Group.

Issue 2 June 2011

Purpose of Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to give clergy and worship leaders an indication of ways to proceed when engaging with someone who is Deaf. There are indicators for the hard of hearing. The guidelines deal more with attitudinal aspect of the disability rather than problems of access. (See Appendix 1)

Definitions

Members of the Deaf community use capital 'D' to indicate someone who is profoundly deaf and has no usable hearing at all, rather than having some hearing loss. Their first language is usually British Sign Language (BSL) and / or lip reading. There are 250,000 people in the UK using BSL as their first or second language. Approximately 5,000 are professing Christians.

1. People who are hard of hearing and wear a hearing aid are referred as deaf with a small "d". There are about 8.5 million deaf people in the UK, but only 2.5 million use a hearing aid.
2. An interpreter is professionally qualified and registered BSL signer.
3. A communicator is a BSL signer who has skills and a high level of competence, usually NVQ 3 or above but is not professionally registered.
4. The Signature scheme is a body, which determines BSL skills and courses needed to achieve NVQ or interpreter status.

Guidelines

Theses guidelines are probably best explained through the six diocesan hallmarks of a healthy parish.

1. Worship 

 Deaf people need to worship in their first language and in a church that acknowledges that each person has a Deaf identity and is nourished by the Deaf culture. To that end the Eucharistic and services of The Word are best conducted at a Deaf Church. This could be done at an ordinary parish church using a qualified interpreter to NVQ 3 standard and having a good knowledge of Church-linked signs.  They would also need to work closely with clergy on liturgical and theological issues that would occur during the service.

When it comes to occasional services in a parish church environment guidance on these services are listed in the appendices 2 - 4.

2. Rid the World of Poverty.

 Many Deaf people see themselves as a minority group and have over the years developed a Deaf identity that makes them more at ease with their deafness. A Deaf culture has developed, rooted in their own history and language. This is poverty of spirit and empathy by hearing people.

3. Share the Gospel.

Currently a small group of Deaf people meet with Reverend. Paul Harrison who has vast experience of  working with the Deaf. The group meets monthly and follows bible study and shares gospel insights among themselves and within the Deaf community. The thought of both communities being able to share the gospel is something to aim for and is an exciting prospect to consider.

4. Build inclusive communities

This is the challenge; worship and sharing the gospel are at present limited. Other parish activities would have the scope to develop this but would be greatly assisted by having an interpreter or communicator to NVQ 2 level under the Signature scheme. There is no reason why a Deaf person may not be as gifted in supporting parish life as a hearing person.

5. Helping people to Faith.

This is probably the biggest concern in the Christian community as a whole in this country. In the context of these guidelines there is a need for voluntary interpreters and communicators, not only for worship but pastoral care. Paradoxically, they may well come from the secular world in order to help the process.

6. Care for the Earth.

Deaf people and hard of hearing are as much part of God's creation as all other people, land, sea, sky and the natural world. There is no good reason why the Deaf cannot engage in this but there is a need to remove barriers.

Acknowledgements

These guidelines have been put together with the help of: -

•(a)    Through the Roof Organisation for appendix 1.

•(b)    The Signs of God website for appendices 2-4.

 Communications with interpreters' 

To contact an interpreter to assist at an occasional service please use appendices 2-4 as required. The Sign of God web site has an interpreters' version of thes appendices, which will make organising the service easier. If using a professional interpreter costs are  involved. Please inform doicese of your need and intension.

Funding

Arrangements for a signer should be made via the PCC for people who are deaf and are the principal participants at the Occasional event e.g. baptism, weddings or funeral. The costs should normally be met by the PCC, but some financial assistance can be applied for from the diocese contact   and complete the application form.

Appendix 1

Including people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

 Listed below are some points which will help you communicate more easily with Deaf and hard of hearing people.

• § Always make sure that the person is aware you want to communicate before speaking; a touch on the arm is an acceptable way to gain their attention
• § The wall or area behind you should be plain with no windows, so that those who rely on lip-reading have a clear view of your face with no shadows or reflections
• § Look directly at the Deaf or a hard of hearing person, speak at a normal pace and be aware that the deaf or a hard of hearing person needs to look at your face as you talk
• § Keep your hands away from your face. Eating, drinking or chewing gum hinders effective lip reading
• § Shouting won't help, as sound will be distorted and your lip patterns hard to read
• § Do not worry if you are not immediately understood. Try rephrasing, rather than repeating, your sentence and cut out any long or unusual words
• § Be prepared to write things down if necessary
• § Always address the Deaf or a hard of hearing person directly, not their hearing friend.
• § Good, clear signposting means that Deaf and a hard of hearing people don't have to ask for directions
• § Services should be interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL) for people who are sign language users.
• § Provide an induction loop for those using hearing aids. Test the loop regularly! Ensure that more than one person knows how to operate the loop. The loop puts the sound straight into the ear via the hearing aid. Background noise can make it very difficult for people who use a hearing aid. It distorts and blurs sound.
• § Deaf and hard of hearing people who lip-read need reserved seating near the speaker. Lip reading can be tiring.
• § Make sure people don't walk between the interpreter and deaf people
• § If communication is difficult - don't give up. It is so discouraging when people do!
• § Use the international symbol on all your literature and outside your church to indicate that you provide facilities for hard-of-hearing people

Appendix 2

Signs of God information sheet

Conducting a baptism service at which a BSL/English Interpreter is present.

Information for the interpreter:

The Interpreter will need as much information as possible to enable him/her to prepare for the service. Ideally this information should be sent to the interpreter before the baptism.

A FULL TEXT of the service including hymns and readings - please don't assume the interpreter will have a copy of your church's prayer or hymn book, or a Bible Text or notes of the Minister's sermon.

A note of all the names of those to be baptized, a copy of any testimonies that will be given.

The Sign Language Interpreter will be a professional who will seek to work with you in every way. He/she may not be a practicing Christian. You may wish to invite him/her to join you for prayer before the service, but you should not make the assumption that he/she will accept.

Practical considerations:

A Service of infant baptism may involve a procession to the font for the actual Baptism You need to agree with the Interpreter where he/she should stand where the parents and godparents can see him/her and not in the way of the Minister taking the baby.

If a Baptism pool is used, the interpreter needs to stand where they can be seen. This needs special thought if the person being baptised is Deaf. Sometimes it may be better to use two interpreters; one for the Deaf person and one for the congregation. The Minister may invite the parents/godparents to stand or to come to the front for the vows they have to make. If space allows, they should stand to one side and at an angle so they can still see the interpreter and the congregation can see their responses if they are signed. In a liturgical service, signed responses may take slightly longer than spoken responses. Be aware of this before moving on in the service.

Liturgical considerations:

The concept of "repeat after me" for the vows may not be a familiar one for many Deaf people. For an Anglican service of infant baptism, the parents and godparents may make their vows in spoken English or BSL with appropriate interpreter support. Whilst the English response for example to "Do you turn to Christ?" is "I turn to Christ" an acceptable BSL response would be an emphatic "yes!" or "Amen!" This would be voiced appropriately by the interpreter. The use of visual symbols is helpful for Deaf people so consider candles anointing with oil and/or signing with the sign of the cross. If you are unsure of the suitability of any liturgical material,

NB You may find it useful to receive the Signs of God briefing paper written for ministers from the interpreter.

Appendix 3

Signs of God Information sheet

Conducting a funeral service at which a BSL/English Interpreter is present.

Information for the interpreter:

The Interpreter will need to prepare for the service beforehand. Ideally the following should be sent to the interpreter before the funeral. It is unlikely that the interpreter will have a copy of your church's prayer or hymn book, or a Bible so please send a full text of:

Order of service, Hymns, Readings, Poems or songs, Tributes by friends/ family and text or notes of: Minister's sermon

Extra prayers - If it is your custom to pray extempore, please keep sentences short and allow occasional short pauses in the prayer.

If you are unsure of the suitability of any material you would like to use in the service, contact the interpreter or Signs of God for advice.

The Sign Language Interpreter will be a professional who will seek to work with you in every way. He/she may not be a practising Christian. You may wish to invite him/her to join you for prayer before the service, but he/she may not accept.

Practical considerations:

Please discuss with the interpreter where he/she should stand, ideally near you. Deaf people need to see you and the interpreter clearly. It is not usually acceptable to interpret across the coffin to the Deaf people, or for the interpreter to stand with his/her back to the coffin. If a large number of Deaf people attend a funeral, the interpreter will either need a platform to stand on to be seen or you could ask people to remain seated throughout so that Deaf people further back can see. If you usually move to the coffin during the service, please discuss with the interpreter what he/she should do at that time.

In a crematorium: Deaf people cannot look in two directions at once, so please pause at the committal to allow Deaf people to watch the action (curtain closing, coffin lowering etc)

If any of the tributes are to be given in Sign Language, the interpreter will need a microphone in order to provide the spoken English interpretation.

Liturgical considerations:

If you are planning the service, please consider using visual symbols such as flowers or candles.

Funeral liturgy traditionally uses a lot of metaphor. Consider simplifying the service and using fewer metaphors.

The use of an interpreter may mean that the service will take slightly longer

than usual. You may wish to make your order of service slightly shorter than normal. (In the case of a service at a crematorium consideration should be given to booking a double timeslot.)

Delivery - an unhurried (but not slow) pace is best and most helpful for the interpreter. Please be especially aware of your speed when reading material since people usually read more quickly than they speak in a formal setting.

Please try not to stand with your back to the congregation when you are

speaking. Although Deaf people will be using the interpreter, some may still like to lip-read you.

Appendix 4

Signs of God Information sheet

Conducting a marriage service at which a BSL/English Interpreter is present.

Information for the interpreter:

The Interpreter will need as much information as possible to enable him/her to prepare for the service. This information should be sent to the interpreter before the wedding.

A FULL TEXT of the service including hymns and readings - please don't assume the interpreter will have a copy of your church's prayer or hymn book, or a Bible Text or notes of the Minister's sermon.

A note of the names of those to be married.

The Sign Language Interpreter will be a professional who will seek to work with you in every way. He/she may not be a practising Christian. You may wish to invite him/her to join you for prayer before the service, but you should not make the assumption that he/she will accept.

Practical considerations:

If the couple to be married is Deaf, it may be better to use two interpreters so one can concentrate on the couple and the other on the congregation, otherwise sight lines can be very complicated. In the case of a Deaf couple, the interpreter should stand beside the officiating minister.

In a Church of England or Church in Wales Marriage the interpreter should sign the Register as a witness to the marriage. (Anglican Marriage in England and Wales - a Guide to the Law for Clergy para14.4(ii))

The marriage service rubrics state that for the vows and at the exchange of rings, the bride and groom should hold hands. This is not possible when those being married are using Sign Language.

Language issues:

The concept of "repeat after me" for the marriage vows may need some explaining. This should be done at the rehearsal, or other ways explored. The couple may make their vows in spoken English or BSL with appropriate interpreter support.

Some Deaf people may prefer to use English for the vows and responses. This is a matter of personal preference and should be respected. They may still require a Sign Language Interpreter.

Another practical consideration:

*During the vows, if the Church lay out makes it possible, the interpreter should move to the side of the minister that makes it possible for Bride and Groom to look at each other AND the interpreter at the same time. Alternatively, use one interpreter for Bride and one for Groom. This is very effective if there is enough room and funding allows.

NB It is lawful for a Marriage Service in an Anglican Church to be conducted entirely in BSL. If non-signing people are present the proceedings must be interpreted into English. Since Marriage is a legal contract, Signs of God advises that the interpreter should meet the national standards for interpreting.

Appendix 5: Useful Contacts