Online and Virtual Gatherings: Inclusion for Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing Members
By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.
With most churches across mainline denominations closing
in-person gatherings and worship services, pastoral leaders and staff are being
more creative as they toss aside the “Things They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary”
book. Many churches are offering live streamed worship services, prerecorded
videos, and conference calls to continue their community in a virtual way.
Just about all churches have persons with hearing loss, a
condition that is particularly true of seniors. In-person gatherings typically
use public address systems as assistive technology, but online or live streamed
worship services present challenges to ensure that persons with hearing loss can
hear through computers, iPads, and laptops. We will look at several options to
ensure that everyone can participate.
Sign Language Interpreters
Several United Methodist churches use sign language
interpreters in their streamed services. Captioning is also a possibility,
although fewer churches use this capability.
Rev. Stephanie Vader (preaching) and interpreter at Emmanuel UMC in Laurel, MD.
Click here to view this sample
http://www.eumclaurel.org/stream/
Some use an overlay or insert – a picture of the interpreter
inside the primary video (below) – while others place the interpreter next to
the preacher or other speaker (above). When using the insert method, note that the
image can easily become too small for comfortable viewing, so for best
accessibility, choose a size carefully.