Friday, September 25, 2020

News and notes from AMD, 25 September 2020

Here are the highlights of posts this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf. Please note that many posts have additional comments and discussion which will not be reflected in these links.

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AMD
-
DHM/UMCD
-
DMC
-
MHM
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

ASL Bible now available

ASL Bible Now Available

By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

The internet has brought new options in accessibility for e-books to phones and tablets for people who prefer the option. A new option is now fully available for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people through Deaf Missions. This non-profit Christian organization provides support, advocacy, and resources for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people. They have recently released the ASL Bible. Named ASLV (American Sign Language Version), this video-accessible version offers Deaf and hard-of-hearing users the option to view the Bible, as opposed to reading it, in their own language. This not only better encourages Deaf and hard-of-hearing to engage in studying Scripture, it reduces misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

The ASLV project was created with the assistance of 53 Deaf translators over a period of thirty-eight years. Similar to the online Bible text, the ASLV video library is available online on the Deaf Mission website and via an app. And it’s free!

screen print of app, shows ASLV bible table of contents

Billy Deters, the president of the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf, a caucus representing and supporting Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind persons, shared his excitement that the ASLV is now complete and feels it will better invite Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons to know the Bible. Deaf missionary and member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church Esther Choi shared, “Deaf people need access in their own language, because for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, English is their second language. An ASL version helps them to better understand the Word of God.” Alma Andrews, a Deaf mother and member of Magothy United Methodist Church of the Deaf, who comes from an all-Deaf family (Deaf parents and Deaf siblings) says, “this will help both Deaf families and others, for whom ASL is their primary language, better understand the Bible.” Deaf advocate and trainer in human services, Cindy Blair explains, “I have to read the sentences over and over in order to absorb Scripture where viewing it in my first language helps me to better understand it right away.” “Seeing the body language, facial expressions and signs of ASL, this helps Deaf people to comprehend it better,” says Bryan Branson, president of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries Committee of Global Ministries.

The ASLV will be welcomed by some sign language interpreters who are new to interpreting in faith settings. Preparation is the norm for interpreters, wherein they read, analyze and practice signing the Scripture (and other parts of the service) before worship. Many interpreters shy away from interpreting worship because they do not wish to sign God’s Word incorrectly. By having immediate access to an ASL version of the Bible may provide them with confidence for how to sign/interpret Scripture. Bishop Peggy Johnson, former pastor of Christ Church of the Deaf, wishes she had this thirty years ago. “I remember Deaf people weeping when they first began viewing the videos (on VHS). It sure made Bible study way more interesting! What a gift. I’m so glad it’s completed.”

The ASLV raises Deaf awareness even further. In fact, Forbes magazine indicated that ASL is the third most-studied language being outnumbered only by Spanish and French. With the ASLV, what a great option to raise interest in ASL by showing the ASL version of Scripture during worship, especially for many churches who are currently live-streaming their worship services. The videos can be downloaded as well.

Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. is a deacon serving in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. He can be reached at RevYates@eumclaurel.org for more information.


Friday, September 18, 2020

News and notes from AMD, 18 September 2020

Here are the highlights of posts this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf. Please note that many posts have additional comments and discussion which will not be reflected in these links.

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AMD
-
DHM/UMCD
-
DMC
-
MHM
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.             

Friday, September 11, 2020

News and notes from AMD, 11 September 2020

Here are the highlights of posts this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf. Please note that many posts have additional comments and discussion which will not be reflected in these links.

-
AMD
-
DHM/UMCD
-
DMC
-
MHM
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Deaf Awareness Week

Deaf Awareness Week is September 20-26, 2020

By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

Ready or not, here it comes. Deaf Awareness Week is observed and celebrated during the last week of September. Sometimes referred to International Week of the Deaf, this year's dates are Sunday, September 20, through September 26. 

This week is a time to raise awareness about Deaf culture, Deaf history, human rights and accessibility. During this special week, some Deaf ministries are hosting sign language classes, inviting a sign choir, incorporating specific Scripture references to Deaf and hard of hearing people, or viewing the Lord’s Prayer in sign language. The sky’s the limit with creativity for raising awareness.  

Rev. Kirk VanGilder and LaSander Saunders signing Communion liturgy.

(Rev. Kirk VanGilder and LaSander Saunders signing Communion liturgy.)

As a denomination, the United Methodist Church is committed to providing support for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons and families through General Conference legislation. At a time where diversity is sought, inclusion and further commitment to Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons are needed all the more.

Churches can consider one or more of the following as a way to highlight Deaf Awareness Week: 

  • Show the Lord's Prayer in sign language and encourage parishioners to follow or sign along
  • Teach a couple of church-related signs during announcements, highlighting Deaf awareness
  • Include Deaf-related Scripture readings such as Leviticus 19:14, Mark 7:32-37, or Luke 1:57-66
  • If slide announcements are used, include an informational slide about Deaf Awareness Week, or include this in e-mail announcements
  • Include bulletin inserts (see the United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries web site page "Congregational Resources" for examples)
  • On September 20, have the liturgist, deacon, or pastor open worship with "Good Morning" and "welcome" in ASL, explaining this is Deaf Awareness Sunday
  • Turn on the captions, especially if your service is online (see here for online inclusion ideas)
  • Share a 5 minute Deaf culture video during any virtual groups that meet during Deaf Awareness Week
  • Have a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person be a liturgist (1 in 3 seniors at 65 have mild hearing loss)

Several people gathered in a group, signing

(Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind members of Conway UMC signing “Shout to the Lord”)

A helpful book for learning about or starting a Deaf ministry is Deaf Ministry: A Comprehensive Overview of Ministry Models, 3rd Ed. Also, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee through Global Ministries offers a plethora of resources and small grants. The United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (UMCD) is a Deaf caucus that supports Deaf ministries throughout the denomination, with resources such as this helpful one-page chart, or these Deaf awareness activities.

Historically, the church has often overlooked, and even at times oppressed, Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. This is known as audism. To place accessibility and relationships, which are the heart of Deaf ministries, in perspective, Deaf Awareness Week is a time to commit to being invitational and highlight the gifts of Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons. Certainly, relationships are central to worship and congregational life – with the Lord and with one another. What’s needed at your church to take an additional step toward inviting Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons? It makes for a great conversation during a church admin council or staff meeting.

* Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. is a deacon in full connection serving in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. He may be reached at RevYates@eumclaurel.org.


Friday, September 4, 2020

News and Notes from AMD, 4 September 2020

Here are the highlights of link postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf. Please note that many posts have additional comments and discussion which will not be reflected in these links.

-
AMD
-
DHM/UMCD
-
DMC
-
MHM
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.