Frequently, the hard of hearing ministry model, which often includes those who are oral deaf (rely on lip-reading) and late-deafened, ranges from inclusion (e.g., hospitality or invitations to events), to communication access (e.g., assisted listening devices, providing printed materials, or having an interpreter), and/or advocacy when it’s asked for. It’s best to inquire what the individual’s communication needs are. There are a number of providers such as Emersound or Williams Sound among others who offer FM Systems, loop systems, or alternative systems. The use of captions is often helpful and with today’s services being livestreamed, captions should be made available. Streamtext is one option among others. Encourage parishioners to take a free introduction to sign language class.
Hard of Hearing: Refers to people who can understand spoken speech with the help of amplified sound through an assisted listening device or hearing aid. Persons may be born hard of hearing or lose their hearing later in life. Some learn sign language, while others do not, and some belong to the Deaf community.
Late-Deafened: Refers to people who became deaf post-lingually (after learning to speak) later in life, and were raised in the hearing community. Most late-deafened people do not learn sign language, but rely on speech/lip reading, captioning, and assisted listening devices.
Oral deaf: Refers to people who are born deaf or become deaf prelingually and who received speech therapy and are taught to speak. Most do not use sign language as their primary mode of communication, but rely on speech/lip reading, captioning, and/or assisted listening devices.
