Disabled Access to Church Buildings and Services - When Deaf People are present in Church

When Deaf People are present in Church

1. Deaf People need to be seated where there are clear sight lines both to a Sign Language Interpreter and the main "action" of the service. If there is a Loop System, they should be seated within it. It is always advisable to ask a deaf person where he/she should be seated as background windows/lights can cause their vision to blur when their eyes are focused in the Interpreter.
2. For an Area or Diocesan service or when significant numbers of Deaf People are present there should be an experienced, suitably qualified Sign Language Interpreter. A longer service may require two interpreters.
3. The Interpreter(s), in order to interpret satisfactorily, will need all the following information prior to the service (at least one week in advance)
   1. Hymn words in large print.
   2. Words to any choir anthems or solos in large print.
   3. Words to any Drama, Poetry or other similar items.
   4. The Service Liturgy in large print.
   5. The words of any prayers if intercession.
   6. The Bible Reading(s).
   7. The sermon.
4. The Interpreter should be slightly raised on staging so he/she is visible. The pulpit is seldom a good place since it is too high.
5. If there is any time during the service where there is movement, e.g. a procession to the back for the Gospel reading, advice should be sought from the Interpreter and Deaf People present regarding how this is to be managed.
6. Good lighting is essential. Candlelight alone is never good enough.
7. Intercessions. If members of the Deaf Church are mentioned in the intercessions, this should be under the heading of "the ministry of the Church" not under "the sick". There should not be prayers for healing unless the deaf community specifically ask for them.
8. When Deaf People are present, it may be considered insensitive to use instrumental music without any words or visual media. (Generally organ voluntaries before and after the service and music during communion are acceptable, but using instrumental music during the prayers as a form of aid to meditation, in a sermon as an illustration, or as an instrumental break in a hymn is not acceptable.)
9. When Deaf Choirs are invited to join the service, choir leaders will need the words and music prior to the service (at least three weeks in advance).
10. Time must be allowed for Deaf Choirs to:
    1. Take their places before the music commences.
    2. Return to their seats before the service continues.
11. Language: When referring to members of the Deaf Community, words such as "Deaf People", Deaf Community", "Deaf Church" are wholly acceptable. "Deaf and Dumb" is considered unacceptable. "Deaf People" is preferable to "The Deaf". The language of Deaf People is "Sign language" not "Deaf language".
12. If Deaf People are involved in occasional offices appropriate arrangements may need to be made and a Sign Language Interpreter sought.

The Chaplains who specialise in ministry with Deaf People are available to answer questions and offer advice, support and help:
- The Rev'd Anne Richardson, 36 Causton Street, London SW1P 4AU. Tel: 020 7932 1253 (voice only with voice answermachine), Fax: 020 7932 1120. Email: Mobile: 0781 188 8019.
- The Rev'd Vera Hunt. Fax or Minicom 01628 623909 or via Typetalk 0800 515152 and ask for 01628 623909