Although deafness can be defined as "the lack or loss of the ability to hear" there has been an increasing movement in the past generation to see deafness as a defining characteristic within a separate Deaf culture (the capital "D" being intentional) rather than a disability.  (See definitions.)

The resources listed here have some connections with Anabaptist persons or institutions.

For more information visit the web site of Anabaptist Deaf Ministries.

Drafted in 1984 and published in 1985, this is a defining statement on the need for and the meaning of Deaf culture in the context of the church.  Deaf Ministries staff persons from the mid-1980's, Charlotte Baker-Shenk and Sheila Stopher Yoder were involved in the writing of the statement which is available in both English and American Sign Language (ASL).

English version - Available on the the website of the Deaf Ministries Advisory Committee, based in Goshen, Indiana
ASL version - Available by contacting of Anabaptist Deaf Ministries. 

For reflections on the 20th Anniversary of the Claggett Statement, see a short article in Sojourners by by Robyn K. Dean

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