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 not as a disability but as a defining characteristic within a separate Deaf culture (the capital "D" being intentional).  (See definitions.)  See also the Hearing page which addresses the needs of those who have a mild to moderate hearing loss.

Anabaptist Deaf Ministries

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jeremy Weber, from the April 8, 2010 issues of Christianity Today. "The deaf are virtually an 'unreached people group,' but Deaf Video Communications, an Illinois ministry, is remedying that one video at a time."

Deaf Video Communications produces biblical dramatizations, Christian teaching materials, sermons, Bible studies, children’s programs, and more.  Most videos are produced natively in American Sign Language (ASL) and feature Deaf pastors, missionaries, or lay leaders. Videos are available free-of-charge to the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and their families, friends, schools and churches  through the DVC Lending Library and through online YouTube videos.

New!  In November 2009, ADNet and Anabaptist Deaf Ministries announced a new agreement to raise the visibility and promote the ministries of both organizations in Mennonite and related churches.  See press release.

A Life Lived for the Poor, Indigenous and Disabled: Helga Dueck and the School for the Deaf in Filadelfia, Paraguay. Article by Katherine Arnoldi in March, 17, 2009 issue of The Mennonite.

Helga often saw deaf children who were given no opportunity to realize their potential... she felt she could do something to help them.... She dreamed of opening a school for the deaf....

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 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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