Everyone should have the right to full access where their spiritual beliefs and needs are concerned. Thankfully, religion is becoming increasingly accessible to the deaf community.
From the Vatican to Israel, examples of religion becoming more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing worshipers are coming from around the globe.
The Vatican
Recently the Vatican began a new project called ‘No one excluded.’ The project includes a sign language service on its YouTube channel. The service is offering both Italian Sign Language (LIS) as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Live streaming began for the Pope’s Easter blessing on April 4. This recent move comes as part of the Vatican’s ongoing work to reach out to its faithful members with disabilities.
On last year’s international day of persons with disabilities, Pope Francis commented on the role of Catholics with disabilities.
“Disabled people are members of equal standing in the Catholic Church and, as such, have the same right to the sacraments as everyone else,” he said.
England
Church services have long been confusing for people with hearing difficulties. What should be a spiritual shared bond within a congregation can often be a lonely experience when the worshiper cannot hear the sermon.
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