THE MISSION OF THE DEAF INSTITUTE
The mission of the Deaf Institute has six main focuses:
1. Informing people about deafness
2. Teaching Sign Language
3. Developing Interpreters
4. Encouraging people (deaf and hearing) to train in our Bible Colleges for specialized ministries with the deaf
5. Establishing and encouraging deaf ministries in our Christian Churches/Churches of Christ
6. Serving the Deaf community
Much of our effort is placed in church settings. However, we are also actively involved in the community. To reach deaf people, you cannot restrict yourself to a church setting. The following are activities for the community at large.
- Community awareness of the Deaf needs and abilities through:
Everybody Counts Programs in the Schools
Involvement in deaf related organizations
Presentations for community organizations
- Working with parents of hearing impaired children
Individually
In Support Groups
- Arranging for Sign Language Classes in:
Hospitals
Churches
Community Organizations
- Referrals to other organizations
- Providing opportunities for student interpreters to gain experience
- Providing a small videotape and book library
Deaf people are individuals with their own personalities, talents, and needs. To effectively minister with people who are deaf or hearing, we need to build relationships. All of the activities listed above give us opportunities to build relationships with people.
