Deafness, unlike blindness or spasticity, is not a visible handicap. A deaf person seems completely normal until you speak to him. Then you are greeted with a baffled’ expression as he tries to understand you. You may repeat your remark in a louder voice, still without success. Eventually, with an embarrassed smile and feeling very flustered, you walk away; or you might write down what you have been saying-if there is pencil and paper at hand.
Imagine, if you can, how the severely deaf must feel in his lonely world of silence. To approximate deafness, block your ears to all sound and try to understand what people say to you; carry on any kind of conversation with others.
You will probably be amazed at the lack of communication in these circumstances.
The person who is deaf from birth has never heard anything unless he can obtain benefit from a hearing aid; but he learns to live with, and accept, his problems. He goes to a school for the deaf and is taught either orally (through speech and lip-reading) or manually (by the so-called “deaf and dumb” signs). Actually, the term “deaf and dumb” ought not to be used, because it attaches a certain stigma to the deaf person. The great majority of cases are not dumb, but are quite capable of speech. However, because they have not been encouraged to talk or because they are so deaf that their speech is unintelligible, such cases often prefer to “speak with their hands”.
The person who is deafened after birth has to adjust himself to the new handicap; and often finds it extremely difficult to do so-especially if the deafness is sudden and severe. He finds that, although he can still talk, he cannot understand others through speech alone; and usually resorts to carrying a pad and pencil with him wherever he goes, so that those who wish to speak to him may do so via the written word.
All deaf people have the same basic problem: lack of communication. We are not here concerned with the partially deaf who can hear satisfactorily with a hearing aid. These, while still handicapped, do not suffer the degree of frustration experienced by the severely deaf.
Here in Adelaide we have a number of severely deaf brethren and sisters. You may have them in your ecclesias too. How can we best assist them to understand the Scriptures? Their acceptance of the Truth should evidence a knowledge of the basic principles; but that is not enough: are they still learning? And if so, are we teaching them? or must they rely on private study for their further knowledge? How much are we, as individuals, doing for these unfortunate brethren and sisters?
These are questions we must answer faithfully. We should not leave everything to a few overworked brethren and sisters. One of the Adelaide ecclesias rosters its members to take notes during the exhortations, lectures and study classes. Each one rostered sits with a deaf brother and writes down for him the substance of the speaker’s remarks, and assists him in turning to passages of Scripture. This is an excellent idea, as the deaf brother feels that he is a part of the gathering and can “hear” the exhortation as it is delivered to the rest of his brothers and sisters in Christ.
But what happens after the meeting? How many will converse with him, especially when everything must be laboriously written down? We should learn the manual alphabet. These severely deaf people need to use their hands: they cannot suddenly acquire the ability to speak and lip-read (although most are willing to try to say a few words). In order, therefore, to give them our fellowship, we must learn the manual alphabet and signs, and be prepared to use them for converse with our deaf brethren and sisters. It also helps to have a small pad and pencil on hand while you —or, perhaps, the deaf brother—has insufficient knowledge of the signs.
We can encourage the deaf to speak and to lip-read, and in some cases, even to lecture and to write articles. Weekly lip-reading lessons can be of great benefit to both deaf and hearing alike, to help in “reading” the spoken word.
When speaking to a deaf brother, don’t exaggerate or “mouth” your words. Try to speak as normally as possible, with plenty of facial expression. Just remember to speak a little more slowly than normal, and form your words more carefully; but there is no need to raise the voice.
Finally, brethren and sisters, do remember that our deaf brethren need the society and love of others of like precious faith, and that, if they don’t get it, they will turn for companionship to deaf friends out of the Body. Invite these brethren and sisters to your homes, try to understand their problems, and converse with them on the things of the Kingdom. You will be rewarded with their love and gratitude, and the knowledge that you have done something—however small—to help one or more of God’s children to a greater understanding of the Scriptures and to a greater rejoicing in the fellowship of the Father and Son, while we all await that wonderful day when Christ shall return and the deaf shall hear.
[Sister Matthews was a teacher of the deaf for the Education Department. She will be pleased to give information to assist you with your work among deaf brothers and sisters, or for preaching the Truth to the deaf.]
Lord, What wilt thou have me to do?