Institute for Deaf Mormons
I was delighted to read an article today about an Institute class especially for deaf Mormon students. They get to study The Book of Mormon as their teacher Jack Rose leads them in their discussion. He learned American Sign Language when he served his mission many years ago. The class is held at Gallaudet University in Washington where every class is taught in ASL. What a wonderful experience to participate in classes without an interpreter being necessary.
I am grateful for eye opening stories like these that make me think more about what life is like for people with various challenges. I take my health for granted too much. Recently I learned that our LDS temples cater to people with health problems in interesting ways. In one case, the lights were all turned off for a person with extreme light sensitivity, so all of the patrons that day did the session in the dark and light were turned off and on as this person entered and left the rooms in the building. It emphasizes to me how much Heavenly Father loves each of His children. There are even fragrance free sessions for those who are sensitive to perfumes and other scents that can make life unbearable. My own father has asthma and my mom can’t even light candles anymore because he has become so sensitive.
The Church is very accommodating and caring. On my wedding day, I had a dizzy spell while getting ready and the women helping me got me some orange juice in a flash. I was also treated with extra care while attending the temple during my pregnancies. It makes me so happy to hear that the church has arranged to have special classes for deaf Mormons to enjoy in the same way those of us who can hear enjoy our classes. I imagine the discussion would move along so much better in this situation. How wonderful that there is a place like Gallaudet to welcome interdenominational studies.
You can read more about it here.
Hi. I am deaf Ramesh babu, In 1994 I joined deaf lds church .In America,washington Elder Billy NIxon hearing American learn to fast drama sign language and to well for six months in India.
Billy said that the deaf community has really grown in their Branch. He baptized the first couple in February and what a thrill it was to see their father baptize his children several weeks later. Several of their friends have since started investigating the church. Billy holds a class twice a week and has over 40 members are in attendance to teach sign language to the members of the Branch as well as other Elders so they will continue to communicate with the deaf community. There are two of his students that have done so well that they are able to help Bill translate in church. It has not been easy to teach the deaf because there is no formal training with sign language in India, so those who are deaf make up their own form of language, so at times this presents some problems.
Ramesh babu
babu_lds_ramesh@yahoo.co.in
Deaf Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.
#3 covent road, near citi bank atm,
off richmond road,
Bangalore -25, India.