By Rev. Dr Leo Yates, Jr.
Magothy Deaf Church, a United Methodist congregation in Pasadena, MD took to heart and planned a DeafBlind Celebration Service on Sunday, June 28th during DeafBlind Awareness Week, a week set apart that celebrates the achievements and contributions, as well as the awareness and inclusion of DeafBlind individuals. For worship, additional volunteers were recruited to step in as Co-Navigators (CN – one who provides visual and environmental information), as guides, and supports for the DeafBlind people in attendance.
Image Description: Mary Ann Deters serving as a Co-Navigator for a DeafBlind individual.
“We need to affirm and welcome our DeafBlind brothers and sisters,” said Alma Sue Andrews, a Deaf leader at the church. “I was glad we could do this. We should do this every year,” sentiments shared by Darlene Koontz, another Deaf leader of the Deaf church. Dean Prentice and his wife Linny also greeted the DeafBlind visitors and welcomed them.
Image Description: Lisa Harvey interpreting for Lisa Sudmann-Stannard.
“After receiving a grant from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Committee last year, the Deaf church began a DeafBlind ministry, offering trainings, transportation for members from the DeafBlind community to attend, and periodic sermons related to the inclusion of DeafBlind individuals. Our Deaf church is passionate and committed to ensuring we intentionally reach out to DeafBlind people,” said Rev. Dr. Leo Yates, the church’s pastor and whose father was DeafBlind. TJ Trapp, the co-leader of the DeafBlind ministry (and a strong advocate), coordinated the volunteers, while other parishioners planned and set up the celebration lunch following worship. Included in the celebration service was having DeafBlind welcomed, serving as ushers (with the assistance of a CN) and personal testimonies. David Jessop, a DeafBlind individual shared about his independence and vocational training at the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Lisa Sudmann-Stannard and Kitty Fogarty, both DeafBlind, attended such trainings at the Helen Keller National Center in Sands Point, NY.
Image Description: Sonny Moreland serving as a Co-Navigator so David Jessop can serve as an usher during the service.
The morning message focused on Leviticus 19:14, “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall revere your God: I am the Lord,” pointing out that this verse often focuses on one half of the verse, either on deaf or blind individuals; however, Rev. Leo expounded that the passage can also be about individuals being both deaf AND blind (DeafBlind). Moses directed the Israelites not to exclude (not curse) but to ensure these individuals are welcomed to the community of faith (not putting a stumbling block) – those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled. This means to invite, offer transportation arrangements (if needed), arranging for Co-Navigators, interpreters, materials that are accessible, address barriers to participation, and general awareness.
Image Description: Kitty Fogarty being introduced to the congregation by Rev. Yates.
In addition, it was mentioned during the morning message that Helen Keller was the first DeafBlind individual to receive a bachelor’s degree, while Robert Smithdas was the first to receive a master’s degree – both advocates for human rights of DeafBlind people. The congregation made a covenant to be accessible and inclusive of DeafBlind individuals. All churches and Deaf ministries should seek out 1, 2 or 3 DeafBlind individuals in their communities as the body of Christ is incomplete without them (1 Corinthians 12:27). Remembering the words of Bishop Delores Williamston, the assigned bishop to the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (a UMC Deaf caucus), “We need our DeafBlind people as we learn from them just like they learn from us.”
Image Description: Rev Leo using tactile signing to communicate with both Lisa Susann-Stannard and Kitty Fogarty.
* Churches can learn more about DeafBlind inclusion here. Rev. Yates can be reached at [email protected] to have a consultation about how your church can be accessible and inclusive of DeafBlind people.