During a recent training session for facilitators of our Small Group Ministry program, we addressed hearing impairment and asked what facilitators could do to make a difference.
In preparation for the training, I approached Joan Bechtel, a congregation member with significant hearing loss, and asked if she would help us. She willingly agreed and drafted a list of suggestions. Two facilitators shared that they had hearing losses and would represent the needs of the hearing impaired during the training.
Joan's list generated a very lively exchange. Among the suggestions was that each facilitator initiate a group discussion about ways to encourage members to talk louder and to enunciate their words. A participant asked if articulation was as important as loudness. Our experts asserted that speaking clearly and distinctly was more important than volume.
Another important question was how members with hearing impairment can let the group know when they cannot hear the speaker. Initially we proposed hand-raising as a good way to communicate the need. Later in the conversation, however, all agreed that cupping one's hand around an ear was the preferred signal.
Final remarks were very positive about dealing with this issue. In closing, I thanked everyone and offered a quote from Joan: "Having a hearing impairment is very frustrating - partly because it is usually invisible. Often a person with this problem will cope by leaving." The group emphatically agreed that it is important to make changes that optimize the covenant group experience for all participants.
