Deaf Inclusion Ministry
First Unitarian of Rochester is committed to creating a church environment where Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are truly welcomed and encouraged to participate at all levels of church life. We look forward to the growth of our Deaf inclusion ministry as we open our doors and our hearts to meet the spiritual and social needs of the many friends who will join us in our shared spiritual journey together. For more information about our Deaf inclusion ministry and ASL services, please be in touch with Erin Julian at ejulian@rochesterunitarian.org.
Adult Spiritual Development
We are hoping to launch an all ASL Soul Matters group as soon as there is adequate interest. We are also happy to include anyone who uses ASL in any of our Adult Spiritual Development offerings and will provide an interpreter upon request.
American Sign Language
For our Deaf visitors and members who use American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is provided for all 4:30 p.m. Saturday (September - May) contemporary worship services, Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (June - August), as well as on request for membership orientation classes. We understand that full access means that ASL interpretation is readily available so the Deaf can participate in the entire life of the congregation - from worship to leadership, small groups, pastoral care, social events, adult education and spiritual practice opportunities.
Child Care
During our all of our services we offer structured programming for pre-school and school-age children and youth, as well as loving care for infants and toddlers. In addition, we run a coming of age program for 9th and 10th graders and a Youth Group for high schoolers on Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We have about 300 registered children and youth, and a teaching staff (nearly all volunteer) of over 100adults and teens. ASL interpretation can be provided for children and youth at these events.
Deaf Inclusion Ministry
An additional part of our Deaf inclusion ministry includes raising awareness within our congregation about Deaf culture, and improving our abilities as caring individuals to communicate with our Deaf and hard of hearing friends through introductory ASL classes and cultural understanding. The church also hosts social events specifically designed to raise awareness of and support for our Deaf inclusion ministry. Past event shave included a silent dinner with ASL poetry readings and storytelling, and a silent movie night. Check the Facebook page to see what we are up to now!
Hearing Loop
For those visitors and members who use hearing aids and cochlear implants fitted with telecoils, also known as a "T-setting", we have a hearing loop in the worship space which transmits the entire worship service to your device wirelessly. Also available are assistive listening devices which amplify the service; these can be picked up before the service at the church.
Pastoral Care
For pastoral care for members and friends of the church, we are happy to secure an interpreter as requested/needed. We also have a member of our Pastoral Care Team who is an ASL interpreter and who is specifically available for folks who utilize ASL.
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April 23 2012