Help Deaf-Blind Persons Learn About Jehovah
1. How did Jesus demonstrate compassion for people who were deaf or blind?
1 Jesus’ death was just days away. As he was departing the city of Jericho, two blind beggars cried out: “Lord, have mercy on us!” Although the trials that awaited Jesus weighed heavily on his mind, Jesus stopped, called the men to him, and healed them. (Matt. 20:29-34) On another occasion, Jesus healed a man who was deaf. (Mark 7:31-37) At times, while conducting our daily affairs, we will meet persons who are both deaf and blind. How can we imitate Jesus’ compassion and help them learn about Jehovah?
2. How may we be able to give a witness to a deaf-blind person we meet in public?
2 Be Helpful: If you encounter a deaf-blind person, perhaps in public, let him know by a simple touch on his shoulder or arm that you are nearby. Introduce yourself by name or sign name and offer to provide assistance if needed. Since such ones are often taken advantage of, he may be suspicious at first. However, your genuine friendliness and sincere interest may put him at ease. Keep in mind, too, that there are different degrees of deafness and blindness. This may help you determine how best to communicate with the deaf-blind person. Perhaps you could mention that you are involved in a Bible education work. Offer to read him a scripture, such as Leviticus 19:14 or Revelation 21:3, 4. If he is able to read Braille, ask if he would like to have a Braille publication that will help him learn more about the Bible.—See the box “When Interacting With a Deaf-Blind Person . . .”
3. How can we search out those who are deaf and blind in our territory?
3 Search Out the Deaf-Blind: We seldom meet deaf-blind people in the house-to-house ministry because many of them do not feel comfortable talking to strangers who come to their door. Therefore, it takes real effort to “search out” such ones in order to give them a witness. (Matt. 10:11) Do you have a workmate or a schoolmate who is deaf and blind? Take the initiative to speak to him. If your territory has a school for deaf-blind persons, offer some of our Braille publications for the school library. Do you know someone who has a deaf-blind family member? Does your territory have organizations that provide helpful services for deaf-blind persons or have assisted living facilities with deaf-blind occupants? Explain to the family member, the receptionist, or the director that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very interested in helping those who are deaf and blind, and offer to bring Braille literature. By explaining the purpose of your visit, this may open up the way for you to make contact with deaf-blind individuals.
4. What lessons does the pioneer sister’s experience teach?
4 While visiting a deaf return visit at a nursing home that cares for deaf and deaf-blind patients, a pioneer sister asked the manager if she could offer a regular weekly Bible study to the other deaf and deaf-blind residents. The manager agreed but added that the deaf-blind patients would require more assistance to communicate. She asked if the pioneer sister would be able to accommodate them. The sister happily explained that publications were accessible to those who read Braille, and that there were willing volunteers in her congregation who would be pleased to come and help interpret the Bible discussion for any deaf-blind people who showed interest. These publishers have since conducted several studies with five deaf persons and one deaf-blind person attending! The sister mentioned that showing personal interest and expressing her willingness to spend time with deaf and deaf-blind people has opened the door to preach to those who do not receive much attention from others.
5. What initiative did a pioneer brother show to help a deaf-blind man, and with what result?
5 A pioneer brother was doing public witnessing in front of a university for deaf people. As it was becoming dark, he recognized a deaf-blind student with a cane leaving the campus. The brother had tried witnessing to him previously without success. That evening, the student was having problems crossing the street, so the brother tapped him on the forearm, introduced himself, and asked if he needed some assistance. The student gratefully accepted the help. The brother found out that he was walking to get some medicine from the drug store and offered to guide him and help facilitate communication. While waiting to get the medicine, they were able to have a positive conversation about the Bible. The student asked for one of our publications and has since shown more interest in the good news.
6. Our demonstrating interest in deaf and blind people will bring what blessings?
6 Of course, we cannot heal people of their deafness and blindness as Jesus did, but we can help all those whose minds have been blinded by the god of this system of things to understand the truth of God’s Word. (2 Cor. 4:4) Jesus healed people because he was “moved with pity” for them. (Mark 7:37; Matt. 20:34) If we demonstrate similar interest in those who are deaf and blind, we can enjoy the privilege of helping some to learn about Jehovah.
[Box]
When Interacting With a Deaf-Blind Person . . .
• When you approach a person who is deaf and blind, let him know by a simple touch on the shoulder or arm that you are nearby. Reassure him of your continued presence in the same manner.
• Immediately identify yourself by name or a sign name.
• Make every effort to learn and use whatever method of communication he prefers, such as print-on-palm, fingerspelling, American Sign Language, or a combination of these methods. For example, some deaf-blind persons use tactile sign language. Others with limited vision might ask you to stand a specific distance away from them so that they can see you clearly.
• Inform him of his surroundings, including people and activities in the area.
• When involved in group discussions, let him know when it is his turn to speak.
• Always tell him when you are leaving, even if it is only for a brief period. See that he is comfortably and safely situated. If he is standing, make sure he has something to place his hand on, such as a wall, chair, or table.
• When guiding someone who is deaf and blind, never place him in front of you. Instead, allow him to hold your arm above the elbow so he will be able to sense any change in pace or direction. Pause before ascending or descending stairs. When walking through a doorway, let him follow directly behind you.
• Treat a person who is deaf and blind as you would treat anyone else. Be courteous and considerate and use common sense.
• Fill out a Please Follow Up (S-43) form, and give it to the secretary if the deaf-blind person does not live in your territory.