This goal is pursued with different means in different countries. The task of IVSS is to bring together individuals, organizations and Churches, dealing with pastoral care of hearing impaired persons, so that they can inspire and learn from each other, respecting their right to be different. Thus the IVSS is not a mission society, but an instrument of integration. 1. being a network of persons and organizations with a shared concern 2. Right here where you are now.
Membership is possible for individuals as well as for Churches and organizations.
IVSS International Conferences and Congresses have been held in many European cities. Until now there has been little interest in hearing impaired persons from Churches in Southern Europe and America. But especially in Germany and Scandinavia there is a strong tradition of educating clergy to understand and communicate with the severely hard of hearing and late deafened persons. Though the IVSS is ecumenical, the Lutheran Church of Germany has been our main sponsor. Accordingly the official name of the federation is in German.