We will experience a change in status and re-defining of our role. We will work to stretch current church structures so that deaf and hard of hearing persons may assume their rightful roles as ministers, leaders, envisioners, etc. We have not recognized the uniqueness of Deaf culture. We have exerted control over deaf ministry and have imposed a 'hearing' perspective on it. We have perpetuated a model of deaf ministry which has had limited success in effectively proclaiming the Gospel.
Some deaf people use sign language to communicate and consider English as their second language.
Many hard of hearing people can understand some sounds with or without a hearing aid. Generally, these individuals supplement their residual hearing with speech-reading, hearing aids and technical devices. Since 1972 AMD has been providing a unique and vital ministry to the Deaf of the Atlantic Provinces. In offering pastoral services both directly and through assistance to various denominations with Deaf members, AMD strives to maintain and strengthen the faith of each individual. We currently have a candidate for the Lay Pastoral Minister in Training and are very excited for what this means to our Ministry.