There are two main definitions of what it means to be Deaf : socio-cultural, where the core elements are sign language use and involvement within Deaf culture, and physiological-medical, which focuses on hearing loss. About half (100) of the estimated 200 Vincentians with a significant degree of hearing loss are reported to use a sign language. This profile primarily focuses on these 100 socio-culturally Deaf Vincentians.
Deaf people live scattered throughout the country, with the greatest concentration in the capital city, Kingstown. Very few deaf people over the age of 40 use sign language. There was not an active signing deaf community in St. Vincent before a group of mothers contracted Rubella and their children (now ages 20-35) were born deaf. Because of communication barriers and lack of shared experience with hearing people, deaf people tend to socialize within the deaf community.
The primary sign language variety of St. Vincent is American Sign Language (ASL). There are three special needs schools that accept children with multiple disabilities and also deaf students. The schools use a total communication philosophy using both oral and signing methods. There are few, if any, opportunities for education beyond that offered in the special needs schools.
In general, hearing society has a negative view of deaf people (and people with disabilities in general). Families with deaf children are often embarrassed or shamed and may try to hide their deaf children. Marginalized, deaf people have limited access to social services. There are no interpreters available for most social activities.
A few churches have an interpreted worship service and one church has a deaf group that meets once a week. There are no self-sustaining deaf churches. It is difficult for most deaf people to understand written English, so access to the Bible and educational materials is limited. They may be able to use ASL materials, but community testing for acceptability and understanding has not been done.
It is difficult for most deaf people to understand written English, so access to the Bible and educational materials is limited. They may be able to use ASL materials, but community testing for acceptability and understanding has not been done.
The church is seems to be fairly stable – not reaching some members of the deaf community, but maintaining a fairly active core within at least one denomination.
Most deaf people do not read English or communicate orally at a high level. Few adults over 40 years age use sign language.
There is a significant need for ministry to the deaf community through education, interpreter training, and pastoral/deaf -leadership training.
* Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in St Vincent and Grenadines.
Profile Source: Anonymous |
Expanded PDF Profile |
People Name General | Deaf |
People Name in Country | Deaf |
Population this Country | 600 |
Population all Countries | 47,601,000 |
Total Countries | 216 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 3 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
Alternate Names | |
People ID | 19007 |
ROP3 Code | 114916 |
Country | St Vincent and Grenadines | ||
Region | America, North and Caribbean | ||
Continent | North America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Country | St Vincent and Grenadines |
Region | America, North and Caribbean |
Continent | North America |
10/40 Window | No |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Primary Language | American Sign Language (600 speakers) |
Language Code | ase Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | American Sign Language (600 speakers) |
Language Code | ase Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking American Sign Language |
Primary Language: American Sign Language
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1982-1996) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2005) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (2020) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name |
---|---|
Audio Recordings | Online New Testament (FCBH) |
Film / Video | God's Story Video |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in American Sign Language |
Text / Printed Matter | Door International |
Text / Printed Matter | Online Bible text (Scripture Earth) |
Text / Printed Matter | The Seed Company Translation Project |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical Unknown) |
90.10 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
2.00 %
|
Hinduism |
3.80 %
|
Islam |
1.20 %
|
Non-Religious |
2.60 %
|
Other / Small |
0.30 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Christian Segments ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Anglican |
Unknown
|
Independent |
Unknown
|
Orthodox |
Unknown
|
Other Christian |
Unknown
|
Protestant |
Unknown
|
Roman Catholic |
Unknown
|