Importance of Visual Sign Language Bibles for an Unreached People Group

An estimated 98% of the dDeaf Community has yet to embrace Christianity, due to the lack of accessible biblical resources in their native language. In 2020, Deaf Missions, an organization dedicated to evangelizing to dDeaf Communities, completed the first American Sign Language Bible (ASLV). This pivotal work provides the dDeaf American Sign Language users, with access to Scripture in their primary mode of communication. Despite its significance, research on the impact of ASLV remains limited. The researcher aims to address the research question: “What is the importance and impact of visual sign language Bibles for the dDeaf Community?” This qualitative study aims to analyze the significance and influence of the American Sign Language Bible within the American dDeaf Community. A survey comprising both multiple-choice questions and an open-response question will be distributed to various Deaf Churches throughout the United States, dDeaf mission organizations, and Facebook groups for dDeaf Christians who have engaged with the ASLV to assess its effect. The analysis will highlight three key themes: 1) how many dDeaf individuals have used the ASLV Bible, 2) participants’ preference between the ASLV Bible and the written English Bible, and 3) the influence of the ASLV on participants’ spiritual growth and understanding of Scripture. The study’s findings will be shared with Bible translation organizations to further advocate for the global expansion of sign language Bible translations. Future research can focus on establishing sign language Bibles in other countries. The foundation of the ASLV Bible can influence global Bible translators working with dDeaf communities to respond in the same way and create sign language Bibles. * “dDeaf” is an inclusive term referring to those with hearing loss. Lower case “d” deaf is identifying the medical condition of hearing loss whereas capital “D” refers to those who identify as culturally Deaf and are a part of the Deaf community.