MANY Bible-based publications in Filipino Sign Language offer practical advice on family life, career, parenting, health, and safety for the deaf and hard of hearing. The deaf community can access all these publications in Filipino Sign Language for free through www.jw.org/psp or by downloading the JW Sign Language app via App Store or Google Play Store.
According to the National Survey of Hearing Loss in the Philippines, approximately 15 percent of Filipinos suffer moderate to serious hearing loss.
In Asia, the prevalence was 7.5 percent in children, 14.7 percent in people between 18 and 65, and 49.1 percent in people over 65, according to a report published on Hear It’s website.
As part of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ commitment to sharing the Bible’s message with people of all nations, languages, and cultures, the world’s first complete sign language translation of the Holy Bible was published. Filipinos who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can access all 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation, in American Sign Language. Some gospel verses from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are available in Filipino Sign Language.
Sharing the message of hope to the deaf
There are encouraging and uplifting words in the Bible that provide hope for the future. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may better appreciate these messages if they see them in a language they understand, such as sign language.
The pandemic brought grief and pain. The feeling of isolation can take a toll on the deaf and hard of hearing. A study showed that social distancing protocols were detrimental to the mental and physical health of the deaf.
More than 1,000 deaf volunteers who teach the Bible in sign language for free are available to support the Filipino deaf community. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or know someone who needs support learning about the Bible in sign language, you can connect with one of the 146 Filipino Sign Language congregations and groups across the Philippines. Parts of the Bible and other publications are also available in 100 sign languages. To learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses’ translation work in sign language, visit www.jw.org/psp./PN
