To better support the needs of deaf youth and youth in the United States, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently established the ASL Board of Education.
The Board’s first meeting was held on Friday, November 4th, in the Church Administration Building.
Elder Peter M. Johnson, General Authority Seventy and President, said during the meeting through an ASL interpreter:
“We want to consult together and learn from each other. We want to move this work forward. I promise to help you learn and understand the gospel of Christ,” he said, referring to 2 Nephi 31:3.
The Board includes representatives from the Deaf community, Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, Priesthood and Family Division, Young Women, Young Men, General Advisory Councils of Primary and Relief Society organizations.
The excitement in the room was evident as members of the board introduced and greeted each other. Many of them have worked together for several years on various initiatives.
“I am excited to be here with you, learn from you, and see how seminaries and institutes can support this effort.
Signed by Rick Jensen, North American ASL Coordinator and Advisor for Seminaries and Institutes at the ASL Education Committee meeting held in the Church Administration Building on Friday, November 4, 2022.
Hunter Winterton, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The vision and goal of the ASL School Board is to help youth and young adults deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ and His restored gospel and to qualify and prepare themselves for the blessings of the holy temple. Consistent with the purposes of seminaries and institutes of religion. family and others for eternal life.
Katie Steed, Disability Specialist in the Priesthood and Family Department, said: I have learned a lot from many of you here. And I am humbled by your desire to reach out to all of God’s children. … I always say that my job is not to represent people’s voices, but to elevate their voices. And I know we have a lot to learn. ”
Katherine Godridge, a member of the Primary General Advisory Committee, added:
One of the topics discussed at this conference was the pilot for the For the Strength of Death You (FSDY) conference held this summer. Adolescents who participated reported feeling happier and more involved.
Elder Glenn D. Mera, an Area Seventy in the Utah area and ASL community leader, attended FSDY and spoke with the youth.
“I had a great experience with them. In fact, I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm,” Elder Mela told the board. “On my way home that night, I called [Young Men General President] Steve Lund said, “Mr. President, I wish I had the opportunity to see what I went through tonight in the faces of these very special young people.” We need to do everything we can to create that opportunity. ”
Other topics discussed included supporting deaf people and their families, expanding participation in seminaries and institutes for deaf youth and young adults, and missionary work for deaf young adults and seniors. This included finding and encouraging service.
The Board will meet every six months, with breakout sessions in between.
Elder Peter M. Johnson, General Authority Seventy and president of the ASL Education Committee, speaking at the first board meeting held in the Church Administration Building on November 4, 2022. Katie Steed, a disability expert in the Priesthood and Family Division, is to his right.
Hunter Winterton, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Johnson said: …
“This is where things start. A lot of great work has already been done. We’ll use that work to move forward and see what we can keep and improve.”
For more Church resources for members with disabilities, visit disability.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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