Deaf in Aruba

Introduction / History

In many situations, Deaf people are viewed as disability groups, but a more accurate approach is to consider them distinct people groups. They have their own unique languages and cultures. Unlike most people groups, Deaf people can be found in every country in the world and often blend in with the broader community around them. That is true of Aruba, a nation in the Caribbean.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are many common experiences shared by Deaf people around the world that contribute to Deaf culture. Since most Deaf people are born to hearing parents, and very few of those parents learn to sign, many Deaf people are isolated from their family and the broader community. Instead of acquiring language from their parents, many acquire language from other Deaf in the community or from a Deaf school. Decisions are made for the Deaf without Deaf input; education may be provided only in the spoken language without interpreting.

While many Deaf people in Aruba have some degree of bilingualism, for most of them, it is impossible to fully learn a spoken language that they cannot hear. That illustrates why sign language is so important.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like the majority of the people in Aruba, the Deaf are Christian. However, given their limits of communicating the gospel, they probably don t entirely understand it. For example, they might attend church services and only understand rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

Aruba does not have enough people who know sign language. For that reason, the Deaf are not able to communicate with medical personnel and police officers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Deaf in Aruba to have full access to the Bible in sign language.
Pray for Aruba to have the resources they need to ensure Deaf children get their communication and educational needs met.
Pray for some from Aruba s Deaf community to be thrust out as missionaries to others.
Pray for many to be discipled to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project