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This article is written as the conclusion of the project “Open Science for Everybody! Accessibility to Information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons at Libraries” for the postgraduate course “Library and Information Studies” at the University of Vienna. This article, as the project itself, describes the status quo of accessibility of people with hearing disorders at libraries, mostly in Europe. Afterwards solutions and measures of other institutions have been collected and analyzed, in order to show that accessibility is not necessarily expensive, but depends primarily on the mindset and sensitization, in this case concerning hearing disorders, of the institutions and of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project work "Accessible Use of the UB Graz" as part of the basic course of the University Course in Library and Information Studies at the University of Graz 2020/21 deals with the provision of accessible services in the University Library Graz. The aim of the work was to achieve an evaluation and improvement of the existing services, particularly with regard to the homepage and online offerings. The focus was on people with visual impairments and deaf people. Suggestions were developed for improving the online presence, raising awareness among employees, and setting up accessible workstations. The authors emphasize the importance of training for library staff and collaboration with those affected in order to create an inclusive environment. Best practice examples of accessible libraries and websites are also mentioned. The article concludes that raising awareness and continuous commitment are crucial for the implementation of accessibility. [Extracted from the article]

Churches in Zimbabwe have excluded deaf people, limiting their access, presence and participation in Missio Dei and Missio Ecclesiae. So far, there is minimal Zimbabwean theological scholarly attention to communicating the gospel with deaf people. Much of the available related literature focusses on education for deaf people. This article applies a critical disability theory, which is explanatory, practical, normative, and promotes equality and inclusion. In this contribution, communication of the gospel with deaf people is explored. Against the backdrop of marginalisation of deaf people and the inconsideration of the hearing Church, this study interrogated the gospel communication gap that needs to be bridged between deaf people and the hearing Church. The culture of deaf people and communication of the gospel in Zimbabwe were examined. Reflecting through a topic ‘Speaking in signs: Communicating the gospel with deaf people in Zimbabwe’, using a qualitative research methodology through interviews with 20 participants from different institutions for deaf people and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, this research observed that very few denominations have reached out to deaf people with the gospel, whilst the majority have not. The study challenges traditionally exclusive Zimbabwean ecclesiology, missiology and communication of the gospel. It recommends inclusive and contextualised communication of the gospel through the incorporation of sign language and deaf culture towards effective evangelisation and discipleship of deaf people. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The trainers of deaf people, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and deaf people themselves provided an example of an interdisciplinary approach to communicating the gospel with deaf people in Zimbabwe where Ecclesiology, Communication and Disability Studies collaborate towards inclusive sharing of the gospel, and the realisation of Missio Dei and Missio Ecclesiae in Zimbabwe.

The article discusses the founding of a two million DM living center in Hamburg, Germany to serve the needs of the deaf-and-dumb. The center was founded under the auspices of the Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Gehörlosen Groß-Hamburgs (Greater Hamburg Society for the Support of the Deaf) and with contributions from churches, caritive organizations, businesses, and savings banks. Facilities and services provided are described.