CHRISTIAN STEWARD NEWS

Vol. 15 No. 2 June 2026

Hearing Impairments

 
IN THIS ISSUE

Devotion: Full Steam Ahead


Special Education in the News


Strategies/Tips/Apps


Curriculum & Materials


Inclusive Ministry

 

Tee up for impact at the LSEM Golf Outing-Friday, June 19, 2026, at StoneBridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor. Every foursome and sponsorship strengthens LSEM’s mission to help children with learning needs find success in Christian schools through training, resources, and school partnerships.

DEVOTION

Full Steam Ahead


Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” - Philippians 3:12-21


In my younger days, I had a summer job at the Saginaw (MI) Children’s Zoo as the train driver. The zoo has a train that runs on a 24” gauge track and can accommodate about 30 - 40 passengers per trip. The half-mile train ride took the passengers all around the zoo.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

Hearing Impairments

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There are different types of hearing loss; some are permanent while others may be treatable. Boston Children's Hospital provides an overview of hearing loss in children and the different types of pediatric hearing loss are explained. The symptoms and causes of each are listed and diagnosis, treatments, and interventions are addressed. Click here to read the article.


STRATEGIES/TIPS/APPS

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The Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) provides language and vocabulary activities to use with students of any age with hearing loss. The strategies can be customized to use with most lessons. The article was written in a two-part series. Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.


Google's Live Transcribe is an app that uses real-time speech-to-text recognition to display words on a smartphone screen. This can help individuals with a hearing impairment understand a lesson or lecture. This Google app is completely free for Android users. Click here for more information or to download. While designed by a different company, Apple's Live Transcribe is very similar to Google's version and is also free with in-app purchases.


The Deaf Bible App, created by the Deaf Bible Society, is a free, interactive app that offers the Bible in sign language with close-up videos in multiple translations and languages. Click here to learn more and here to download on Apple or Google Play.

 

CURRICULUM & MATERIALS

Accommodations for Sunday School


The Special Sunday School site provides suggestions for materials with visual supports. These materials can be helpful for many students, but may be especially beneficial for those with hearing impairments. Click here to learn more.


Mission Bible Class describes a variety of visual aids and how to use them to help teach Bible stories. These are not specific for students with hearing impairments, however, they can be helpful for reinforcement. Learn more here.

INCLUSIVE MINISTRY

Immanuel Lutheran Church & School


Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in St. Charles, MO, has a deaf and hard of hearing ministry for all ages. The ministry is for individuals that have hearing impairments and their families. A signing class and Bible Study is offered weekly. A new service for those with limited hearing, called Listen Everywhere, is now also available at the church. Click here to learn more.

 
LUTHERAN SPECIAL EDUCATION MINISTRIES
 
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