Perceptions of Deaf Children and Their Parents on Spiritual Nurture Experiences at Church: A Case of Lugha Ishara Centre, Nairobi County

Abstract

The church in Kenya is lagging in disability inclusion matters. Deaf children participation in Sunday school is almost nonexistent. This phenomenological study examined the perceptions of Deaf children and their parents on spiritual nurture experiences at church. The study sought to establish the type of spiritual nurture programs offered to Deaf children at church; investigated Deaf children’s perceptions of the spiritual nurture experiences at church and finally explored the perceptions of parents of Deaf children as congregants on the Deaf children spiritual nurture experiences at church. The theories that guided the study were John Westerhoff’s faith development and Mark Oliver’s social model of disability. The research design applied was interpretive phenomenology and respondents were purposively selected so as to allow for homogeneity of the sample. Data collection tools included in-depth interview guide with six parents and Focus Group Discussion guide with seven children aged 7-12 years. Key findings of the of the study evidenced that two types of church programs were available; integrated and separate. The study revealed that both parents and Deaf children had positive and negative experiences at church. The positive perceptions included family support with interpretation, engagement in church activities, strong relationships by having friends in church; availability of sign language interpreters, and innovative teaching styles. The negative experiences included: unfriendly environment of, lack of involvement in activities, lack of sign language teacher, stigma, and no learning experiences. This study recommends that churches should redesign and deliver spiritual nurture programs in collaboration with children and their parents.