Affiliate Connect - September

Wed, 09/21/2022 - 2:00pm EDT to 3:00pm

We meet with NCPD Affiliates every month to address the specific needs of their dioceses. This month's Affiliate Connect will discuss:

"Deaf Ministry - Ensuring Accessibility for All of His Sons & Daughters"

What does the number 99 mean to you? Participants will learn how the number 99 is unique in deaf ministry, understand how hearing loss impacts a person's sense of community and relationship with Christ, and tips that can be implemented quickly to serve the deaf and/or hard of hearing Catholics within their parishes and local communities.

Affiliates will receive a zoom link one week prior to the meeting.

Joan Macy,

President of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf

In high school, Joan began taking American Sign Language classes and she has been involved with the deaf community ever since. Mrs. Macy received Bachelor’s Degrees in Education and Psychology from Benedictine College, a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from the University of Kansas, and an endorsement in Educational Administration from Emporia State University. She has worked in the field of education for 30 years and is currently an administrator at a state school for the deaf.

Joan is also the ASL Interpreter Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and has served as the Interim Consultant for Deaf Ministry in the past. She is responsible for advocating for all programs to be fully accessible for the deaf as well as providing direct services and supports to members of the community, including interpreting parish and diocesan events. She has provided workshops on interpreting, religious ASL, deaf education, and family workshops for parents with children who are deaf/hard of hearing. In addition, Joan is the editor of the Vision newsletter for the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD).

Affiliate Connect - September

Joan Macy,

National Catholic
Partnership on Disability

Promoting the Meaningful Participation
of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society