Deaf in Switzerland

Introduction / History

Switzerland probably has the most complex sign language situation in all of Europe. There are four official verbal languages in Switzerland (French, German, Italian and Romansch.) Three of these geo/political area have their own regional variety of sign. These include Swiss-French Deaf schools (more western Switzerland), Swiss-German Deaf schools (more in the middle of Switzerland), Swiss-Italian Deaf schools (more in the southern part) of Switzerland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like elsewhere, the deaf in Switzerland must learn to adapt to a hearing world. Because of their special communication needs, they are at a disadvantage in school and the workplace.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In the Swiss-German part of Switzerland there are at least six churches and at one church they have an informal Bible College for Deaf. There appear to be active Deaf Christians in Switzerland who are in active outreach programs to reach other Deaf, but t

What Are Their Needs?

Understanding of the scripture is poor due to a low literacy level in any of the four official languages in Switzerland. There are no Deaf schools for the Romansch Language in the eastern part of Switzerland and any Deaf born in that area usually go to th

Prayer Points

Pray for more people to reach out to the Deaf in Switzerland with the gospel and to disciple them.
Pray for Deaf Christians to reach the Deaf in Switzerland.
Pray for Christians to help the Deaf with job skills and job needs.

Text Source:   Joshua Project