Magdalena Bednarska

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Digital forms of participation in religious life for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Opportunity or threat?

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Statistics show that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide experience some degree of hearing loss during their lifetime, with at least 430 million requiring care. The basic consequence of disability—hearing loss—is reduced ability to recognize speech in noise, communication problems, and an increased risk of isolation, resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life. The mass media, which are present in public life, are becoming a platform and a tool for marginalized groups. They are also used by deaf and hard-of-hearing people of all ages who, for various reasons, experience exclusion in various areas – social, educational, cultural, and others. Religion and participation in religious life is a very important part of life for people with hearing impairments, and the question can be asked: do media tools offer this group participation in this sphere, how, and do they take into account the needs of groups, considering their different communication needs? Based on an analysis of the possibilities in this area, tools enabling the religious development of people with hearing impairments will be presented, and a reflection will be held on whether the use of these tools is an opportunity or a threat.