How can deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and children in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

• who use American Sign Language

• who do not have consistent or reliable language interpretation or 

• who live far away (~100 miles) from a sign language ward or branch

participate in accessible sacrament services and second-hour classes?

Invitation

In January 2025, the Utah Area Presidency approved and assigned the Utah Valley Ward (Sign Language) to act as the host unit for an option for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and children (and their guardians) members in remote areas in North America. What this means:

• Your membership record stays in your local or geographic ward.

• But, a copy of your membership record (called an out-of-unit membership record) can be created and transferred to the Utah Valley Ward.

• You can be seen on the ward directories and class rolls in both your local ward and in the Utah Valley Ward.

• You can receive announcements from both wards about activities and events.

• From your home, children can participate in a remote American Sign Language-taught Primary and/or you can receive a calling and serve as a counselor, teacher, secretary, or specialist just like anyone else in your local ward or in the Utah Valley Ward.
  
  

How can I participate in this program?

Beginning in January 2025, the Utah Valley Ward

• • offers internet broadcast of sacrament services conducted in American Sign Language

  • offers second-hour remote format Primary classes for deaf and hard-of-hearing signing children ages 3–11

  • offers remote classes where children can participate in singing and sharing time exercises as well as direct instruction in American Sign Language from teachers specifically focused on their needs.
    
    

Benefits

There are several benefits for participating in this program:

• • You/Children can learn about making and keeping covenants in your/their own language and culture while also building and strengthening your/their testimony (2 Nephi 31:3)

  • You can have opportunities to serve and participate in ward or branch councils (Doctrine & Covenants 4:3)

  • You can develop a sense of community and belonging through friendships with members who use the same language (Ephesians 2:19)

If I transfer my out-of-unit membership to the Utah Valley Ward, what can happen?

• You won’t need an interpreter to attend sacrament and second-hour meetings.

• You can minister to others and someone can minister to you without needing an interpreter.

• You can serve in a calling that helps your testimony and leadership skills grow.

What is an out-of-unit membership record?

An out-of-unit membership record is created to allow a member from a ward or branch to attend and serve in a different ward or branch.

• • For example, if you live in the Neighborhood 1st Ward but there is no sign language branch or ward near you, while your membership record stays in your nearby ward, the ward clerk can create an out-of-unit membership record to be transferred to the Utah Valley Ward (Sign Language).

  • (“Members who are deaf or hard of hearing may virtually attend wards or groups organized for those who are deaf or hard of hearing outside of the members’ geographic area.” See General Handbook 33.6.5 and 33.6.11 for more information.)

  • For children initially participating in Primary classes, we recommend that out-of-unit records be created for the child and at least one or both parents/guardians.

How is an out-of-unit membership record created for me?

• First, contact your local bishop and inform him of your desire to participate in this program. There is a link below to a sample letter you can give to your bishop and ward clerk.

• You can also share this website — https://www.utahvalleyward.org/home/out-of-unit-membership/sample-letters-for-bishops-and-clerks — or print this information sheet and give it to your bishop.

• Your local ward clerk should go to the Out-of-Unit Members and Callings step-by-step information sheet at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/tools/help/out-of-unit-members-and-callings and follow the instructions.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you still need answers to questions, please email uvwardclerk@gmail.com with your preferred contact information and we’ll be happy to help. 

Links and more information