FAQ

Q: At what services will there be a sign language interpreter?

A: Please refer to the church calendar. In most instances, the Sunday 11:00 service will have an interpreter. The Sunday 5:00 p.m. service will serve as an alternate in special circumstances. Please check the church calendar regularly for updates. Large events will likely offer more than one interpreted service, so be sure to look for those options.

Q: Is there a reserved section for the deaf and hard-of-hearing?

A: While there is no reserved seating in front, the interpreter is positioned stage-left and visible from most seats in the northeasterly section (near the large cross). Deaf attendees are encouraged to sit in the seat and section of their choice. If attending a large event, please notify the church office in advance so that reserved seating can be arranged, or seek an usher for assistance.

Q: How many deaf people attend Hope regularly?

A: At Hope we like to focus less on the numbers and more on the heart of God. Attendance is not taken. Deaf attendees are not required to identify themselves, but informal conversation prior to and after worship is welcome and encouraged!

Q: Does Hope offer sign language classes?

A: Currently no, but anything can happen! In general we support language acquisition, including ASL, from a native language user. If you are deaf and have an interest in teaching ASL classes at Hope, please contact Dawn Schneider (kelcorsmom@msn.com).

Q: If my child is deaf, does Hope offer interpreters for children’s ministry/Sunday School classes?

A: We have not had a request for this yet, but if you have this need, please contact  Dawn Schneider (kelcorsmom@msn.com).

Q: Does Hope offer interpreters for adult ministry classes and events?

A: This is available upon request and if an interpreter’s schedule is open during the date/time requested.

Q: Does Hope provide an interpreter for my wedding or baptism event?

A: Families who wish to secure an interpreter for an event may select any interpreter of their choice. In these instances, the interpreter is typically paid by the family at a rate agreed upon prior to services rendered. To request a HOPE interpreter, please contact Dawn Schneider (kelcorsmom@msn.com) If payment is a barrier or concern, please let Dawn know.

Q: Does Hope offer interpreters at the North Branch or City Branch locations?

A: We have not had a request for this yet, but if you have this need, Dawn Schneider (kelcorsmom@msn.com).

Q: During worship songs, may I sign?

A: Absolutely!

Q: I’m deaf but I need a ride to church. Who can I call?

A: Gail -- ?

Dawn Schneider

Dawn’s role:

• Provide support to interpreter team for Hope services and events
• Liaison between interpreter team, Hope leadership and worship/choir teams
• Advocate for Deaf attendees, interpreter needs, and special needs ministry
• Prayer warrior for Hope Deaf Ministry
• Provides sign language interpreting for select worship songs and Christmas cantata service

Kathy Rapp

Kathy holds a BA degree in Special Education from Arizona State University and a Certificate of Completion from the Interpreter Training Program at Saint Paul Technical Vocational Institute. She has also attended the “Interpreting for the Theatre Institute” at the Julliard School in New York City which prepares interpreters for work in theatre. She holds a Certificate of Interpreting and a Certificate of Transliterating from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf as well as state licensure. Kathy has been a private practice interpreter for over 30 years. She currently manages the Sorenson Video Relay Service center located in Des Moines which provides video relay interpreting worldwide.

Kathy enjoys racquetball, bible studies, scrapbooking, and biking. She and her husband, John, have three grown children, Megan, Allie, and Kelly. Their home is in West Des Moines.

Kathy’s role:

• Provide sign language interpreting for worship and as needed
• Work with staff person, Gail Smith, to set calendar of events that will be interpreted.

Jocelyn Wallace

Jocelyn holds an Associate’s Degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Iowa Western Community College, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Morningside College. She has been interpreting professionally since 2005 and holds a license to interpret in the state of Iowa. Jocelyn is a member of the Iowa State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (ISRID) and the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). She has passed the written exam for the National Interpreters Certification (NIC) and hopes to pass the performance exam soon. Jocelyn works full-time in human resources at a financial services corporation, and is a part-time sign language interpreter at a nationwide video relay company.

Jocelyn enjoys bible studies, running with friends, scrapbooking, going to baseball games, biking, hiking, camping, reading, photography, music and art. She is blessed in marriage to her husband, Andy. They have two beautiful children, Adam and Lauren, and they live in Waukee, Iowa.

Jocelyn’s role:

• Provide sign language interpreting for worship and as needed