About Us

Deaf Streetlight was originally named “The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Institute for Christian Education,” or “Deaf Institute” for short. It was founded in 1968 by Cecil Bennett, a father with a deaf daughter. When Cheryl Bennett was 16, Cecil and his wife Rena, saw the need for more opportunities for Cheryl and other deaf people to connect with the church and the bible; to have their own experience with Jesus and a relationship with God. Thus, the Deaf Institute was born. Cheryl (and others) loved experiencing God’s Word through ASL interpretation at church.

After Will Dickmann was appointed Director of Deaf Institute in 2021, an initiative was started to refresh and rebrand the organization. In the few years prior to Will becoming Director, the organization had experienced an increase in inquiries about the “school” or the “institution” in question. Language is constantly changing, and the word “institute” was becoming outdated and irrelevant. In an effort to reduce confusion and to become more modern, it was decided in late 2021 to rebrand Deaf Institute as “Deaf Streetlight”. The new name also served as an image of hope and a symbol; a beacon of light, guiding people back to the Lord. The Deaf also need sufficient lighting in order to see sign language and to communicate. By coming into the presence of the source of the light, darkness is overcome and it is a safe place for the Deaf to gather together. The duality of this meaning is very special and reflects both the practical need for light and the spiritual need to share and shine God’s light in the Deaf community.

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people matter deeply to God. They are not forgotten — but too often, they are overlooked. A “silent” minority in a world that relies on sound, many Deaf individuals are unintentionally excluded simply because others feel uncertain or uncomfortable stepping into an unfamiliar language and culture. Yet they need the Gospel just as much as anyone.

Who will go, build relationships, and share Jesus in the Deaf community?  — Not many.

While some churches offer ASL interpreted services, the option for the Deaf to fully engage in all aspects of church — especially a fully Deaf-led church — is rare. Deaf Streetlight exists to bridge that gap — connecting individuals and families to Deaf-accessible churches, whether interpreted or fully Deaf, and equipping churches to grow in accessibility through training, support, and resources.

We also advocate for language access and informed choices. Whether your family pursues ASL, spoken language, or both, we support you. We provide resources for ASL learning as well as speech, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and more — because you know your child best. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and empowered in every step.

Above all, Deaf Streetlight is about connection — strengthening families, building community, and creating spaces where Deaf and hearing individuals belong together. We invite you to join us at events like the Deaf Family Connect Fair and Deaf Camp — and become part of a community where everyone is seen, valued, and included.