The Bible for every Deaf community
We partner with Deaf leaders to translate
Scripture by video across 350+ sign languages.
Globally there are...
70 million sign language users
350+ sign languages
15% of sign languages have access to portions of Scripture
1 sign language has a full Bible translation
What we do
Around the world, Deaf community leaders are eager to create local initiatives for sign language Bible translation and ministry. We help them clearly communicate the gospel of God’s love in the sign languages their communities understand best, while also equipping them to foster ongoing Scripture engagement and strong, connected faith communities.
Our focus areas include:
Deaf-Hearing Relations and Partnerships
Sign Language Bible Advocacy
Sign Language Bible Translation Progress
Sign Language Bible Access and Distribution
Deaf Community and Bible Engagement
Our values
God First
Deaf Centered
Innovation
Stewardship
Servant Hearted
Legacy
Meet the Team
Adam
Since 2019. Adam is passionate about leveraging technology to get sign language Bibles to Deaf people. Adam has over a decade of experience in the tech field. He earned a bachelor’s in computer science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s in digital media from University of Utah. In his free time, he loves spending time outdoors and playing any sports with his boys.
Brandy
Since 2018. Brandy loves using her gifts to serve a Christian, Deaf-centric organization. She has an associate degree in general studies from Howard College and uses her administrative skills to create efficiency and hospitality in our office. Brandy is married to Ryan, a Deaf pastor and teacher, and together they have three children.
Carly
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Carly. My passion is for Deaf people around the world to know that God sees them, loves them, and values them, so they can live a full and flourishing life.
Bio: Carly is passionate about sharing God’s love with Deaf people hungry for hope. She is a brilliant connector of people and uses this gift to link Deaf individuals to Deaf churches, ministries, and sign language Scripture. She earned a bachelor’s in liberal arts from California State University, Fullerton, and believes that each of us, no matter our abilities, has a part to play in God’s kingdom. Outside of work, Carly loves to play sports and eat dark chocolate!
Carolina
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Carolina from Costa Rica. I love filming, photography, and taking pictures of our beautiful nature.
Bio: With more than 10 years of videography experience, Carolina is passionate about using her gifts to help Deaf communities gain greater access to Scripture. She holds a diploma in videography and communicates in Costa Rican Sign Language, American Sign Language, and International Sign. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and watching movies.
Chantel
Since 2012. Chantel is an advocate and catalyst for Deaf people to encounter the gospel. She became President and CEO on January 1, 2020. Her educational background spans Deaf culture, cross-cultural communication, ASL interpreting, theology, and business leadership. Chantel and her husband, Joel, live in Midlothian, Texas, with their two daughters.
Emma
Since 2026. Emma brings 28 years of experience as a nationally certified (NIC) ASL-English-Spanish interpreter, bridging language gaps to provide the Deaf community with accurate, culturally resonant access to the Word. She holds a degree in ASL Interpreting with concentrations in microbiology and French. Through trilingual, cross-cultural mediation, she helps translation teams globally communicate clearly while preserving the integrity of the message.
Erica
ASL Message: Hello, I’m Erica. My heart verse is Isaiah 41:10. It reminds me that God is with me and gives me strength. I can do hard things because He replaces my weakness with His strength. I enjoy reading, running, biking, going on adventures, and seeing the world. That’s a little about me! Greetings to you all!
Bio: Erica is a seasoned certified interpreter and administrator. She has a passion to see Deaf communities around the world interacting with the Bible and growing their faith. She has served with DBS since 2025 and currently resides in Northeast Ohio with her family. She enjoys the beach, running, and kayaking.
Ignacio
Bio: Ignacio is passionate about helping Deaf translators communicate the Bible clearly in sign language. He is from Costa Rico and has more than 10 years of experience as a Costa Rican Sign Language instructor and as a trainer at the National Learning Institute. He is also a Visual Vernacular specialist and serves as Director of the LESCO Committee at ANASCOR. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, playing board games, attending Deaf community events, and watching movies.
Joel
Since 2020. Joel leads our technology teams to build systems that accelerate our mission. He has a master’s in liberal arts from Harvard, a CTO professional education certification from MIT, and a bachelor’s in management Information systems with a business minor from Oral Roberts University. He has been a leader in technology fields for over a decade. Joel is passionate about using his experience to serve the Deaf community.
Joyce
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Joyce. I’m from Rwanda. I work at Deaf Bible Society as a Field Facilitator for Africa. My heart verse is Matthew 7:7. When you face a problem, ask God, and He will open the way.
Bio: Joyce supports translation teams in Africa and brings years of experience in Deaf leadership, training, and organizational support. She previously served with the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf and the Rwandan Sign Language Bible Translation Society. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Accounting while also studying Bible Theology. In her free time, she enjoys studying God’s Word, praying with Deaf communities, and traveling.
Min Min
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Min Min. Sports remind me that every player has a role on the team. In the same way, I want to encourage every Deaf person to know that they have a role in the Body of Christ!
Bio: Since 2021, Min Min has worked with DBS to overseen operations, optimized processes, and managed teams to ensure efficiency and growth. She enjoys engaging with teams around the world each week. She has her bachelor’s in kinesiology from University of Texas at Arlington, which reflects her love of sports and staying active. Her favorite verse is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Paryag
ASL Message: My name is Parayag. I’m from India. My heart verse is Matthew 28:19. Jesus commands us to go to all nations, towns, and countries and tell people about our faithful and loving God. God’s Word gives Deaf people access to know Him. We are so grateful. God bless you!
Bio: Paryag has served with DBS since 2024, supporting Bible translation and the Deaf community. He has a B.A. in English, Hindi, and Political Science from Subharti University in Uttar Pradesh, India, and a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas. Paryag enjoys sign language songs, teaching sign language, using social media, staying active, and providing counseling support.
Paul
ASL Message: Hello, I’m Paul. I work at Deaf Bible Society because my goal is to see all Deaf people have access to the Bible in their sign language and experience a direct connection with God. That’s why I’m here!
Bio: Paul is a true innovator and entrepreneur who opened his first business at age 15. Since 2019, he has worked with DBS to lead and mobilize teams around the world to translate and distribute sign language Bibles. Paul has an accounting degree from a secondary technical school. As a native of Ukraine, he brings valued cross-cultural experience to his work. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and filmmaking.
Stephen
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Stephen. I enjoy fixing cars and reading books. Nice to meet you.
Bio: Stephen has brought a wealth of linguistic knowledge to the organization since 2019. He has his bachelor’s in ASL from Gardner-Webb University, a bachelor’s in applied science and technology from RIT, and a master’s in linguistics from the University of North Dakota. Stephen is an expert in both spoken and signed languages. In his free time, he enjoys writing novels and being with his family.
Valerii
Since 2025. Valerii enjoys his work as a Field Coordinator because it allows him to continually learn new things and help others grow. He studied accounting at a secondary technical school, gaining valuable knowledge and practical experience, and also holds a leadership certificate from a Biblical school. Valerii enjoys learning about different cultures and focusing on personal development.
Vitalii
ASL Message: Hello, my name is Vitalii. I’m from Ukraine. My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. The Lord knows the plans He has for us, so we can have hope. If the Lord did not know the plans He has for us, we would have no hope. We do not need to fear the future. All we have to do is seek Him.
Together, we can go farther, faster to reach more Deaf communities
Executive partners
Andrew Hood, Strategy
Glass Box Systems
Jocelyn Schlenker, Advocacy
Sotros
Joel Pagán, Innovations
Kingdom Tech Now
Tim Wilkins, Finance
Chaney and Associates
Board of directors
Melvin Morris, Chairman
CFO, Faith Comes by Hearing
John Dickinson, Vice Chair
Founder, Dickinson & Partners
Mark Apodaca
President, FINLION
Dave Cram, Secretary/Treasurer
Retired VP/CFO, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Jordan Crandall
Director, Huron Consulting Group
Sierra Forrest
Director of Marketing and Sales, Simply Sunflower Oil
Grace Townsend-Goreth
Partner Relations Representative, JAARS
Board advisors
Dale Berkey
Co-Founder and President, BBS & Associates
Micheal Dickenson
Micheal Dickenson Ministries