First Congregational Church, one of Long Beach’s oldest congregations, is now fully accessible for the deaf and hearing impaired. While hearing devices have long been available, an American sign language interpreter is now providing translation at Sunday morning services.
Translating for the church is Melanie Riecke Hiller, an instructional specialist at Cal State Northridge who has a Masters in special education. Hiller has a teaching credential in deaf and hard-of-hearing education and has served as a teacher of the deaf in the Alhambra School District since 1999.
The church currently has two members who are hearing impaired and anticipates that others may begin to attend when they learn that ASL translation is available.
First Congregational Church, located at the corner of Third Street and Cedar Avenue, is well known for its involvement in the downtown community, including a free summer day camp and a Sunday drop-in center for the homeless. Services take place every Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
For more information, contact Libby Tigner at (562) 436-2256.
