- Frame the message that disabilities affect every one of us in some way. By excluding (even unintentionally) people with disabilities we are depriving our congregation from the gifts of “God’s varied grace”. We are all somewhere on the ability/disability continuum. Chances are, if we live long enough, we will move to a different spot on the continuum eventually. Sudden diagnoses or accidents can also dramatically change our status. The more we know, the better prepared we can be to welcome one another in the name of God.
- Don’t overwhelm your audience. Sometimes it is a good thing to offer a “Disabilities 101″ type of forum as series for a congregation. Depending on the needs of the group several sessions might be the best way to approach the variety of topics that fall into the category of “disabilities”.
- Look for partners. This is a topic that affects everyone so it is also an opportunity for Ecumenical or Interfaith partnerships. A local cluster of congregations and advocacy groups can plan a series or day-long event together. Some communities have disability awareness/advocacy organizations that provide this kind of support to local congregations.
- Find the experts. One of the slogans of the Disability Rights movement is “Nothing about us without us”. There may people in your congregation available and willing to share their experience of disability. Alternatively, consider inviting someone or several people from outside your congregation to be your guests/teachers for these sessions. Keep in mind any accommodations that might be necessary (signers, companion dogs, caregivers, etc.)
- Decide ahead of time about areas you wish to emphasize. There are a variety of disabilities to consider, and as with everything else, each person has their own experience of disability. Here are some general categories:
Developmental and learning disabilities: ADD, autism, Downs
Syndrome
Disabilities that occur from birth: cerebral palsy, blindness,
deafness
Later in life onset: stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain disorders
Trauma related disabilities: amputations, paralysis, brain
injuries
Disabilities that affect our elders: Alzheimer’s, dementia,
arthritis
- Try to create a safe environment for everyone. Encourage questions about practical matters as well as feelings. People are often surprised at the large amounts of planning and extra time it takes for many of us to get ready for the day or just getting from one place to another.
- Educate your staff. Does your church staff know where to turn or where to refer families who may need specialized support for a member with a disability? Make sure the congregation is on local mailing lists to be informed about events, new resources, or opportunities for financial support (i.e. walks and races or art fairs or “galas” designed to support the local non-profits.) Offer to create a file that is updated regularly for referral purposes. There are excellent web sites that will have a great deal of information for disability awareness. They are listed in the following pages along with some organizations that may have chapters or counterparts in your community.
- Make some popcorn. Many congregations and fellowship groups enjoy hosting a film series pertaining to a particular theme. The following films can help start an exploration of disability issues:
The Elephant Man To Kill A Mockingbird
Fisher King A Beautiful Mind
Mr. Holland’s Opus My Left Foot
Rain Man The Sound and the Fury
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Million Dollar Baby
Lorenzo’s Gold Born in the USA
Mask Cuckoo’s Nest
Forrest Gump The Miracle Worker
Children of a Lesser God Passion Fish The Best Years of Our Lives King of Hearts
Discussion questions to consider:
- How do you think the portrayal of disability in this film was influenced by the culture of the time?
- Is the “problem” in the film the person with the disability or the society that will not accept him or her?
- What are the feelings that the movie evokes?
- How might this movie influence your attitudes or behavior?
- What/where are the sources of strength for the characters in the film? Sources of pain or sadness?
- Does this film reinforce stereotypes of people with disabilities?
- Field Trip. Check your community out for opportunities to tour a vocational support center or see about visiting a rehab facility or adaptive gym that sponsors wheelchair basketball or has a therapeutic swimming pool. Often, these pools have open swim time for a small fee. For a true “immersion experience” a youth group could have a swim party in a place where there are ramps and lifts, and water chairs. Water is often a great equalizer for some people with disabilities. We regain some lost mobility or find the sensory part of swimming very relaxing. Another place to visit would be a training facility for working dogs. Often these are also non-profit groups who would enjoy having church partners for their work. Arranged visits to an early childhood center that “does” inclusive education would be inspiring for church educators and Sunday School volunteers. Make sure you call ahead to make arrangements for your group.
- Tell your story. Use the church newsletter, worship opportunities, bulletin boards, website or Sunday bulletins to report on activities and announce upcoming events.