Buy soma c.o.d., United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries, www.uccdm.org - Great site for downloading useful resources, networking, posting questions, reflections, conversations.

United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network, www.min-ucc.org -The Mental Illness Network is a network about Serious Brain Disorders. Connect to find solidarity, Utah UT , help and resources for living with Serious Brain Disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder, Mississippi MS Miss. , Schizophrenia and Depression.

American Association of People with Disabilities, www.dmdaapd.org serves the diverse community of people with disabilities, including family, North Dakota ND , friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). California CA Calif. , Interfaith Initiative has resources and ideas for congregations

National Organization on Disability, www.nod.org -works in partnership with businesses, government, and local organizations to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, kjøpe soma. Sponsors programs that promote employment opportunities, raise awareness and marshal resources for people with disabilities, buy soma c.o.d.. Publishes That All May Worship, and From Barriers to Bridges, Cheap soma, resources for congregations.

Bill Gaventa and The Elizabeth Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, (just Google them, the web address is complicated!), Rhode Island RI R.I. , Editor, Journal on Religion and Disability and Health, Goedkope soma apotheek, many great resources on including people with disabilities in faith communities, autism downloads, CPE program for seminarians and clergy in settings that minister to people with developmental disabilities, excellent Bibliography for religion-related disability resources, Koop korting soma. Available to speak and consult, bill.gaventa@umdnj.edu

The Arc, Buy soma online legally, www.thearc.org - The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals through more than 780 state and local chapters across the nation. Buy soma c.o.d., The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org -From its inception in 1979, Maine ME Me. , NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy. Soma over the counter, There are state and local NAMI chapters with excellent speakers, trainers, leaders.

Alzheimer’s Association, cheap soma, www.alz.org, The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, Kjøpe soma online, support and research. Good resources for Caregiver support and training volunteers.

The UCC Fellowship of Architects, Collaborate to help build and renovate spaces for worship, education, and mission where all are welcome, possible consultant for church accessibility projects, buy soma c.o.d.. For more information, call or write to: Violeta de Banate 216-636-3834 debanatv@ucc.org

Nth Degree, Køb billige soma, www.thenthdegree.com , “Awarewear” business founded by disabilities advocate Dan Wilkins. Ordering soma online without prescription, Excellent resource for understanding Disability Culture, finding great posters, stickers, and tee shirts, Tennessee TN Tenn. , and laughing.

Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers, Halvalla soma apteekki, www.taalliance.org, Absolute must for families who are looking for local support and ideas to secure services for children and young adults (birth-age 26). Find local or regional parent resource center. Buy soma c.o.d., Centers sponsor frequent info and support gatherings for families and self-advocates.

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy, soma kopen, www.wrightslaw.com Parents, educators, Kentucky KY Ky. , advocates, and attorneys will find accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, buy cheap soma online, and advocacy for children with disabilities. Key info for parents struggling with school districts to secure resources for their children. Køb discount soma, ADAPT, www.adapt.org is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom, ordering soma pills. Another great insight into civil rights activism.

Specialty Sites – Every disability has an on-line community. Comprar soma baratos, You can learn very specific information about particular disabilities, therapy regimens, relevant assistive technology, treatment and support suggestions, New Jersey NJ N.J. , and local chapters

Don’t forget “Local Heroes” – Many of these groups have local chapters and can connect you to people with disabilities to help your church on their A2A journey.

10.2009 - J.C. Hartsig for Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ

.

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Order cafergot online cheap, Disabilities Ministries Team of the Connecticut Conference, First Quarter Report, 2009
Submitted by Jacky Scofield

January

We start the New Year with several new team members: Rev. Paul Goodman, cafergot online stores, Comprar en línea cafergot, Pat Kenney, Marty Night, cheapest cafergot online, Cheapest cafergot, Rev. Ray and Bonnie Odiorne and Rev, Arizona AZ Ariz. . Acheter cafergot bon marché, Kathy Peters. In addition, Connecticut CT Conn. , Mississippi MS Miss. , Rev. Karen Jodice continues for a second year, order cafergot online cheap.

Jan, cheap cafergot. Illinois IL Ill. , 29 Meeting
In Attendance: Jacky Schofield Ann Marino, Karen Jodice, Maryland MD Md. , Order cafergot online cheap, Pat Kenney

Items Discussed:

• Request for a volunteer for Secretary (no one present was available).

• Discussion of our goals and distribution of our Mission Statement for new team members

• How to find “ambassadors” to help talk to churches about A2A, cafergot prices. Online cafergot, 1. Order cafergot online cheap, Draw from the list of people who volunteered for the core team.
2, where to buy cafergot. Jotta cafergot verkossa, Possibility that some core team members may be able to occasionally speak to other churches about A2A
3. As churches become A2A, Louisiana LA , Texas TX Tex. , hope that others are inspired to help

• How to train “ambassadors.”

1. The A2A curriculum can be found online at www.uccdm.org, comprar cafergot.
2, order cafergot online cheap. Cafergot without a prescription, Each team member will read a section (15-20 pages) of the curriculum and write a brief summary/outline of that section.

• How to find churches willing to consider becoming A2A, order cafergot no prescription. Buy cafergot pills, 1. If one or two start and we can publicize it, Pennsylvania PA Penn. , Cafergot pills, others will follow. Order cafergot online cheap, 2. Churches of core team members may consider
3, cheapest cafergot prices. Churches of ambassadors may consider
4. Approach churches that responded to our email about accessibility.

a. Develop a questionnaire about accommodations that have been made, order cafergot online cheap. This will open a conversation and pave the way for discussing A2A
b. Speak to the pastor or other designated person regarding accommodations and their motivation for them.
c. Eventually ask if they would be interested in hearing about A2A.

February No meeting held

March Order cafergot online cheap, March 19 Meeting
In attendance: Jacky Schofield, Karen Jodice, Ray Odiorne, Pat Kenney, Marty Night and Paul Goodman

Items Discussed:

• Introductions of new team members

• Status of church survey questions

1. Contact with churches has not been completed
2. Churches which have, or will be contacted:

Paul – Brookfield
Bridgewater
Somers
Pat - Manchester
Portland
Karen – Broadview
Rocky Hill
Ledyard
Jacky - Bridgeport
Immanuel
Old Greenwich
Cornwall

• Summaries of “Accessible to All” Curriculum

1.Section I – “Anybody” is complete.

• Annual Spring Conference Meeting workshop

1. Meeting theme is “health care”

a. Jacky brought a pamphlet that she had compiled for another advocacy group – “Disability Etiquette.”
b, order cafergot online cheap. It had been presented at two churches and had been well received. Engenders discussion.
c. It is a collection of rules of etiquette for interacting with people with disabilities. Order cafergot online cheap, Discussed possibility of using it as a foundation of a workshop. Use as a way to discuss A2A
d. Name the workshop “25 No-cost Ways to make our Churches Accessible.”
e. Paul, Pat and Ray all offered to do the presentation (other team members not present should talk to them about splitting the presentation).
f. Bonnie Odiorne has offered to put together a simple Power Point presentation

Next Meeting Scheduled for April 23, 2009

.

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Follow Disabilities Inclusion Associates Jacky Schofield and Ann Marino and blog with the team using the comment box below as they develop the Connecticut Conference Disabilities Ministry Team. Connecticut Conference Disabilities Ministries Team Report First Quarter 2008 JANUARY The first meeting of the Disabilities Ministry Team was held on January 29, 2008 at the office of the Connecticut Conference in Hartford. In attendance were the Disabilities Inclusion Associates and the CT Conference Minister, Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree. Issues Discussed 1. Reviewed proposed strategy for the introduction of the “Accessible to All” initiative to the local churches in Connecticut. 2. Discussed formation of a ministry team to be based on a community organization model (an initial small core group of 4-6 people charged with planning the A2A introduction strategy). Upon launch of the A2A initiative (Fall Conference Meeting, 2008), the team will be expanded to include regional “ambassadors” who will spread the program to local churches. This group will be diverse in gender, race and disabilities. 3. Developmental Strategy • The conference minister will alert Regional Ministers about the ministry team and the work that it will be doing. • Ministry team will begin to recruit additional members for team core. • Ministry team will attempt to secure printed materials from Disabilities Ministries Board. • Ministry team will operate a display booth at the Spring Conference Meeting on May 10, 2008. • Publicize the formation of the ministry team through brief articles in Conference Call and Contact. • Survey local churches to identify and recognize those that have already begun to accommodate and welcome people with disabilities. • A short presentation will be planned for the Fall Conference Meeting as a formal “launch” for the A2A program. FEBRUARY Two new members, both clergy, were added to the team. MARCH The ministry team held its first meeting on March 28 in New Haven with three members in attendance. Issues Discussed 1. Strategy for accessibility survey of local churches. • Write letters to the regional ministers introducing the ministry team and the accessibility survey, and advising them that we wish to contact the Association moderators. • Write letters to the Association moderators introducing the team, advising them of the survey and requesting an opportunity to speak at the annual meetings or monthly meetings. • Create email survey that can be completed and emailed back to team. Ask churches to share what they have done for accessibility so far so that we can celebrate together. • Visit churches that have done the most. 2. Spring Conference Meeting • Check about reserving a booth at the conference meeting. • Copy flyers as handouts: Mental Illness Network Brochure; Pathways to Promise Brochure; Usher’s Guide; “Anybody, Everybody, Christ’s Body” brochure and “The Local Church and the ADA.” Have materials sent to a designated team member's house. • Create a poster The meeting was closed with a plan to meet again on April 25. Interested readers are invited to view and comment on 41 related articles and comments found at the Networking Category on UCCDM.ORG. Scroll to UCC Conference/Association DIAs and Committees. Shared by Jacky Schofield, Connecticut Conference DIA April 1, 2008 Resource Persons: Jacky Schofield is a recent seminary graduate who plans a specialized ministry in disabilities. Ann Marino is a former nurse who worked with adults and children with developmental disabilities as well as other disabilities. Both can be reached through the Connecticut Conference office at 860-233-5564 or http://www.ctucc.org.

Camp of the Heart at Hartman Center A United Church of Christ Conference, Camp and Retreat Center Milroy, Pennsylvania My name is Kara Druckenmiller. I’ve been a special education teacher for four years. During college, I worked at Hartman Center as a counselor and met a family that had several children, one of whom was autistic and mildly mentally retarded. He always wanted to stay when his brother and sister came to camp, but never could. It was my inspiration and motivation to try and make it so he could come to camp. So three years ago this summer, I started the first summer camp at Hartman Center for special needs individuals from ages seven to adult. The campers had various disabilities including autism, Down’s syndrome, mental retardation, some physical handicaps and other various disorders. The maximum number of campers was 12. Campers were allowed to bring a family member or caretaker if they wished. If not we had volunteers, enough for one-to-one companionship. We also had our own nurse who went everywhere with the camp. We stayed in a handicap-accessible building, where we slept, had Bible/study time and sang songs. We went to the dining hall, which is accessible, to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with the other campers from various other themed camps, that is, hiking camp, junior camp, junior high camp and family camp. We also went fishing. To get out to the pond, which is quite a distance, some of the campers walked, while others were driven in the camp’s golf cart. We went on hayrides. We swam, did crafts, participated in the talent show, cookout, had campfires, played games and enjoyed many other activities. Bible studies included a scavenger hunt looking for various nature things: flower, sticks, pine cone, rock, etc. We then talked about how these items represent God and how we could see God and Jesus in nature. Campers, volunteers, camp staff and other campers from other camps involved with Camp of the Heart have said how much it has changed them, how much fun they had and how rejuvenated they felt in mind and spirit after camp. This camp is rewarding for those who are involved. Camp of the Heart is the perfect name for it because the camp is just that. Everybody shares a piece of their hearts, as well as a piece of God because God shines through us all. Campers have returned consecutive years. More and more interest is being gained to join Camp of the Heart. What an awesome ministry for the campers and for the volunteers.

In a recent release, Gordon Gilles, President of the United Church of Christ Cornerstone announced: For the first time in our history the loan portfolio has exceeded $50,000,000! As of December 31, 2008, the $51,157,910.94 loan portfolio consists of 174 loans which are spread among 33 of our 38 Conferences. From our humble beginning in September, 1993 through 2008 much has been accomplished. The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries refers churches to Cornerstone as a potential financial resource when planning to build or adapt a building to become accessible and welcoming to all people. Such inclusion is a goal of the denomination as mandated by the accessibiity resolution, "Becoming an Accessible to All," accepted by the 2005 General Synod. Congratulations Cornerstone Fund and Thank You.

Congratulations to Connecticut Conference upon the official recognition of The Disability Ministry Team of the Connecticut Conference. A late November note from Jacky Scofield, Disabilities Inclusion Associate (DIA) for the conference celebrates the decision by the CT Conference Board of Directors to recognize the team as a ministry team. Ann Marino and Jacky Scofield share team responsibilities. Disabilities Inclusion Associates enable the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries to expand its leadership to conferences, associations and local churches. Among the tools this important resource will utilize are "A Guide for Ushers" and "Anybody, Everybody, Christ's Body," the study curriculum for congregations developed by UCCDM Chair, the Rev. Jo Clare Hartsig, in response to the denomination's goal of Accessibility for All.

Quarterly Report from Connecticut Conference Dusabilities Inclusion Associates April The team met in New Haven on April 25, 2008. In attendance were Jacky Schofield, Ann Marino and Rev. Karen Jodice. Issues Discussed: 1. Preparations for an information table to be set up at the upcoming Annual Conference Spring Meeting. • To have an A2A poster made • To obtain a tri-fold stand for the poster • To make copies of several documents for the table (A2A Guide for Ushers, A2A Worship Guidelines, a sign-up sheet for people interested in working on the team, “Anybody, Everybody, Christ’s Body” – A2A brochure, several flyers from the UCC Mental Illness Network). 2. The need to grow our team and ways in which it may be accomplished. 3. Goal of applying for official status as a Ministry Team within the Connecticut Conference in September. 4. Most efficient way to communicate with and visit churches within the Connecticut Conference that have worked to achieve accessibility and to disseminate information abut A2A. May 1. An information table on Disability Ministry and A2A was set up at the Conference Annual Spring Meeting on May 10, 2008. The table was staffed alternately by team members and a good number of people stopped for information and pamphlets, but only two people expressed interest in working on our team. We followed up with both people and Their contact information has been retained for future reference. 2. Two articles on the team and A2A were published by the Conference. One in the “Conference Call” newsletter and One on the Conference website “ConnnTact.” Visit at http://www.ctucc.org. Go to NEWS, ConnTact, Archives, June The team met in New Haven on June 5, 2008. In attendance were Jacky Schofield and Rev. Karen Jodice. Issues Discussed: 1. The response to the sign-up sheet at the Spring Meeting. • Both interested parties had been contacted and their numbers kept for future reference. 2. How best to locate and contact potential new team members from around the Conference. • We discussed the possibility of sending out a letter to all pastors and/or Regional Ministers asking for names of people who may be interested in joining the team. 3. What would be the most efficient way to locate and visit churches that have already done the most towards full accessibility? • The possibility of directly contacting and visiting local churches, or • Asking Regional Ministers to assist in targeting specific churches. Meeting held in New Haven on June 18, 2008. In attendance were Ann Marino and Rev. Karen Jodice. Issues Discussed: 1. Using their knowledge of local churches and their members, they finalized plans to contact Regional Ministers to recruit a diverse core team. 2. The plan also included a way to elicit information about churches that have already taken steps to welcome and embrace members with disabilities. These churches would be recognized at the Fall conference Meeting. • Ann Marino will compose a letter to all Regional Ministers asking for their help in locating potential team members as well as identifying local churches that have taken steps toward accessibility.

WHAT IS THE UCC FELLOWSHIP OF ARCHITECTS? The UCC Fellowship of Architects is a national gathering of architects and allied professionals who are members of UCC local church congregations. It is a program of Local Church Ministries. We also welcome the participation of clergy, lay-people, and seminarians who share our interest in the relationships between architecture, theology, and congregational life. Please consider yourself invited to become a part of the UCC Fellowship of Architects if you share these interests! Since 1988, members of the Fellowship have met to enjoy stimulating lectures and discussion, the fellowship of professional peers, and worship in a variety of inspiring spaces. Members have also traveled together with scholars to experience and study historic and new examples of worship spaces in the middle eastern and European countries of our liturgical and theological roots. Members of the Fellowship have assisted many local churches across the UCC as they contemplated building programs to support current and future ministries. Several members of the Fellowship collaborated on the design of the Amistad Chapel located at the UCC National Church House in Cleveland, Ohio and dedicated in 2000. The Fellowship gathers or travels together roughly annually. Please give us your contact information if you would like to be on our mailing list. The Mission of the UCC Fellowship of Architects In service to God and the United Church of Christ we are called to build and renovate spaces for worship, education, and mission that serve the Christian community and transform lives.

...to shape spaces for worship where all are welcome; ...to shape spaces that teach God's story and their community's story; ...to shape spaces that help prepare us to welcome the Spirit; ...to shape spaces that rehearse us for the realm of God; ...to shape spaces that inspire and propel us to live lives of service.

What Do We Do? We continue to learn, spread the word and build churches. CONTINUE TO LEARN: We gather to learn from each other, from guest scholars, theologians and practitioners as well as from the special places we gather in. Each year we will alternate between gatherings some place in the United States and a traveling seminar to a foreign country. SPREAD THE WORD: We communicate the insights we have gained and the lessons we have learned to seminaries, architectural schools and UCC church organizations. BUILD CHURCHES: We actively pursue and assist one another in getting commissions to design and build places for worship. The making of a place, whether new or renovated, is the culmination of all our efforts. It is also the best way for us to learn and influence others. Contact Please give us your contact information if you would like to be on our mailing list. Contact Information: Violete de Banate Local Church Ministries - Church Building and Loan Fund 700 Prospect Avenue E Cleveland OH 44117 Phone 1-866-822-8224 Ext. 3834 or 216-736-3834 Fax: 216-736-3818 Email: debanatv@ucc.org

Here is a an idea for other conferences to consider to acknowledge efforts of UCC churches to become accessible and inclusive. The idea was shared by the Rev. Bob Molsberry. History of the Tom Paton Award The Tom Paton Award was established in 1979 by the Ohio Conference Task Force on Ministries for and with Persons with Disabilities to honor the man who inspired and helped direct Conference efforts to reach out and serve people with disabilities. Rev. Paton was a strong advocate for inclusiveness for all persons and all conditions of life. Tom Paton, a Board for World Ministries missionary to Japan, served as a resident missionary in the Ohio Conference in 1977-78. The Task Force, formed in 1979, organized an International Gathering on Ministries with Persons with Disabilities that was held at Pilgrim Hills in July, 1980. Persons from seven countries, both with and without visible disabilities, participated in this event. Tom Paton traveled to Ohio from Japan to co-direct the gathering with Robert Ruck, chair of the Task Force. Robert Ruck wrote about Tom Paton’s role in the gathering: “Tom Paton, who first suggested this gathering in correspondence with Bill Wealand [Ohio Conference Minister for Outdoor Ministries], gave encouragement to each person, helping us discover things about ourselves and our ability to relate to others. Tom is a person in whom the light of God’s love shows forth in a magnificent way.” The Task Force also asked the Ohio Conference to establish yearly awards for churches and Ohio UCC-related organizations which had done the most during the past year to make their building physically accessible, to make their congregations inclusive and welcoming and who were committed to be advocates for persons with disabilities in their communities. The award was named in honor of Tom Paton. The first Tom Paton Award was presented to Avon Lake United Church of Christ in 1979. Criteria that have been considered for the award include: § Building accessibility (original design or later modifications) § Participation by persons with disabilities in worship, programs and church activities § Publicity and awareness of church’s accessibility § Special facilities or services (taped services for shut-ins, chair lifts, listening devices, etc.) § Attitudes, outreach and sensitivity (how welcome will people with disabilities be?) § Employment of persons with disabilities on church staff Accessibility Check List and Form Large-print hymnals, bulletins, Bibles Braille materials Sermons or entire services on tape Amplifying sound systems Sign language provided Adequate lighting Printed sermons Audio loops and other assistive listening devices Parking and Paths Curb cuts to sidewalks and ramps to entrances Pathways at least 48” wide, sloped no more than 5% Level resting space around doors Marked accessible parking close to accessible entrances Ramps and Stairs Stairs with rubber treads Ramps 36” wide, minimum, extending 1’ in length for every 1” of rise (1:12 ratio) Handrails on at least one side of ramp, 32” above surface Stairs with handrails on both sides, 32” above the step and extending 1’ beyond the top and bottom of the stairs Slightly raised abrasive strips on top steps to warn people with limited sight where stairs begin Protection from rain and snow over ramps; non-skid ramp surfaces Bathrooms At least one accessible bathroom Grab bars on each side of accessible toilet Sink with 29” clearance from floor to bottom of sink Wheelchair turning space, 5’ x 5’ Towel dispensers no higher than 40” from floor Lever-type faucet controls and hardware on doors One toilet stall 36” wide with 48” clear depth from door closing to front of toilet and a 32” door that swings out Water Fountains Mounted with basin no more than 36” from floor, easily operated from wheelchairs Elevators and Lifts Handrail on at least one side, 32” from floor Elevators or chair lifts to ensure access to the sanctuary and all major program areas Braille plaques on elevator panels Controls placed 54” or less from the elevator floor, reachable from a wheelchair Worship Space Scattered spaces or “pew cuts” for wheelchair users Seating spaces with extra leg room for people using crutches, walkers, braces or casts Area with lectern and microphones accessible to those with mobility impairments Choir area allowing wheelchair users to participate Adequate lighting directed on the face of the speaker for those who read lips Bookstands or lap boards available for those unable to hold hymnals or Bibles Doors and Doorways Lever handles or push bars Doors that can be opened by exerting 81 pounds of pressure or less Door openings 32” wide or more Doors that can be opened electronically by pushing a button Other Improvements In the space below, share with us the things you have done which are not covered by this checklist. Add extra pages if needed. Church Name Address Phone Email Contact Person

This access guide is a comprehensive resource, enabling persons with disabilities to participate in the life of the church. Please share this with members of your denominations, organizations and networks. This document may be reproduced in any format. Identify the source by stating, “This Equal Access Guide was prepared by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA Committee on Disabilities.” PDF Version COMMITTEE ON DISABILITIES National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA NCCCUSA COMMITTEE ON DISABILITIES Equal Access Guide  2004 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA Education and Leadership Ministries Commission Committee on Disabilities 475 Riverside Drive• Suite 812; New York, NY 10115 Phone 212.870.2267 • Fax 212.870.3112 About the NCCCUSA Committee on Disabilities: The committee is comprised of representatives from churches and organizations. Committee members have direct experience of disabilities. This access guide is a comprehensive resource, enabling persons with disabilities to participate in the life of the church. Please share this with members of your denominations, organizations and networks. Chief Editors: Linda Jean H. Larson, M.A.T. NCCCUSA Committee on Disabilities Contracted Staff The Reverend Garland F. Pierce, Associate Director NCCCUSA Education and Leadership Ministries Commission The Reverend Patrice L. Rosner, NCCCUSA Associate General Secretary for Education Director, Education and Leadership Ministries Commission All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS GUIDE The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA Committee on Disabilities created this Equal Access Guide for Meetings, Conferences, Large Assemblies and Worship for use in planning your next meeting, conference, large assembly, or worship within your denomination or organization. Whenever and wherever we gather, it is the sincere hope that we all take heed of the mandate from the book of Isaiah, “enlarge the size of our tent” to include the entire Body of Christ in all our activities. (Isaiah 54:2) This book is a guide to accessibility that benefits all of us. We encourage you to use this guide when planning all activities. We realize that in this guide, we have set the ideal. We invite you to consider, “Does our invitation and planning have integrity? Are we inclusive of everyone who wishes to participate?” The outline of this book begins from the time you start to plan to the end of your meeting, conference, large assembly or worship and continues with an on-site walk through hotel and meeting facilities. It then addresses large assemblies, presenters, and worship and ends with a statement on etiquette. The final page acknowledges the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its Accessibility Guide and the members of the NCCCUSA Committee on Disabilities who edited this guide. Use this guide often; use it well; and, may God bless your work. For further help, please contact the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; Education and Leadership Ministries Commission; 475 Riverside Drive, Ste. 812; New York, NY 10115; phone: 212-870-2267; fax: (212) 870-3112; www.ncccusa.org/elmc. NCCCUSA Committee on Disabilities Table of Contents Introduction to the Guidelines iii National Council of Churches, USA Policy Statement on Disabilities, the Body of Christ and the Wholeness of Society 1 Getting Started 4 Registration Form 6 Accommodations Budget 7 Local Arrangements 9 On-site Walkthrough 10 Hotel Accommodations 13 Dining Facilities 15 Meeting Facilities 16 Large Assemblies 19 Worship 22 Presenters 23 Etiquette 24 Acknowledgements 26 National Council of Churches Policy Statement on Disabilities, the Body of Christ, and the Wholeness of Society “Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many” 1 Corinthians 12:14 One in five Americans lives with impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. Virtually everyone will live with a disability at some time in life. Concepts of justice for people with disabilities have evolved beyond paternalism toward the ideals of full participation and inclusion in all aspects of life. Disability rights and self-advocacy movements have emerged. At the national level, landmark laws such as the Rehabilitation Act, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seek to assure the same rights to people with disabilities that are guaranteed to all other people in our society. The religious community also has taken a number of initiatives. Beginning in 1958 and as recently as 1995, the NCCC has affirmed its belief in the dignity and worth of all people, including those of us with disabilities. Most NCCC member communions have issued statements calling for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of church life. In spite of these efforts, attitudinal, communication, and architectural barriers remain. The church has served as a point of entry for marginalized individuals into the mainstream of society. Now the time has come for the NCCC to reaffirm and broaden its commitment to people with disabilities. This policy rests upon four theological principles: 1. All people are created in the image of God. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image...” Genesis 1:26 God creates all human beings in the divine image or likeness. This image is not a measurable characteristic or set of characteristics. God’s image is reflected uniquely in each person. 2. All people are called by God. “For we are what (God) has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10 God calls all human beings to express the divine image through their unique characteristics. Each person’s characteristics, including disabilities, are inseparable and valuable features of the unique, indivisible person. 3. All people have spiritual gifts. “Now there are a varieties of gifts, but the same spirit” 1 Corinthians 12:4 God supplies all human beings with the unique gifts needed to obey the divine call. The gifts God has given each person are needed by all other people, and no one is dispensable or unnecessary. 4. All people are invited to participate in God’s ministry. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” 1 Corinthians 12:7 God invites all human beings to rely on and to participate in the ministry of the church. God continually empowers each member of the Body of Christ to reflect the divine image in ways that will serve and benefit the church and the broader community. Implication In the light of these theological principles, it is the witness of the NCCC that all human beings, including those with disabilities, are entitled by God to the rights in church and society implied in the divine call. These rights include a life of dignity and respect such as access to education, health care, useful work, recreation, as well as the right to friendship, spiritual nurture, freedom and self-expression. The rights of each person, including people with disabilities, are equal to and balanced by the rights of others. We believe the human community in all its forms is accountable to God to protect these civil human rights. God requires the church to give spiritual and moral leadership to society in protecting these rights. The church must exercise its leadership by its public preaching and teaching, but even more by its example as an inclusive community of faith, using the gifts of all its members. “Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-5 Reference NCCCUSA Human Rights: The Fulfillment of Life in the Social Order (Adopted by the General Board, November 17, 1995) Approved by the NCCCUSA National Ministries Unit, May, 1997 Getting Started Four important items anyone serious about inclusion issues should keep in mind in planning a meeting, conference or large gathering. 1. CONSULT with people who have physical, sensory and mental disabilities. They are your best source for knowing the needs of the people who will be attending these meetings, conferences, large gatherings and worship. Also, consult with individuals who work with persons with disabilities. MOBILITY ISSUES: ramps to buildings and lectern, elevators, unisex public bathroom for persons with an attendant, accessible bathroom with roll-in shower, wheelchair accessible van or bus, tables that can accommodate a person in awheelchair, turn ratios in dining rooms, tables that accommodate a wheelchair user, work dog, volunteer assistants. DEAF COMMUNITY/HARD OF HEARING ISSUES: note taker, listening devices, real-time captioning, closed captioned TV, open captioned TV, sign language interpreter, TTY, material on CD-Rom, fire alarm with flash. VISION ISSUES: large print materials, Braille, material on audiotape, TV with audio descriptive voice, fire alarm with sound, work dog. CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY ISSUES: no fluorescent lights, use of refrigerator, fragrance free (filters on furnace and air conditioning units, no scented candles, soaps, detergents, cleansing supplies, air fresheners, facial tissues or potpourri). INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY ISSUES: buddies, workshop track, presentation addressing visual, audio and kinesthetic learning styles, express abstract concepts in a concrete manner, social activities, inclusion in worship and administrative functions. Also, consult with care providers. 2. SITE VISIT: Try to see the location through the eyes of persons with disabilities. Nothing will be as effective as envisioning the barriers that persons with disabilities could encounter at the event. Walk through the program both in your mind and physically. If more than one site is being used for an event, drive or walk the route between sites to make sure that no barriers have been overlooked. 3. REGISTRATION FORM: Make sure there is an area on the registration form to indicate accommodations that are needed. When accommodations are indicated, the registrant should be contacted by the event planner(s). 4. IDENTIFICATION OF EVENT PERSONNEL: Have a color-coded name badge system. Differentiate between hosts/hostesses, registration workers, volunteer aides, presenters, planning committee members, etc. *Keep in mind that all accommodations are considered on an as-needed basis. Registration Form When creating a registration form, consider asking the registrants to provide the following information: • Accommodations needed during flight • Accommodations needed to arrive at hotel/conference site • Accommodations needed to register at the hotel/conference • Accommodations needed during the meeting (note-taker, sign language interpreter, listening device, large-print, Braille, material on CD Rom/audiotape, TTY, ramp up to the lectern, no fluorescent lights, refrigerator, wheel-chair accessible bathroom, unisex bathroom, real time captioning, closed captioning, and audio descriptive) • Accommodations needed in the hotel room [refrigerator, TTY, fire alarm with sound, fragrance free (filters on furnace and air conditioning units, no scented candles, soaps, detergents, cleansing supplies, air fresheners, facial tissues or potpourri), wheelchair accessible bathroom, roll-in shower, no fluorescent lights, close captioned TV] • Dietary Restrictions • Chemical Sensitivities (no scented candles, soaps, detergents, cleansing products, air fresheners, facial tissues, or potpourri) • Accommodations needed for transportation to and from hotel, conference meeting, and different meeting rooms And, of course, the usual contact information so that the registrant can be contacted to discuss the meeting accommodations further: Name, Address, Email, Day Phone, Evening Phone Accommodations Budget FACILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: Determine to what extent the facility will be responsible for providing adequate wheelchairs, listening devices etc., as you project your accommodation needs for your meeting/assembly. FUNDING: There needs to be a budget within the organization or denomination responsible for this event. Monies can be sought through individuals, individual congregations, as a specific giving from Sunday school classes, youth groups, women’s organizations, foundations, etc. Often disability organizations or congregations will loan equipment free of charge (scooters, wheelchairs, wheelchair accessible vans). BUDGET ITEMS WHEELCHAIR AND SCOOTER RENTAL: Know which local disability organizations or congregations will loan equipment free of charge (scooters, wheelchairs, wheelchair accessible vans). SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS: Provide funding for interpreters as needed. Use qualified, professional interpreters who are trained in the preferred communication style (sign language, exact sign, and cued speech). Use a local interpreters agency whenever possible. Interpreters are often available through your local community college or universities. There are adequate number of interpreters for worship, meetings, meals, and social events. SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS: Budget for travel and hotel costs for an assistant as needed. Perhaps scholarships can be given. Budget for the unexpected, especially for traveling around the site(s). THE UNEXPECTED: For every person who provided early information of accommodation needs for traveling around the site there will be others who will request a wheelchair or scooter once they have arrived and traveled to and from meeting rooms, dining facilities, and hotel. Local Arrangements Form/appoint a local arrangements committee, made up of persons with diverse disabilities, to handle all accommodations. AIRLINES: Learn which airlines do the best job accommodating persons with disabilities. Assign someone to work with persons with disabilities on making travel arrangements (Airline, hotel arrangements, car rental, taxi, bus, and vans). ACCESSIBLE TAXI & VANS: Learn where and exactly how many wheel-chair accessible vans/taxis are available for use in the city where the event is held and what the cost is. Know the rental costs of accessible vans during the duration of the event. Know what special licensing might be needed to drive a van. LOCAL ACCESSIBLE SITES/LOCATIONS: Find/create a local booklet on accessible accommodations within the city and surrounding area where your event is being held. To defray costs of printing this booklet, seek advertising from local hotels, restaurants, theatres that are accessible. Also, have these copies as part of the packet of information that participants and presenters with disabilities receive. To help defray some of the costs of accommodation, have extra copies available for a donation for all participants. On-site Walk Through Outside PARKING lots at all buildings are well lit. PARKING STALLS are visibly marked and reserved for people with disabilities. Added accessible parking may be necessary. ACCESSIBLE ROUTE with curb cuts exists from the parking lot to the accessible entrance. ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES are clearly marked by the international symbol of accessibility. RAMPS with a slope of no greater than 1” rise in 12’ and a width of no less than 36” are easily seen. Ramps are equipped with handrails. There are level landings at the top and bottom of the ramp. DOORWAYS have a clear opening of 32” or more. Doors are automatic or have levers or push handles. CORRIDORS are at least 36” wide; 60” wide is preferred if there is two-way traffic. Wall mounted objects do not project into accessible corridor. Inside COUNTER/REGISTRATION TABLE has a space that is wheelchair height (between 28“ and 34“off the floor). SIGNAGE is in Braille and large-print and is wheel-chair height. WATER FOUNTAINS, at least one water fountain on every floor in every building is wheelchair accessible. If not, a supply of paper cups is mounted next to the fountain. TELEPHONES are available in an accessible area of all buildings and are at an appropriate height for wheelchairs. Phones should have a volume control. TTY’s are also available in the same area. ELEVATORS, if more than one floor in any building is used, there must be an elevator or wheelchair lift available. ELEVATOR or LIFT CAB is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Call buttons and panel buttons should be within reach of a person in a wheelchair. They should also be in Braille. Elevators should have an audible signal. Directions for elevators, other equipment and locations throughout the building(s) are written in Braille and large print. STAIRS have handrails in all buildings. FIRE ALARMS are mounted to accommodate a person in a wheelchair. Alarms should have flashing lights as well as sound. Flashing lights may cause seizures. PUBLIC RESTROOMS, ideally, there is at least on wheelchair accessible bathroom on each floor of the buildings available to event participants. There are grab bars on each side of the accessible toilet. There is a turning space of at least 5’x5’ in the restroom stalls. The sink has 29” clearance from the floor to the bottom of the sink. Pipes are wrapped. Towel dispensers are no higher than 40” from the floor. EXITS with ramps are available in case of fire. EVENT WITH MULTIPLE SITES: When more than one building is being used for an event, accessible transportation between sites needs to be arranged. Transportation within each building should be arranged (scooters, wheelchairs, volunteers to assist). Include personal assistants and interpreters for the estimated number of participants. Provide grants for these two categories if the cost is prohibitive for the participant. Include their registration fees with the registration fees of the person they are assisting or provide the assistant with reduced fees. Hotel Accommodations *Refer to pages 11 & 12. Check Signage* Check Corridors* Check Doorways* Check Ramps* Check Fire Alarms* Check Phones, TTYs* Are work dogs are welcome? (They should not be refused. It’s the law that dogs must be allowed). Dog runs are available in the hotel and convention center/meeting site (or an area near an outside entrance at both sites). Mobility Issues Check ice machines Accessible laundry facilities, workout facilities, pool, or sauna Check accessible bathrooms*, including roll in shower/transfer accessible bathtub Accessible electrical outlets and closet rods are at an appropriate height in guest rooms Check for adequate turn around space* Hearing/Deaf Issues Check televisions for closed captioning, especially if the television provides information such as food menus, schedules, airplane flights, etc. Rooms are equipped with beds, which vibrate, visual alarms and indicators. TTY available in room. Vision Issues Are there any TVs that have audio description availability? Familiarize participants who have a vision loss or who are blind with the site by explaining the layout and walking through the hotel and their room with them. Chemical Sensitivity Issues Check rooms for environmental sensitivity* No fluorescent lights Dietary Issues Check with food service to insure that dietary restrictions are accommodated Check to see if rooms can have a refrigerator. If not, where can medications be stored? Intellectual Disability Issues Clear and simple signs for directions and use of facility Need information about dining times Provide wake-up calls *Refer to pages 11 & 12. Dining Facilities Check signage* Check corridors* Check doorways* Check ramps* Check fire alarms* Check drinking fountains* Check phones, TTYs* Check accessible bathrooms* Check elevators* Check counter height for wheelchair accessibility.* Check turn around space.* Check table height.* Avoid buffet lines or provide assistance with carrying food. Check menu displays for large print/Braille, or have someone available to read the menu to a participant. Allow working dogs in the facility. Check before every meal that all dietary needs have been met. Be aware of food allergies, for example, gluten, corn, milk, nuts. Ask the participant how arrangements can be made to answer his or her needs. Have a sign language interpreter available. *Refer to pages 12 & 13. Meeting Facilities Welcome each attendee. Do not put anyone on the spot. At the same time, ensure assistance is available. Design exhibits so that they may be touched or heard. Leave adequate wheelchair space to maneuver around and through the exhibits. Check signage* Check corridors* Check doorways* Check ramps* Check fire alarms* Check drinking fountains* Check phones, TTYs* Check accessible bathrooms* Check elevators* Check registration desk height* Check for chemical sensitivities* Check for fluorescent lighting* Presenters’ Materials Have all materials in alternative formats. Have photocopies of transparencies or slides available upon request. Written materials should be available in Braille, on CD-Rom, audiotape or large print on request. Video materials should have close or open captioning as well as audio descriptive. If audio description is not available, have a qualified volunteer do it. If captioning is not available, have a printed script available. Slides are completely legible, with large print (16 point in black on off-white paper) and sharp, contrasting colors. There is adequate time for the audience to read the visual aids. All materials are delivered orally as well as in written form. *Refer to pages 12 & 13. Hearing/Deaf Issues Use one interpreter if the meeting will last less than one and a half hours. Use two interpreters when the meeting lasts longer than one and a half hours. Place the interpreter as close to the speaker as possible. When there are multiple speakers sitting at a table, place the interpreter across from the person(s) who is (are) deaf or hard of hearing. Seat participants using a Sign Language interpreter near the front. The interpreter is in an area that can be easily seen by the participants who are deaf. Limit to twenty minutes the time an interpreter must interpret. Then have a five-minute break. When two interpreters are used, rotate every twenty minutes. Use real time captioning. Use a good quality sound system. Make necessary adjustments to the sound system for those participants who use it. Make available listening devices for participants who are hard of hearing for all meetings. Eliminate background noise to the greatest extent possible. Mobility Issues Tabletop height is between 28” and 34” above the floor, 32” width. There is seating space with extra legroom for people with crutches, walkers, braces or casts. Adequate space for wheelchairs at conference tables is provided. This space should be in the same location as other participants. Adequate space for work dogs is provided. Vision Issues All meeting rooms are well lighted with adjustable lighting. Offer to help participants with vision loss or those who request it, find a seat. Have a staff member or volunteer available to take notes during the presentation, allowing the participant to focus on the speaker and interpreter. Have a staff member or volunteer available to sit with the participant and describe the presentations, if the participant requests it. Intellectual Disability Issues Encourage all the workshops/events to express the abstract as concretely as possible. Use language that is easily understood by all. Use methods that enable audio, visual and kinesthetic learning. Large Assemblies Design exhibits so that they may be touched or heard. Leave adequate wheelchair space to maneuver around and through the exhibits. Check signage* Check corridors* Check doorways* Check ramps* Check fire alarms* Check drinking fountains* Check phones, TTYs* Check accessible bathrooms* Check elevators* Check registration desk height* Check for chemical sensitivities* Check for fluorescent lighting* Materials: Have all materials in alternative formats. Have photocopies of transparencies or slides available upon request. Written materials should be available in Braille, on CD-Rom, audiotape or large print (16 point, in black on off-white paper) on request. Video materials should have closed or open captioning as well as audio descriptive. If audio description is not available, have a qualified volunteer do it. If captioning is not available, have a printed script available. Slides: Slides are completely legible, with large print and sharp, contrasting colors. There is adequate time for the audience to read the visual aids. All materials are delivered orally as well as in written form. *Refer to pages 12 & 13. Sign Language Interpreters Use one interpreter if the meeting will last less than one and a half hours. Use two interpreters when the meeting lasts longer than one and a half hours. Place the interpreter as close to the speaker as possible. When there are multiple speakers sitting at a table, place the interpreter across from the person(s) who is (are) deaf or hard of hearing. Seat participants using a Sign Language interpreter near the front. The interpreter is in an area that can be easily seen by the participants who are deaf. Limit to twenty minutes the time an interpreter must interpret. Then have a five-minute break. When two interpreters are used, rotate every twenty minutes. Captioning Use real time captioning. Sound A good quality sound system is being used. Necessary adjustments are made to the sound system for those participants who use it. Listening devices are available for participants who are hard of hearing for all large assemblies. Background noise is eliminated to the greatest extent possible. Lighting All meeting rooms are well lighted with adjustable lighting. Seating Tabletop height is between 28” and 34” above the floor. There is seating space with extra legroom for people with crutches, walkers, braces or casts. Adequate space for wheelchairs at conference tables is provided.* This space should be in the same location as other participants. Adequate space for work dogs is provided. Other Accommodations Offer to help participants with vision loss or who request it find a seat. Have a staff member or volunteer available to take notes during the presentation, allowing the participant to focus on the speaker and interpreter. Have a staff member or volunteer available to sit with the participant and describe the presentations, if the participant requests it. * Refer to pages 12 & 13. Worship Identify the focal point of your worship. Make certain that worship leaders are easily seen and recognized by participants. Make certain that there are no distractions to the focal point (i.e. flags/other decorations). Insure that the service is easy to follow. Make programs, hymns, etc. available in large print, Braille, on audiotape. Make volunteers available to sit and offer assistance to those who need it during the service. Plan for wheelchair space throughout. Check to see that the aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Check for appropriate lighting. Have a good sound system. Make certain there is seating throughout for those who use listening devices. Use real time captioning. Reserve space for those who need a sign language interpreter. Consider your invitation to persons to stand or sit during certain parts of the service. Consider offering grape juice as well as wine for communion if this is appropriate to your context. Consider if flowers or incense will be used that may be a barrier for persons with chemical sensitivities. Likewise, if deemed appropriate and necessary, encourage persons not to wear perfumes or use scents or offer a fragrance free area as an alternative to those needing it. Be aware and attentive to the needs of those who are leading the worship. Presenters Check for the accommodations of presenters with disabilities. Start with registration, walk-through, hotel accommodations, meeting rooms, and large assemblies. Other accommodations may include a reverse interpreter, an orientation and mobility specialist, or guide for a person with limited vision as well as a volunteer/staff to assist in transporting materials that the presenter has. Presenters need to plan ahead of time to have available copies of the presentation on CD-Rom, audiotape, in Braille or large print, slides in the proper format, printed copies for sign language interpreters, videos with close caption and audio descriptive, and real time captioning. Print size should be 16 point, in black on off-white paper. Displays need to have adequate room for wheelchairs. They also should be something that is visual, touchable and audible. Presenters should keep in mind that participants learn visually, audibly and kinesthetically. These three learning styles should be an integral part of the presentation. Express abstract concepts in concrete ways. Use language that is easily understood by all. Have a time for participant response. Etiquette Remember: A person with a disability is an individual like anyone else. Each situation is unique. First, ask the person if and what help is needed. Offer to help, but do not insist on helping. Ask how to help and what to do. Guidelines Persons with vision loss or Persons who are Blind Identify yourself when you approach the person. Don’t touch a person with a visual impairment without warning (unless it is an emergency). Ask the person if help is needed and how you can best help. Don’t assume the person cannot see you. Never touch or distract a guide dog unless you have permission. Speak in a normal tone of voice. Tell anyone what you are doing before you open a door. Don’t walk away without saying good-bye to the person. Don’t leave the person in the middle of a room. Ask where the person would like to go. If you take the person to a chair, or guide him or her to a wall or door, explain to the person where he or she is. Persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing Be certain you have the person’s attention before speaking. If the person is not facing you, use a gentle tap on the shoulder. Don’t yell or exaggerate your speech. Look at the person, not at an interpreter. If spoken communication is difficult, try using a paper and pencil or pen. Look directly at the person. Don’t cover your mouth with anything. Even moustaches and beards may be an impediment. Don’t touch or distract a hearing ear dog. Be patient. Rephrase information if necessary. Persons with physical disabilities Don’t assume the person has an intellectual disability. Speak directly to the person, not to an attendant. Ask IF and HOW you can be of help. Do not assume anything. If possible, sit so you are at eye level to talk with the person. If assisting someone in a wheelchair to go up or down a curb, ask if the person prefers to go forward or backward. Don’t move crutches, walkers, canes or wheelchairs out of reach without permission. If moved with permission, do not leave until you return them to the person or arrange for their return. Respect the person’s personal space by not leaning on a wheelchair. Do not distract a working dog. Persons are not confined to a wheelchair. Wheelchairs provide freedom and access. Use the term “wheelchair user”. Persons with speech disabilities Don’t assume the person has an intellectual disability. Don’t pretend you’ve understood if you haven’t. Do ask the person to repeat what you don’t understand. Ask questions that can be answered by “yes” or “no”. Give your whole, unhurried attention. Be patient. A person’s speech may be slow or difficult, but it is worth waiting for what that person has to say. Persons with intellectual disabilities Use simple words and short sentences. Give one piece of information at a time, and repeat if needed. Be polite and patient. Do not treat an adult like a child. Don’t make assumptions about what anyone can or cannot do. Acknowledgements The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA Committee on Disabilities wishes to extend our grateful thanks to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for allowing us to use the ELCA Accessibility Guide: Planning an Accessible Meeting as our guide to creating this booklet. We especially recognize the work of Rev. Lisa Cleaver, Director for Disability Ministries and Deaf Ministry, Division for Church in Society, ELCA. Special thanks go to members of the NCCCUSA Committee on Disabilities who helped to edit this booklet. For further help, please contact the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; Education and Leadership Ministries Commission; 475 Riverside Drive, Ste. 812; New York, NY 10115; phone: 212-870-2267; fax: (212) 870-3112; www.ncccusa.org/elmc.

Designing for People with Partial Sight and Color Deficiencies by Aries Arditi, PhD This web page contains three basic guidelines for making effective color choices that work for nearly everyone. Following the guidelines are explanations of the three perceptual attributes of color -- hue, lightness and saturation -- as they are used by vision scientists. To read full article go to

This guide provides tips on what to look for if you want your meeting to be fully accessible to all people. Go to .

Written by Jo Lambert. It is not generally understood or addressed by our society that people with disabilities experience more grief and loss on an almost daily basis than the general public. Much of the grief and loss for the person with a disability is the same as that for the person without a disability. However, the person with a disability has the added dynamic of a daily reminder—the disability itself. . . . Read at Access Press, Originally from Life After Loss by Kathy Sherer, Ph.D. (From the University of Texas, Counseling and Mental Health Center). Updated in 2005

Refer in particular to Chapter 1 Terms for God Chapter 2 Other Religious Terms Chapter 3 Emerging Terms and Bias-Free Usage Chapter 4 Trademarks and Brand Names Chapter 5 Alphabetized Word List See entire style sheet at From ELCA Publishing Standards Manual copyright (c) 2003 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Reproduced by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

A Nebraska Conference RECORD focus issue about Disabilities Ministries This issue of The Nebraska RECORD shares delightful stories about tangible and architectural changes reported recently by United Churches of Christ from Omaha to Chadron and Lincoln to Ogallala. These stories -- set in larger, 12-point type – tell of changes which vary in levels of magnitude, yet they all have equal weight. They are concrete evidence of attitudinal change. In 30 years of ministry in our conference, I have observed a heartening maturation of attitude toward persons who live with disabilities. This movement has progressed from viewing disability as an item of pity/compassion to perceiving the inclusion of everyone as a matter of justice/compassion. Our attitudes finally are beginning to progress from "doing something for the unfortunate person I am grateful that I am not, yet fear I might become" to increasing recognition in our hearts of the rightness of removing whatever physical or attitudinal barrier still impedes full inclusion in the life of the church. We have begun to grow together toward a gradual recasting of personal or societal attitudes that shut off rather than welcome, to turn from perceiving persons with disabilities as separate from and different. Although we may notice a visible disability first when we meet a person, we are getting better about viewing that characteristic as only one part of an identity. We also notice and validate other unique gifts and talents. Those of us with disabilities have begun to feel better about ourselves. I have grown from a sense of being broken and inferior to the rejoicing of wholeness and validity as one of God's servants. Not like the attitudes of my parents' generation. My mother as a young, newly married nurse was engaged to "take care of" her blind grandmother who was closeted in an upstairs room. I find the shalom of refusal to be closeted anywhere! This special focus issue of The Nebraska RECORD fulfills my final responsibility for the Disabilities Ministries in the Nebraska Conference. I will continue as a member of the UCC Disabilities Ministries Executive Board and its website editor. Located at www.uccdm.org, this interactive web site offers resources, education, advocacy, and networking opportunities for churches and persons in the disabilities ministries community. Memorial Gift Opens a Door "After the death of their mother, a family wanted to offer a unique memorial," said the Rev. Lauran Heidenreich, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogallala. They thought about a church member who has used a wheelchair since an early age. "We know that you are fully accessible once you get inside the church," they said, "but we want to give you an automatic door so you can come and go on your own." The original door was glass for visibility and of adequate width; but, said the pastor, "somebody has to hold the door while another person pushes in the wheelchair. Now she will have the freedom of doing it all herself." "All the door needed was the addition of the automatic door opener," said Guy Bechtel, the church's buildings and grounds person. "The opener will be programmed to slowly open up. It will stay open long enough for a person to enter, and then close automatically." The $1,700 device is wireless with a box installed in the entryway. Persons hit it, triggering the door to swing open. Should the door prove to be too narrow in the future, several inches of wall glass can be removed for a wider door. "Guy and the family worked together," the pastor said. "They decided the northeast door would be preferable to the front doors." Additionally, the doorway is set in about 2-1/2 feet to protect against blasts of Nebraska wind. Changes for the Family "One of the biggest changes in our church is the hymns," said Eleanor Swanson, member of First Central Congregational UCC Omaha. "The person who brings me to church comes early to choir practice. While she practices, I reread the hymns and Psalm with my magnifier. I can then keep up with the congregation." Within three weeks after losing her sight, Eleanor moved to the independent living side of the retirement center. Her church family also wasted no time adapting. They made certain that she could participate in worship. They had been offering large print bulletins for persons with visual needs but now also enlarge the Psalter and hymns. They also assured that her worship attendance was uninterrupted. Anyone needing a ride phones the member in charge of drivers." One driver also plans church dinners," Eleanor said, "so I provide a needed vegetable, something I can do. She is widowed. We have become a pair." If her daughter is unavailable, Margaret Engstrom also appreciates a driver. "I use a walker now," she said. "I try to get to church every Sunday." As the older building is not easily navigated, during the week her daughter goes to the parking lot ramp. First Central recently added the north entry ramp to meet code for its incoming daycare. "It has also made the lower level more accessible for office volunteers," said Sara Sharpe, church office manager. "It has eased my worries about someone falling down the steep stairs to the church office." Margaret, Sara's eldest volunteer at 91, said, "I work at the church on Monday mornings 9-12, answering phones and doing little things for Sara and the Christian Ed. lady." The next day, she and two others count the offering. "It keeps my mind sharper and I enjoy doing it," she said. "When someone needs help, you find a way. I think of our church as family," Sara said. "It's just a matter of doing for the congregation what you would do for family." Becoming a Fully Accessible Church "How many have trouble hearing?" was asked at an all-church meeting of Lincoln, Northeast. "All these hands raised and heads nodded," relates Northeast member Lois Poppe. Ever since the late '60s construction of their fellowship hall, people had complained about its poor acoustics. Concerns about those poor acoustics plus the need to make the church school rooms on the lower level accessible to everyone led to the creation of a Refurbishment and Accessibility Committee (RAC), which reviewed needed accessibility changes then presented options to the congregation for a decision on how to solve those problems. At first, the Moderator felt these changes could be accomplished through regular boards. Lois commented that Boards were to busy to assume this additional responsibility. According to Janet Domeier, RAC chair, it all started three years ago at another annual church meeting. As each board reported, each had a list that included capital improvement. For years, "we ought to" discussion continued about not being truly lower level accessible. Teachers adjusted classrooms so that a youth who uses a wheelchair could have class on the main level. The Moderator agreed to serve on RAC along with the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and several other committed church members. It took about a year for the committee to gather information and cost estimates. With congregational feedback, they stockpiled, studied and discussed possibilities. "Because we were thorough, the congregation gave its approval," said Lois, the committee recorder. The committee contacted a Lincoln architect who presented designs in November. "We were successful in obtaining a loan for just under $250,000 for the addition and an elevator." This last year at the church's annual meeting, the congregation decided to proceed in stages. Phase one focused on smaller items. Informational meetings with the congregation and information in every newsletter resulted in membership consensus. After design approval, the church raised enough funds for phase one. Following acoustical analysis, the church installed acoustical wall panels in the Fellowship Hall which hosts Sunday coffee. At a recent anniversary gathering, people noticed a significant reduction of reverberation of voices and improvement in hearing. The panels also soften the room. They are also a great way to display posters, Janet said. "You can poke as many holes in them as you want." Phase one also included a lighted church sign, replacing the wooden sign that was difficult to read. Last August, the congregation approved completed designs for an addition, phase two. "As you go along, you celebrate," Janet said. Now, on to more capital fundraising. Second phase improvements include an enhanced sanctuary sound system; increased accessible front and side parking; blinds and shades in the fellowship hall; an elevator; and lower level accessible restrooms. The initial elevator struggle point, Janet said, was the cost. Most continued to perceive that it was only for somebody using a wheelchair. In the committee's last presentation before the August vote, she detailed how the elevator entry would look. "Persons have an immediate option. The elevator is right there," she said. "It is for everyone. Those carrying equipment or someone who is weary that day will use it. We have many aging people in our church. Hopefully we broke through that with them," she said. "We chose an elevator that is more like the commercial one without the extra doors. Just push a button and it goes." Also authorized and to be completed after the addition construction are new entrance doors and exterior lighting as well as bids for additional parking lot lighting. A modest 2006 grant from the Nebraska-Disabilities Ministries Board will apply toward the $1,200 inside signage. What's In Your Church's Closet? "Our congregation may not realize it has made so many positive, inclusive changes," said Cheryl Cassiday, a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Chadron. Thanks to people like retiree Boyd Roberts, who spearheaded several projects, the church is living up to its designation of being fully accessible to aging persons and persons with disabilities. Boyd, a former electrical contractor, said that old fixtures were not giving off much light. New quartz lights save little on cost or energy output, they do produce a sharper, brighter light than regular incandescent bulbs. Each new hanging fixture contains three 100-watt quartz bulbs, replacing the older lamps with two 150-watt bulbs. A section of pews was removed to allow persons using wheelchairs to sit farther forward without having to sit in the aisle. "With the pew cut-out," said Kathy Rapp, "I do not sit out in the aisle, preventing anything from occurring." She said the cut-out is also convenient for persons who use a walker as they can sit in the pew with the walker near by. All three exterior doors are now wheelchair accessible. While entry into the main floor holds no difficulty for persons with mobility needs, the lower level was once off-limits to some. The older lift installed in early 1980s was too small for the newer power vehicles. Boyd scoured the church an engineer. They located a closet, a built-in cupboard. In the basement, they would cut a hole through the wall that goes out into the fellowship hall. Boyd chaired the project. He put together the cost, went to the congregation for agreement, putting together the cost estimates with members doing the work themselves. In a few months after receiving church agreement and the start of the project, $15,000 came in as donations. The church added the other half from savings. "You have to have a little faith," he said about undertaking a major project. "It helps to start doing it. People like to see something happen. Then they get excited about it." One Youth + One Retiree = A Request Honored When Christopher Cassiday learned that the funding had collapsed for his proposed Eagle Scout project, a letter came to the church council at First Congregational UCC, Chadron. Getting in the front door for worship was easy for everyone. However, it was impossible for persons with wheelchairs to use either bathroom. How about updating the women's bathroom? Chris took on the project. The goal was to provide a usable turning radius within the stall itself as well as to make the bathroom entry accessible to persons using a larger, powered vehicle. "We knew the church would be willing to fund it," he said, "and we knew people with expertise would help." Now a first-year student at Doane College, Chris said, "We widened the doorway to make the stall larger, replaced the doorknob with a lever handle, removed the privacy partition and one stool, and installed the new stall system." Both of Chris' parents were involved in the project. His mom helped with the design and obtained a higher commode from the hospital. His dad did hands-on work. Boyd Roberts, Chris' mentor, worked by his side. "Boyd's expertise," Chris said, "was invaluable. He made the project happen." The result is a rectangular-shaped bathroom a little deeper than wide. "The only great change," Boyd said, "was to relocate the stall position. The newer, attractive sink offers plenty of leg room." He also covered hot water pipes with protective insulation. The men's bathroom is still waiting, but Chris knows another young man eligible for an Eagle Scout project. -db "Any Body, Everybody, Christ's Body" This section was written by Pam Cuttlers, member of the Nebraska Disabilities Ministries Committee. "Any Body, Everybody, Christ's Body" is the Accessible to All (A2A) workbook put together by Rev. Jo Clare Hartsig that is available to all from the UCC Disabilities Ministries. Jo Clare chairs the UCC DM and lives in Minnesota. This workbook can be downloaded from www.uccdm.org. It is full of excellent ideas to help churches provide hospitality and accessibility to all. The title "Any Body, Everybody, Christ's Body" shows the process in the workbook. Section One, "Any Body," explores the meaning of the actual flesh and blood body we each inhabit, our differences, our gifts, our laments, our anger, our sacred selves, and the ways we can ‘be good stewards of God’s varied grace.” "Everybody" includes ways to help congregations ‘practice hospitality ungrudgingly’ and offers a wide variety of ideas for churches to put this into practice. There are handouts for ushers, ideas for newsletters on how to write or speak about persons with disabilities, information for pastors, and multisensory worship ideas. "Christ's Body" focuses on “understanding the Body of Christ as a symbol of brokenness and healing, of interdependence and community.” This workbook is designed as a group process of reflection and action with readings and discussion for each section. It culminates in a church committing to be an A2A church. The disability rights movement's slogan is “Nothing about us without us” so please include people with disabilities in your study sessions. The Nebraska Disability Ministries Committee hopes all UCC congregations will become accessible to ALL! Reading the Signs is A Can-Do Forum about accessibility for the whole church family Special Focus Section,The Nebraska RECORD (Nebraska Conference United Church of Christ, Vol. XXIII, No. 1, Feb.-Mar. 2007) Written and edited by Dee Brauninger

What are other Conference and Association Accessibility Committees doing? I have been chairing this committee now since 1991. Shortly after the ADA was signed in 1990, there were a number of multi-state conferences sponsored by UCC to begin to look at the role of our churches in light of the ADA. I went to one of those conferences, and came back to NH recommending that NH should have a group to deal with these issues. Over the years, our membership has fluctuated; however we have not lost sight of our goal. We began as a task force, and after we wrote our mission statement, we became a committee attached to one of the conference commissiions. The conference has been very supportive of our work. When our conference was building its new office building, they turned to our committee for advice re: accessibility. Since the new A2A curriculum came out, our committee has been presenting it at our annual conference meeting as well as at a "Prepared to Serve" Conference. Although attendance is low (5-8) people at a time , the response has been favorable. I have NO clue as to how many Churches are actually using the curriculum. Joyce Beairsto at joyharts@yahoo.com

Several churches have written to ask about funding resourcces. Please comment here about how your church has funded its accessibility projects and/or what your conference or association Accessibility/Inclusion Committee offers. Thank you. The Web Editor

Three resources on web accessibility: Church website design tips: things to DO Here are three guidelines for legibility from Effective Color Contrast 1. Exaggerate lightness differences between foreground and background colors, and avoid using colors of similar lightness adjacent to one another, even if they differ in saturation or hue. 2. Choose dark colors with hues from the bottom half of this hue circle against light colors from the top half of the circle. Avoid contrasting light colors from the bottom half against dark colors from the top half. The orientation of this hue circle was chosen to illustrate this point. 3. Avoid contrasting hues from adjacent parts of the hue circle, especially if the colors do not contrast sharply in lightness. (from the work of Aries Arditi, PhD, Senior Fellow in Vision Science, Lighthouse International)

By Jo Ackerman, Pastor of Clay Center, Nebraska The Nebraska Conference is proud of its churches that are making an effort to be accessible to all of God's people. The term "accessible," as used in many of our churches, means being able to gain entrance to the building. Some churches have constructed ramps and installed elevators; others consider a rear entrance sufficient. Even with these assists there may be hidden barriers. A doorknob that is unable to be grasped by arthritic hands or a heavy door that cannot be pulled open can be a huge problem for someone using a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker. Many persons who deal with disabilities have learned to be independent. Assistance is not always available at all times. Doorways that may appear wide enough to navigate in a wheelchair may be as little as an inch or half inch too narrow for easy passage. Restroom doorways and stalls are often impossible. Providing access to our meeting places and offering a welcome that allows persons to feel welcomed into our gatherings, whether in the pews in worship, the availability of restrooms, or an easy entrance and exit, means we care and we are listening to God when our Creator asks us to welcome everyone to God's table as part of the whole family. Doorknobs and yardsticks can be important tools to measure our accessibility to all. Jo Ackerman is a member of the Nebraska Conference UCC DM Board which is the source of the Reading the Signs columns for use in conference and local church newsletters. Reprinted by permission.

What are some of the things your conference has done in the area of disabilities ministries, inclusion coaches, and/or accessibility board? How have you managed the geographical space among your board members?

This year, the DM Committee is trying a new means of meeting in order to save mileage and physical energy. This is a combination of email communication, through a group email, and telephone conference calls. We are building the conference calls and reimbursement for an interpreter for the deaf into our budget. In 1995 the board said good-bye to Jeanne Tyler with gratitude for her years of work with the Nebraska Conference Disabilities Ministries Committee. Jeanne and her husband took a new position in Iowa. We also greeted new member, Jo Ackerman, in May, as well as five others in autumn from South Central Association –Trudy House, Vera Losh, Karen Roback, Sherryl Yokel, and Chad House, youth member. From Lincoln Association, Pam and Shane Cuttlers joined us and Morgan Cuttlers, junior member. Nancy Erickson, also from Lincoln, and Dee Brauninger from Burwell share facilitating responsibilities. Because our membership has had this fine replenishment, we have spent significant time getting to know one another. A note from Friend member, Vera Losh, merits including here: Depending and Helping I had known (DM member) Sherryl for several years since we attend the same church. Sherryl has a hearing disability and I have vision disability from age-related macular degeneration. Dee asked us to be on the DM. We both agreed and now have become very close friends (a generation apart). So many times Sherryl does my vision-related needs and I have learned to communicate with hearing impaired and enjoyed meeting Robin, her interpreter. We are really a lively, fun, and efficient team. God can do great things by teaming persons with disabilities. VL God also can do great things by teaming those temporarily without disabilities with PWDs. Look around your church and become a support team. This year, the DM Committee is trying a new means of meeting in order to save mileage and physical energy. This is a combination of email communication, through a group email, and telephone conference calls. We are building the conference calls and reimbursement for an interpreter for the deaf into our budget. Any church wishing to make a monetary contribution to the important work and ministry of this committee is invited to do so. Please indicate this on your check to the conference office. We are planning an in-person lunch together Friday of Annual Meeting and invite all interested persons to a training presentation by the Nebraska Advocacy Services: Center for Disability Rights, Law, and Advocacy from 1:00-3:00, prior to the optional Friday conference workshops. Visit our Disabilities Ministries Exhibit Table at Annual Meeting at Doane College. Also, listen for Speak Out Moments during conference business sessions. How does your Inclusion Committee or Accessibility Board build community among yourselves? How do you span the miles? The Reading the Signs column is made for recycling in other conference and local church newsletters.

After serving twenty-five years in parish ministry, Dave was called as minister for the Eastern Association, Minnesota Conference UCC, in 1995. I have lived with aggressive Crohn's Disease all my adult life. Some manage to control it without surgery and achieve long periods of remission from active symptoms. Others lose their entire intestinal track and must receive all fluids and nutrients intravenously. To date, I have had eleven major surgeries and about a hundred hospitalizations. At age 32, I had my first colostomy surgery. I now have an ileostomy, which has been revised several times. In my twenties with still much bowel remaining, I enjoyed remission and resumed distance running. Some years even later, I could compete in a dozen road races some years. In between, flare-ups brought me close to death. In recent years because of the loss of most intestine, I struggle to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Twice,, I have been denied admission to public events. One event was at a 1993 General Synod session. Long ago, I decided not to hand over to this fierce disease *my life, identity, and deep * sense of calling to ordained ministry. A defining moment happened shortly after my first colostomy surgery. While registering at a United Ostomy Association meeting, I noticed the pre-registration name tags of Sue Smith, "ileostomate;" Ray Jones, "urostomate;" Nat Doe, "colostomate." I crossed out "colostomate" on mine and added in tiny print, "Child of God, son, husband, father, brother, minister." Some thought I was just being cute. For me, it was then and remains a deeply important issue. Persons with disabilities should not be defined by what does not work. We are people first. During a recent sabbatical, I started writing a book, tentatively titled, "Laughing at the Devil: Spiritual Resources for Living with Chronic Illness." I began to think systematically about how, despite its great liability, living with Crohn's has become a gift for ministry and how those same gifts might be discovered by others in unique circumstances. We develop these competencies in response to a personal need. Most spiritual resources do not show up ready to use but require considerable shaping and refining. When first emerging, they may collide with something else already in place. Part of my ministry is to assist persons in the course of pastoral conversation to find their own way to one or more of these spiritual resources:

• Finding voice in the midst of a powerful, sophisticated medical culture;
• Discerning how to receive needed help without losing sense of self;
• Listening deeply to others' voices;
• Praying when tending to pray cautiously;
• Laughing as a medium for experiencing God's grace and mercy;
• Seeing the life that God has put in us when all the world sees is disability; and
• Recognizing signs of grace and mercy around and within us.

As Eastern Association Minister in the Minnesota Conference, living with this invisible disability also influences how I prepare local church search committees to consider ministerial candidates who may have a disability. Teaching how to read ministerial profiles, I suggest: "Many pastors who live with a disability will talk about their situation in profile item #13, 'Special Factors.' I urge pastors to disclose to search committees a disability that they may have because I think that folks like you will respond well to being trusted with such information. "Even more, I urge pastors who have a disability to let you know how living with that disability has become a gift for ministry. Sometimes pastors who have a disability are afraid to mention it in their profiles for fear that search committees will stop reading, immediately rejecting them. "I encourage you not to do that but rather to focus on each pastor's gifts for ministry. You may find someone with a disability who has discovered and developed incredibly great gifts for ministry out of that disability. Those may be exactly the cluster of gifts for ministry that your church needs." Most search committees take this to heart and genuinely open themselves to considering these gifts for ministry. People will ask questions from spiritual struggles that they suspect I also have encountered. The most common, "Don't you ever wonder why God allowed a disease like this that can be so physically painful and debilitating and socially isolating to happen to you?" I just do not blame God or connect God with the onset of this crummy disease. What does amaze me is the abundance of God's grace and blessing. Over and over it lifts me out of despair, giving me the capacity to see what a blessing my life is by God's grace and to laugh at the devil. From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

This is an "It's About Time" project that will enable users of manual wheelchairs to slip into the bath house with ease and to negotiate cabin entry with neither sweat nor snarl. No sooner was the check in the hands of Judie Luther and Kamp Kaleo than the Rev. Harold Richardson, pastor at Plymouth Congregational in Crete, and Bob Essig, retired veterinarian from the Burwell church volunteered to oversee the project. It will be done right. Members of the Nebraska Conference Disabilities Ministries Task Force presented Kamp Kaleo with a $500 matching funds grant* to replace the thresholds of the bath house and most cabins. Expressing gratitude for the grant at the Annual Meeting, Judie Luther said, "This is a small yet much needed improvement in accessibility at Kaleo that will make the camp a welcoming place for everyone." Those wishing to contribute to this matching funds grant are invited to mail checks clearly marked for the project to Kamp Kaleo, RR 1 Box 22 A, Burwell, NE 68823. Empowering all persons to fullness of life and encouraging the inclusion of all in the life and activities of the church are two dimensions of the mission of Disabilities Ministries. The task force states its purpose as follows: "The mission of the Disabilities Ministries Task Force is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities, both lay and clergy, in all areas of the life of the Nebraska Conference." We encourage congregations, clergy, Search Committees, Church and Ministry Committees, and Conference staff toward a higher level of community with people with disabilities as characterized by attitudinal and architectural welcoming of those among us with disabilities. This involves, but is not limited to, educating people in our churches about the needs, issues, and potential of people with disabilities; advocating for those encountering physical or attitudinal barriers; and supporting and empowering those with disabilities who are called to participate in the church. Present DM Task Force members are Nancy Erickson, Jeanne Tyler, Fred Anderson, Becky Copple, Kathy Baker, Deb Finn, and Dee Brauninger. *In the absence of applicants this year for the annual Smaller Church Accessibility Grants, the Disabilities Ministries Task Force has presented Kamp Kaleo with $500 dollars for increasing its accessibility. - db Readers are invited to share this Reading the Signs column from Nebraska-DM with your conference and church.