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Church Access for Persons with Disabilities
Catholic Teachings, Practical Suggestions and Resources |
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How to relate to a person with a disability when you first meet...
How to feel comfortable...
Don’t Know What to do?
These are just a few thought. There are many others... if you think of any... let me know...
A word of caution, just like with disability definitions, don’t think that these suggestions are effective with all people in all situations. Treat these as a mental starting point.
The best thing to do when you meet a person with a disability is to say, “hello” or "welcome directly to them as you would with anyone. The person with a disability is a person first. The disability is just part of them.
It is not impolite to ask, “Can I be of assistance?" Like anyone, once they feel comfortable they will tell you what they need.
Don’t be afraid of your fear. We’ve all been there!
I have no words to help you with your comfort level. That just comes with time.
In General Groups:
1) People who are blind
When greeting the person identify who you are.
Tell them when you are leaving…cue them that you are leaving.
When assisting a person…..or leading them…
Ask permission before you begin. If you're not sure how lead them, ask. Some people have different styles. Most individuals I know like to hold the arm or elbow. So I just offer my arm. But, always tell them what you are doing. As you walk tell them if something need to be avoided.
Give verbal cues as to what you are doing.
Describe the situation they are in… explain what is going on
This is important in religious services where there are often actions without spoken words.
Verbal Cues at meetings… The person sitting next to the person with a visual challenge can fill an important role of being their describer as to what is going on and can also cue them so they know when they can or should speak.
Have Large print material for persons with visual impairments
2) People who use a Wheelchair
Speak directly to the person who uses the wheelchair
…Not to the one assisting
Involve the person in the conversation
--- use a chair to hold eye to eye dialogue
Ask if help is needed. Don't assume that they want you to push their chair. The wheelchair is an important personal possession that allows greater freedom. Treat it as something that deserves respect.
3) People with speech difficulties
Let the person finish their sentences.
Be patient.
Don’t pretend to understand when you do not.
They may need to be asked to repeat.
Another person may be able to interpret
Encourage them to say it another way. This might be frustrating but the goal here is communication. That is much more important.
4) People who are deaf or have hearing impairments
Look directly at them
For them to read your facial expressions and to read your lips if possible
Do not assume that the person understands you
Check it out…Say it another way…
Look for signals from them.
Don’t talk louder…move closer.
Cue the conversation when the conversation or action is changing.
Now it’s time for…
Now let’s talk about…
Be aware of low level noise produces
AC/radios/crowd noise…etc. These can cause difficulty for the person to use hearing aids.
If the person is deaf and uses sign language to communicate, do not assume that the person will understand printed material. Sign language is its own language. Printed English may have to be translated.
5) Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
A lot depends on the cognitive level of the person but... in general:
Greet/interact with them as you would with anyone else.
Don’t baby talk.
If necessary, be ready to repeat information about yourself…
In a meeting, activity or even in church
Treat people equally even if the participation is not equal.
There are many ways to participate... all roles have an importance.
As a member of the group, the person has the same right to speak as anyone else.
Don’t assume they have nothing to contribute…
If someone is new to the group remember that a way to express acceptance in a group is to sit near the person.
Enjoy the spontaneity of people who have fewer inhibitions
Relax…let people be who they are.
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Last Update to this page was March 03, 2008
Copyright © 2006 Dennis C. McNulty