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Church Access for Persons with Disabilities
Catholic Teachings, Practical Suggestions and Resources |
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Click on the Title to access the information
Adults with Cognitive Disabilities/Mental Retardation: Approaches to Adult Faith Formation --- From the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, this is called a "resource and idea book." It is long, but has a lot of practical suggestions for assisting the faith formation of adults with cognitive or other developmental disabilities.
No definition fits everyone.
Disability Etiquette --- What to do when you meet a person with a disability. Hint--- Executive summary: When all your great ideas and wisdom fail, try, "Hello."
"I share your hesitation about definitions.... This is really an editorial comment to a page of definitions posted on this website. This was not meant to be a polished article. But, the author makes some very important points on how labels change throughout life and, the purpose of labels in our society. If you're in a hurry and only have 5 seconds... read the last line.
Inclusion Tips for children with autism --- This was submitted recently. It is good advice that can apply to many people even those without Autism. As with everything, this advice will not work for everyone. God made us unique which is a blessing but makes it difficult to give out advice.
Ministry Responsibilities --- Those in areas of authority in parishes have a unique responsibility to minister to all and to assist all people in their faith development. These general suggestions are an approach to ministering to person with disabilities. The individual faith community may develop approaches that reflect the uniqueness of their congregation.
Parish Advocacy Programs --- Many parishes have created a role of a person who serves as a parish advocate or a group that serves this function. The Parish Advocate is very unique to the parish's ministry so the program can vary from place to place.. There are many parishes that have adopted such a program in the Diocese of Cleveland. I present here a general outline. If there is greater interest in this idea I will post many other ideas for creating such a parish ministry.
People 1st Language --- This is a important consideration for anyone in ministry. The language we use is about dignity and respect. It is a matter of social justice. Words are very important so we must be sensitive to the words we use to refer to persons with disabilities. Two considerations are offered here:
1. People 1st Language --- The first consideration is one that was produced by Ohio Public Images/Public Images Network, a not-for-profit communications and advocacy organization promoting positive awareness of people with disabilities.
2. People 1st Language by Kathie Snow is a longer consideration of the importance of language in describing individuals. Used by permission, this page can be found on her website at http://disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm
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Last Update to this page was December 21, 2007
Copyright © 2006 Dennis C. McNulty