Breaking Barriers—Spring 2020

Primavera 2020 | Tema: La ceguera y los impedimentos visuales

2020년 봄호: 시각장애와 실명

Visual Impairment and Blindness—People with visual impairments or blindness tell stories of welcome, rejection, and finding their way in life and in the church.

The Flute is My Worship

Erica shares her unique form of worship: playing the flute from her pew seat on Sunday. Her beautiful notes encourage connection and encouragement from her community. 

Shifts in Attitude Take Time
Casey Dutmer has been blind from birth and knows first hand the challenges in making worship accessible. Here he shares some ideas and insights he's learned along the way. 

A Picture of Contentment and Grace
Kent became blind at age 13 when surgery to remove benign brain tumors severed the optic nerve. Here he shares how a church community can play a key role in supporting one another.

Technology and the Accessible Church
Technology can play a key role in becoming a welcoming and engaging everyone in our community. Are we using accessible technology properly and effectively?

Focused on More Than Sight
In this piece, Nicole Davis writes about being blind, and about all the ways that God has used her to further his kingdom here on earth.

A World that Presupposes Sight
Bert Neutel shares his perspective on living in a world that is not designed for people with visual impairments and the support he gets from his family and from God in his journey.

Living with Gratitude and Anticipation
In this article, the concept of giving thanks in all circumstances is explored. How can one use their experiences to bring glory to God?

Inclusive Design: Simple, Inexpensive Changes. Really!
Many designers place form over function, thereby excluding some members of their congregation from participation in worship. Learn how your church can become more accessible.  

Faithward: How to Create Welcoming Spaces for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Church members who are blind or have low vision have prepared several documents designed to help churches and meeting planners become more welcoming. We encourage you to bookmark and share these resources widely with your church communities.

Upcoming Themes

Summer 2020—Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Although Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is completely preventable, millions of people live with it. If you or a loved one has FAS, please tell us your story (400 words) by April 24.

Fall 2020—Travel Many people with disabilities find travel to be challenging, if not difficult. Please tell us your adventurous, difficult, or hilarious story (400 words) of traveling with a disability by July 24.

Spring 2020 Audio Version:
Thanks to Lisa Dykstra, our voice artist, for this audio recording.