Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
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Marian
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Disability
This journey started over thirty years ago when we received a call from a mom who asked us if her son could come to our church. Today, twenty five percent of our congregation is persons with developmental disabilities.
As in all other things, we need sanctification. To sanctify our spaces, our communications, and our attitudes, new ideas can help. Here are five ideas for belonging and an example for each.
We started captioning videos for people with disabilities. It turns out this also helps a bunch of other people.
At a recent RCA Classis Minnesota meeting there was a discussion about no-cost options for welcoming people with disabilities. Here are some of the strategies they wanted to share.
Because he couldn’t get in the door, safely use the restroom, or access the pulpit, Kyle Crist “decided to become a disability advocate out of necessity.” Listen to Kyle share more of his experience as a disability advocate.
Ontario friends!: "Our Doors are Open" are offering free workshops for congregations welcoming folks with disabilities and families until the end of November.
College for Students with Disabilities
This article has suggestions and resources to help your congregation considers having emotional support animals in your church.
Finding employment is never easy, especially if you have a disability. Here at Anchor we have had a number of success stories.
A couple girls saw Thayer’s dilemma and pointed out to him a few other apples hanging closer. “Get this one, Thayer. It’s a beauty!” But Thayer would not be swayed from his chosen apple.
On January 1, 2017, new accessibility requirements come into effect from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Is your church ready?
Turning Barriers into Bridges presents Biblical, legal, and cultural reasons for making church communications accessible, and it provides specific guidelines to do so.
Even when people who have disabilities get to church, we sometimes struggle to minister to them. If Mephibosheth were here today, we’d have to carry him to the platform as we often can't accommodate wheelchairs.
Frequently I’ve heard people evaluate the benefit of ramps and hearing loops based on how many people with disabilities would use them. Now I understand why that kind of analysis misses the point.
Our Doors Are Open: Guide for Accessible Congregations offers different faith communities in Ontario simple, creative ideas and guidance to increase inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities during worship services, events, and community activities.
Rennie Feddema from Strathroy, Ontario, wonders whether your church is truly disability friendly.
This letter was sent by friends to the elders of their congregation on behalf of a friend and fellow member who has Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
Do gaps in your church's physical and spiritual hospitality need to be brought to light so that you may more effectively witness to the life and light of Christ?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires all organizations that serve the public to adopt a Customer Service Policy. Here's a sample policy for churches to consider.
Progress in creating accessible and inclusive spaces for people with disabilities can be slow. Yet, there are signs of hope. Check out this encouraging article about churches being proactive!
Church leaders (especially deacons) will find this information helpful in assisting congregation members who need home remodeling for better accessibility.
Small group conversations are challenging for hearing-impaired members & small group discussions aren't accessible to the range of cognitive development. How have others tackled this?
Isaac’s family hasn’t sheltered him from the world, because more than anything, he just wants to be included.
The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition has helpful resources for congregations to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
This short litany, which can be read in unison, affirms that each member of the community is valued and loved.