Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
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Disability
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Here you'll find resources posted by individuals, churches, and ministries. Add comments, give a 'thumbs up', or post your own. Can't find something? Use the chat box to let us know.
Dr. Jay Dolmage is a professor at the University of Waterloo. Recently he spoke on Academic Ableism at Western Theological Seminary. He has shared many great resources with us in this article.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to a new study, hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is good for business. Yet 85% of those are unemployed. HuffPost Live looks at a new initiative that aims to change this.
Here is a list of resources for churches to use to become compliant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Although the target audience is for those living in Ontario, there are many helpful hints for all churches!
United Way in the U.S. and in Canada has done magnificent work compiling extensive, up-to-date, and user friendly databases of local agencies and resources in both countries.
When ushers seat people who use walkers, the walkers are sometimes taken away. Without the walkers, they become disabled. What is the best way to handle this situation?
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults around the world, so most congregations probably include—or will soon include—stroke survivors. And the implications for churches are significant.
What barriers of architecture, communication, and attitude are keeping people with various disabilities from coming or getting involved in your church? This tool from Disabilty Concerns will help you identify these barriers and give ideas for overcoming them.
Many nondisabled people feel anxious in the presence of someone with a disability, so they say nothing and avoid contact. In this publication you will find suggestions that will help educate people about communicating with people with disabilities.
Here's a great tool for Church Advocates. Consider using this form for people living with disabilities in your church community to gain a clearer idea of what your church can do to ensure they belong and can serve!
Information for people with disabilities considering college, including legal rights and how to access campus resources.