Disability Awareness�for the Local Church

BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON CONFERENCE�of The United Methodist Church

For questions about this presentation, �contact Rev. Dr. Leo Yates at lyates@bwcumc.org

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Accessibility and Inclusion

Luke 14 – The Great Banquet parable – Jesus emphasizes for us to include people with disabilities. Reconciling and inclusion were His mission. We are Christ’s ambassadors and represent Him when we are welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities.

People with Disabilities in The Bible

There were MANY people with disabilities in both the �Old and New Testament

Moses (Ex 4:10) had a speech impairment & had Aaron as an interpreter.

Jacob injured his hip after wrestling with God & had a physical disability (Gen 32).

King David had some depression during his life, just read a few of his Psalms.

Ehud (a judge) in the OT (Judges 3) likely had Cerebral Palsy or a disability in his right hand.

Paul (Saul) in the New Testament (Acts 9) was temporarily blind & also had vision loss, even had blind guides to help him navigate (Acts 9:8).

In Luke 1, Zechariah was deaf-mute and was given accommodations when the Jewish leaders signed / gestured to him + gave him a tablet so he could write out John’s name for the ritual.

Types of Disabilities

• Blindness and vision impairment
• Brain injuries
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Learning disabilities
• Medical disabilities
• Psychiatric disabilities
• Intellectual / developmental disabilities
• Cognitive impairments
• Speech and language
• Invisible disabilities (e.g., diabetes)
• Neurodivergent (e.g., autism)

Some FACTS

* 1 in 4 have a disability * Over 1 billion people have a disability

* Some people with disabilities experience high poverty and unemployment�* Social isolation can be a concern which leads to mental health concerns � * * * There are many reasons Jesus went to them * * *

See some church statistics here.

Here at Our Church

MOST CHURCHES HAVE PEOPLE WITH: �* vision impairments * hearing loss * cognitive impairments �* mental health * chronic illness * members with mobility concerns � * AND OTHER DISABILITIES

People with Disabilities �HAVE Spiritual Gifts Too!

1 Corinthians 12 reminds the church that ALL people have spiritual gifts and these gifts are to support the church.

Read an article here.

�Focus more on what they can do, �and less on what they can’t do.

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Common Church Barriers

* Physical or architectural�(e.g., no ramps or accessible bathrooms)

* Communication�(e.g., no large print materials or sermon/script notes)

* Attitudinal�(e.g., ableism and audism, no persons with disabilities serving in leadership, insensitive)

* Programmatic�(e.g., ministries aren’t inclusive, not using disability-friendly curriculums, untrained staff) �* Technology�(e.g., not using alt text for images, not enabling captions on Zoom, or no online community for persons unable to attend in person)

Reflecting on Belonging

Deepening our inclusion strengthens our discipleship. We should be growing in these areas.* This embodies the affirmative model AND the social model of disabilities.* Certainly, ableism &/or audism negatively impacts their participation in the life of the church. �

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Train yourself in these:�Disability etiquette, blind etiquette, autism etiquette, dementia etiquette, deaf etiquette & hiring etiquette

* Source: Calvin Institute on Worship * Learn more about the models of disabilities

Accessibility Audit

The Annual Accessibility Audit is to be completed as a part of the Church / Charge Conference each fall. It raises awareness and supports for our need to be better accessible across the church.�Accessibility Audit�Accessibility Audit training

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�TIP 1: Have a person with a disability (if possible) also inspect. �TIP 2: Compare last year’s audit for what’s better/worse.�TIP 3: Take pictures of problem areas / concerns.

Take a Pulse

Periodically, check with the faith community to see how accessible and welcoming your church are to them.

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Click here to download the survey.

Use

Inclusive

Language

Avoid demeaning remarks

and outdated terms. Kindly educate others when they misspeak. For ex. �“I think we say…now instead of that.”

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A pastoral language guide.�A disability language guide. �(share copies with ministry leaders)

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Try taking this quiz if think you know �inclusive language. �Accessible quiz (a Google doc).

Use First Person Language

Ableism and

Audism

While ableism is the discrimination towards people with disabilities and audism (NOT autism) is the discrimination toward people who are deaf and hard of hearing, these often are barriers to discipleship and belonging. Intentionally or unintentionally, it can make people feel unwelcomed and/or unvalued. It’s also helpful to be mindful of the intersection of ableism with other types of discrimination. Paul emphasized to the church in Corinth to be sensitive and inclusive (1 Cor 12). Good advice for the body of Christ!

Ableism in The Bible

The Bible has MANY examples of ableism (discrimination), such as stigma, social isolation, no provisions or support, being taken advantage of & not being allowed to join in worship. Ableism affects all people with and without disabilities, both directly & indirectly.

The woman who bled for 12 years was stigmatized & socially isolated due to her medical condition.

The ableism Isaac experienced was when his son Jacob took advantage �of his blindness. Jacob impersonated Esau so he could steal his blessing.

People with disabilities were mostly stigmatized that included social isolation. Many people believed people with disabilities were punished due to sin or their parents’ sins. Jesus provided healing to restore them (both the disabled person & their communities), such as lepers, persons with physical & medical disabilities, persons with mental illness, sensory loss, etc.

Tips for Ministry Leaders

• Use accessible spaces (that has little to no barriers)
• Promote / invite accommodation requests 2 weeks before a new program begins (include it in the promotion)
• Periodically, summarize or reiterate points during it
• Announce to individuals to inform you if they are experiencing barriers, at least during the 1st session
• Invite individuals to see you for barrier concerns
• Be flexible, if needed, adapt the program
• Consider having individuals work in twos
• Be affirming and welcoming
• Offer leader notes/scripts (some may need it)
• Occasionally ask if individuals have chemical sensitivities
• Student / participant evaluations, ask about barriers

Accessible Spaces / Rooms

• Utilize spaces and rooms that are accessible, such as having assistive listening systems and large screen monitors when using visuals
• Has adequate lighting
• Doorways are wide enough for persons in wheelchairs
• Tables are high enough and spaced out for wheelchairs
• Has accessible bathrooms nearby
• May be near the church entrance &/or accessible �parking (for persons with mobility concerns)
• Move the program to an accessible room if needed
• Occasionally ask if individuals have chemical �sensitivities, if so, request participants not wear �perfumes and colognes
• Have immunocompromised participants, consider �smaller groups and/or participants be masked or �socially distanced. (smaller groups are better for learning disabilities)

Sunday �Worship

• Include people with disabilities as liturgists & greeters
• Have large print bulletins and hymnals on hand
• Offer comprehensive worship guides (electronically too)
• Announce the church’s commitment to accessibility
• Include in the bulletin the location of the accessible bathroom &/or list of what is readily accessible
• Ensure microphones / sound system are always used
• Offer gluten-free Communion elements
• Have visitor cards include accessibility requests
• Post signs / include in the bulletin what’s accessible
• Have volunteers sit with parishioners who need asst
• Offer reserved seating near the speaker/preacher
• Have online or call in options for individuals who are ill
• Train ushers and greeters to be familiar with:
• How to contact support staff / accessibility coordinator
• Where the accessible bathrooms are
• That large print bulletins & hymnals are available
• Be familiar with & operate the assistive listening devices

Holy Communion

• Include people with disabilities as Communion stewards
• Ensure Communion stewards and presiders are using hand sanitizer as some people have weakened or no immune system
• Offer gluten-free elements
• If people are unable to come forward, have Communion stewards go to persons in their pews
• As some people may have flare ups or are symptomatic and stay home, ensure they too receive Communion
• Some individuals may not wish to partake for personal reasons – it’s okay as they are still in fellowship with others
• Here are some helpful guidelines & resources.

Potluck and Fellowship

• Have labels by the dishes for potluck that show main ingredients (like peanuts & others)
• Ensure there are gluten-free options available, such as gluten-free pizza
• Offer fruits, vegetables, and food with fiber as these can be helpful for individuals with diet restrictions due to inflammation
• Prevent cross-contamination with some food - know what allergies people have by separating foods on different tables.
• Ask participants to share what diet restrictions they have to better ensure there are provisions
• Sugar-free and/or low carb options can support people with diabetes.��Source: Eating Rules

Check out this site for ideas!�- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - �Labels in Word for dishes

Leading Bible & Group Studies

• Plan ahead to use accessible spaces
• Use multi-sensory curriculums (e.g., audio books, large print, visuals, digital, etc.)
• Be flexible to move spaces or tables
• Repeat responses in case people with hearing loss miss it (& helps with ADHD)
• Encourage / invite participation
• Review curriculums ahead of time to ensure there is no ableist remarks
• Inform church staff of any barrier concerns
• Offer breaks / offer summaries during it
• Speaking one at a time is easier to follow

Click here for �The Bible and

Disability: Commentary.

Disability Awareness Activities

• Best practice for accessibility and inclusion is to observe disability awareness throughout the year - either monthly or quarterly.
• Highlights can include “July is Disability Pride Month, come join us to hear from…”
• Have a resource table highlighting disabilities.
• Showcase achievements and contributions by people with disabilities through social media or newsletter articles (it destigmatizes disabilities).
• The Disabled World website lists the dates and observances of various disabilities - learn more!
• Remember to affirm, not demean (e.g., “Isn’t it wonderful how so & so overcame his condition.”)
• Anti-ableism training can be included with diversity and inclusion trainings the church offers.

Zoom Meetings

• Enable closed captions
• Consider recording the session so people �can capture what was missed.
• Read the chat comments for the blind or �who called into the session.
• Make transcripts available afterwards.
• Spotlight / pin speakers & interpreters
• Screen sharing – describe what’s displayed.
• Share materials ahead of time.
• Breakout rooms can be tricky. The host may �need to assign persons, like ASL interpreters.
• Offer instructions for new users to Zoom �(like before the session)
• Zoom IS JAWS-friendly and works with other �assistive technology for blind individuals.

* Learn more tips here

Make them accessible

Church Leadership

• Include people with disabilities to serve on your leadership committees
• Include people with disabilities to serve as liturgists and/or Communion stewards
• Invite them to preach & teach
• Adjust times & days of meetings if needed
• Offer co-leadership roles if warranted
• Show grace & flexibility for persons with disabilities that have flare ups.
• If needed, adapt responsibilities in order for them to serve (they can bring a valuable voice to the committee).
• Emergency procedures - remember considerations for people with disabilities

Accessibility Coordinator

Accessibility Coordinators can better support the church’s commitment to be welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities. It can be a volunteer, a staff person or a committee responsibility (e.g.,board of trustee member). ��If you have an accessibility coordinator, publicize it in the bulletin, the church website and with ministry leaders. �

Here’s a position description (& has resources).�Here’s a Accessibility Coordinator presentation.

Having an accessibility or a disability ministries committee can be a support too.

Website Information

• Have an “Accessibility Page” and share what is accessible on your church website.
• Have an accessibility statement (a commitment to inclusion). Keep information updated.
• Use plain language for people of all reading levels.
• Include contact people / support staff information

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Check your website for its reading level

www.webfx.com/tools/read-able/

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Check your website for accessibility www.accessibilitychecker.org

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Check out this website tip sheet for accessibility.

If your church does not have these, then be sure the church secretary is familiar with church contacts and supports for people with disabilities.

Accommodations for Church Events

• Registration for church events should include a section for accommodation requests �
• Diet restrictions are a fact of life for some people and offering diet preferences can make it better accessible�
• Standard accommodations should include large print & digital materials, & audio visuals �
• A contact person &/or an accessibility coordinator at the event�
• Accessible parking & accessible bathrooms

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Here are is a full list of questions to consider for your church events or programs (adapt it for your context)

Children’s Ministries

• Sometimes a buddy system is helpful (work in twos)
• Sensory sensitivities may require quiet spaces (or headsets) & alternate lighting (e.g., blue lighting)
• Keep disability information confidential (need to know basis)
• Offer fidgets or stress balls to help with attention or focus
• Receive input from parents
• Structure and consistency helps
• Use multi-sensory curriculums
• Have adequate church volunteers who are trained in disability awareness or specific to a disability (ask the parent for support ideas)
• For some, have a tablet with a headset to reduce behaviors

Check out this Checklist for Teachers page�- - - - - - - - - - -

Download the ministry checklist (pdf)�- - - - - - - - - - -

Articles about various disabilities & tips

Outreach Initiatives

For churches who feel called to create community relationships, outreach to residential programs (group homes) and/or day habilitation programs are ideal, �even assisted living facilities.

• Adopt a group home & bring�meals or take them out to a�restaurant, monthly or quarterly
• Visit and bring refreshments
• Offer gifts at Christmas time
• Send birthday cards
• Invite them to church
• Ask to put any prayer needs on the church’s prayer list

FInd assisted living facilities near you�- - - - - - - - - - -�Centers for Independent Living has group homes

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Check with your local human service agencies

Staff-Parish Relations Committee

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• The SPRC should NEVER inquire if people have a disability during an interview (applicants can self-disclose).
• Invite applicants to request accommodations for interviews.
• The SPRC should keep in confidence if a staff or applicant self-discloses their disability.
• While churches are exempt from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hiring people with disabilities is biblical
• The Jobs Accommodations Network (JAN) is a helpful resource for employers who hire people with disabilities
• Here is a helpful hiring etiquette resource.
• Here is a hiring guide to tax credits for hiring people with disabilities.

General SPRC Training PPT

Finance Committee

• Consider a budget line item for $500 or more to support accessibility &/or outreach initiatives (this is an ongoing commitment to access & inclusion). �
• Fundraising and exploring grants may be a task of the finance committee such as funding for an electric chair lift or a FM System (assistive listening system).�
• Potential Grants through
• Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee
• Joni & Friends (Christian Fund for the Disabled)
• Mustard Foundation offers church grants
• Check for partial grants with the Annual Conference too
• Check with your district buildings & locations chairperson

Board of Trustees

• The board of trustees are sometimes involved in the inclusion of parishoners with disabilities as some architectural barriers require their input or action.
• Best practice is to have a member of the board of trustees who is tasked with looking at what barriers are a concern and report progress toward its elimination.
• Here’s a support document for church accessibilities that are little to no cost.
• If responsible for completing the Annual Accessibility Audit, consider completing this training. Here’s the audit.
• Here’s a free online church disability guide.
• Here’s a resource / template for church policy for welcoming people with disabilities.

Church Council / Board

• Receive periodic updates or reports regarding church accessibility or barriers�
• If possible, have an Accessibility Coordinator for the church who will also be a member-at-large on the council�
• Encourage periodic disability awareness activities in the life of the church (e.g., youth groups,& devotionals at meetings)�
• Require annual disability awareness training for church ministry leaders & committees�
• Here’s a free online church disability guide�
• Here’s a resource / template for church policy for welcoming people with disabilities.

Safe Sanctuary Policies

• It’s important to remember some people with disabilities are considered vulnerable adults who also need some protections.
• Review or revise policies to consider people with disabilities (e.g., be sure it has inclusive language).
• Microaggressions and bullying due to ableism should be prohibitive as churches should be nurturing communities.
• Post signs and such for how to report concerns.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) - to report abuse or neglect
• (v) 800-917-7383 (Maryland)
• (v) 202-541-3950 (DC)
• (v) 800-352-6513 (WVA)
• MD APS DC APS WVA APS
• National Information find APS In Your Area - NAPSA
• Project SAFE (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) - MD
• General Safe Sanctuary guidelines

By Disability

• BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED - Guidance
• DEAF & HARD OF HEARING - Guidance / Resources
• DEMENTIA - Guidance
• MOBILITY ISSUES - Guidance
• AUTISM & NEURODIVERGENT - Guidance
• CHRONIC ILLNESSES - Guidance
• INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES - Guidance
• MENTAL HEALTH - Guidance

Resources

• Click here for My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice for the Church
• Click here for Disability and the Church
• Click here for Disability & the Gospel
• Click here for Autism and the Church
• Click here for the Disability Ministries Manual by the BWC Commission on Disability Concerns (free resource)
• The book, Deaf Ministries, has a chapter on disabilities and accessibilities, as well as other helpful awareness ideas!
• Click here for The Bible and Disability: Commentary
• Click here for Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities
• Everybody Belongs, Serves Together (Free)

Congregational Support

DISABILITY MINISTRIES COMMITTEE of The United Methodist Church in partnership with the General Commission on Religion and Race for information, small grants, content for Disability Awareness Sunday, resources, accessibility audits, and others.��COMMITTEE ON DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING MINISTRIES in partnership with Global Ministries for resources, liturgies, bulletin inserts, Deaf Awareness Sunday, recruiting interpreters, brochures, small grants, information about audism, and training.��The PATHWAYS TO PROMISE site offers a plethora of information, church resources, and ways to be supportive of mental health and well-being, including hosting a Mental Health Sunday and Creating Caring Congregations. BIPOC resources. Intersectional organizations.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES: RESOURCES FOR WELCOMING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES by Discipleship Ministries. Children Ministries & their posts have ideas! Check out the Pocket Guide to Special Needs. Checkout the Special Needs Ministry Checklist.�

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United Methodist Caucuses

Disability Organizations

Association of Ministers with Disabilities (AMD) of The United Methodist Church (a disability caucus).

United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (a Deaf caucus).

List of National and State Disability Organizations

Intersectional Organizations Related to Disabilities

Ability Toolkit with a list of support groups & topics for various supports