DISABILITY PRACTICING INCLUSION DisAbility Ministries Committee of the United Methodist Church
Sharon McCart, Chair M.Div. Former Special Education Teacher
Barriers to Inclusion What keeps people with disabilities from being included in church? What prevents them from participating fully?
Types of Barriers Architecture Communication Awareness Attitude Others?
Architectural Barriers Stairs Rough pathways Narrow doors Obstacles No seating choices What else?
Communication Barriers Print too small No hearing assistance No sign language or captioning Unknown/unclear expectations Others?
Lack of Awareness Don’t know anything needs to be changed Don’t know what to change or how Never learned anything about disabilities Other?
Attitude Everyone should be like us Lack of compassion/empathy Don’t want to change Unfriendly/unwelcoming Other?
Other Barriers? What other barriers can you think of?
Removing Barriers How can we break down the barriers and practice inclusion in our congregations?
Architecture Ramps Wider doors Grab bars Signage Pew cuts
More Architecture Lifts, elevators Accessible restrooms Railings Automatic doors
Communication Large-print bulletins Assistive Listening Systems Accessible website Live captioning ASL interpreter
Awareness Disability Awareness/Access Sundays
Awareness Training for Sunday School teachers and other leaders
Awareness Disability Study/ Bible Study Disability Ministries Team Guest speakers with disabilities Training for church leaders Identify everyone’s spiritual gifts
Attitude Address different learning styles
Attitude: Change Worship! Intergenerational and hands-on! No “Shush” or “Sit still!” Fellowship, crafts, worship, supper More lively and interactive Don’t dumb down, but use easy-to- understand language with visual aids and engaging stories
Attitude Fragrance-free Zone No-Shush Policy Accessibility Welcome Kiosk
A one-stop place to find: Large-print bulletins and copies of the sermon Large-print hymnals Hearing assistance devices Print version of all Powerpoint slides
Assistance Companion/buddy/mentor Additional assistants in classes
Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) FM and Infrared systems Inductive loop systems All speakers use a microphone Committee Microphone System
For those who are Deaf Live-Captioned worship Videos need to be captioned or in print ASL interpreters Printed copies of the sermon and other spoken word
For those who are Blind Describe all videos and pictures Braille hymnals and bulletins Service animal policies Assistance when needed No obstacles in aisles, hallways
Outreach Programs Camp Employment Housing Working with people with disabilities
Commitment What barriers will you try to remove? 1. 2.
Resources Newsletter—The Voice Accessibility Audit New World Outlook, May/June issue Response, May issue