Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

IDEAS FOR INTENTIONALLY INCLUDING WORSHIPPERS OF ALL ABILITIES EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

• Ask your pastor if you can serve as parish Inclusion Representative and start an inclusion committee. Don't take on too much at the beginning. Do something small that you know will be successful.



• Find out who uses a wheelchair in your congregation and make sure they can get into church, direct them to accessible seating and ask them if they would like the usher to bring them communion.



• Does your congregation include children with intellectual challenges in religious education programs and sacramental preparation with the necessary supports? Find out what you can do to help.



• Is your congregation open to including members with intellectual challenges in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults? The sponsor can act as a guide and support throughout the faith journey and materials can be adapted as needed.



• Is your worship committee aware of the need for inclusion? Set up a time to show and discuss the Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors DVD and Idea Guide with them.



• Does your congregation give people with physical, intellectual or sensory challenges the opportunity to minister or volunteer? A personal invitation and providing accommodations can make participation a reality.



• Find out whether anyone in your congregation needs transportation to church. Then make arrangements for their transport. People who live in group homes or supported living arrangements and people with vision loss often do not have transportation on weekends.



• Does your congregation have greeters who make a special point to invite people with challenges to worship and then greet them when they come in? Why not volunteer to be a greeter?



• Is there a need for a sign language interpreter for those who communicate with sign language? Explore how you can make this happen. People in your congregation who use sign language would know where to find an interpreter.



• Remember the words of Mother Teresa: "Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."