Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

TEN WAYS TO AFFIRM PARISHIONERS OF ALL ABILITIES

1. Form a well-rounded inclusion committee under one of the commissions of your parish council to keep inclusion in the forefront of parish life.
2. Include children, youth and adults of all abilities in liturgical ministries as ushers, musicians, choir members, altar servers, gift bearers, lectors and ministers of communion by providing and publicizing accommodations.
3. Educate the entire congregation about disability issues by periodically running pieces in your bulletin about hospitality and welcome. See ?How You Can Make a Difference? in this workbook.
4. Train ushers and lay leaders as role models to include and welcome worshippers of all abilities and their families. See ?Guidelines for Ushers and Lay Leaders? in this workbook.
5. Reinterpret disability narratives in the scriptures as symbolic ?healing? stories for all, not ?curing? stories.
6. Refer to saints and biblical leaders who had disabilities and their contributions in homilies, sermons and religious education classes.
7. Place an ?inclusion box? in the worship space with paper and pencils for suggestions for better inclusion.
8. Include children of all abilities in religious education classes with appropriate supports. Publicize that all children are welcome.
9. Consult parishioners who use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches when planning renovations or additions.
10. List accessible features and supports available in a permanent ?For your comfort and convenience?? section of the bulletin or worship aide.