Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

One in five Americans has a disability, but you'd be surprised how many churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are not equipped to include people with disabilities. Pathways Awareness Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness to the gifts received when worshippers with physical, sensory, mental and emotional differences are included so that all may worship together. The “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” program assists congregations of all denominations to include people with disabilities into all aspects of faith life. This mission is carried out by:

Explaining how to be inclusive in the “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” DVD/Video, Idea Guide, Celebrating Inclusion in Worship: Seth's Bar Mitzvah video, e-newsletter, and inclusive congregation toolkit. Granting Open Hearts Awards to congregations in the Chicago area to further inclusion efforts. Inviting congregations to celebrate Inclusion Awareness Day. Providing the “Different Gifts, But the Same Spirit” lesson plans to help children and youth understand the importance of inclusion.

Father Henri Nouwen and Joseph Cardinal Bernardin teach us about how to include worshippers of all abilities in the Open Hearts DVD.

What's New!   2008 Inclusion Representative Training Opportunities Pathways Awareness Foundation now accepting nominations for cash grants of up to $1,000 The Vulnerable Journey is now available as solo product SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION 10TH ANNIVERSARY DVD SET While Quantities Last! Click Here for more information