Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Program

How can I make my faith community more inclusive: Guidelines for clergy, ushers and lay leaders

General Information:

1. What do you say when you meet a person with a disability? How about “Hello?”
2. Because each person has gifts and abilities, ask a person with a disability to usher, to serve communion, to read, etc.
3. Speak directly to the person with a disability or difference, not
only to the family member, companion, interpreter, or canine companion.
4. Ask the person with the disability if you can help. Respect any refusal.
5. Be sensitive to where a person wishes to receive communion – at their seat or at the altar.
6. A warm smile and friendly conversation are very welcoming.
7. Feel comfortable using words like see, walk, and listen with persons with disabilities.
8. Use person-first language such as “persons with disabilities” NOT “the disabled.”
9. Offer large-print bulletins, missalettes, or assistive listening devices.
10. Use the accessibility logo. Include the words “All Are Welcome.”



Welcoming persons with blindness or vision loss:

1. Identify yourself when you greet the person. Tell the person when you are about to leave.
2. Talk normally, using your customary voice and typical expressions like “See you later.”
3. Offer your arm when assisting, the same way an usher does at a wedding.
4. Give verbal cues such as “We are going through a doorway.” Explain the traffic pattern with clear, calm instructions such as “Go up the center aisle.”

        Welcoming persons with mobility differences:

1. Speak directly to the person
2. Offer assistance, but accept a "No, thank you."
3. Sit down so that you are at eye-level if the conversation will last more that a few minutes.
4.  Shake hands or lightly touch a shoulder in the same way you would with others.
5. Keep a person's wheelchair or walker near the person.  A person who uses a chair may be able to walk but still needs the chair

    Welcoming persons with deafness or hearing loss:

1. Face the person, He/she will appreciate seeing your facial expression and may read you lips.  Your face, gestures and body movements help in understanding.
2. Move closer rather that shout.
3. Speak clearly and slowly.  Writing may be necessary.

    Welcoming person with speech differences:

1. Be patient.  Let a person talk at his/her own pace.
2. Remember a person may have communication means other than speech, such as writing.
3. Ask questions that require short answers or shake of the head.  If you cannot understand, rephrase the question.
4. Repeat or paraphrase what was said in order to confirm that you understand. 

    Welcoming persons with cognitive differences:

1. Greet the person and interact normally.
2. Keep things simple and uncomplicated.
3. Treat people equally regardless of participation level; give prayer books or hymnals to all; allow everyone a chance to speak. 

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