GA06132

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns uses humor to get message across

by Erin S. Cox-Holmes

BIRMINGHAM, June 21 — When disability-awareness training was mandated by the 216th General Assembly (2004), members of Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) wanted a resource that "uses humor to communicate a very serious message of disability awareness," said Nancy Troy, executive director of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA).

The result was "The 10 Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities," a training video selected by the PDC, which is one of the 10 mission networks under the PHEWA umbrella.

"Instead of being sanctimonious and preachy, it's a comedy," a commissioner said of the video during a speak-out time.

"I'm pleased that people are so taken with this video," Troy said. "So many commissioners have asked about obtaining this outstanding resource for their own congregations and presbyteries. It can be purchased, but the PHEWA office is also delighted to loan this resource out, completely free of charge, to any church or governing body which would like to show it. We're hoping that every congregation will show it. It makes a difference."

PDC hopes that as word spreads about these common-sense ways to overcome ignorance or awkwardness, the call for the next step in disability awareness with be heard.