Advocates working for full inclusion of persons with disabilities often feel that they are “preaching to the choir.” One in five persons lives with a disability, yet many remain barred from full participation in the life of the church because of attitudinal or architectural barriers. The abilities of many who are “differently gifted” are overlooked. Their concerns are often ignored by other church groups working for social justice.
A presbytery committee on disability concerns offers opportunities for addressing these issues. The following suggestions are based on several years’ experience by advocacy groups in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.
Beginning with the Basics
Many community and national groups are working effectively on disability issues. Church-based committees, however, have a unique role in advocating for full inclusion.
Unfortunately the roots of bias against persons with disabilities go far back in the religious traditions. Early priests of Israel were to be “perfect.” (Leviticus 21:16-23) In Jesus’ time people believed that demons caused disabilities. Martin Luther believed that his son, who was deaf, could not be saved because he could not hear the gospel. As recently as 1986 a major denomination adopted a policy that excluded persons with disabilities from ordained ministry.
But that is not the whole story. Ministry with persons with disabilities has deep foundations in the Biblical tradition. Moses was “slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exodus 4:10) but he and Aaron worked together to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The great Hebrew prophets preached justice for those who were marginalized. Jesus denied that disability or disasters are God’s punishment for sin. (John 9:1-3) The host in Jesus’ parable of the great banquet invited “the poor, the blind and the lame” to the feast. (Luke 14:21) Paul, who himself lived with a disability, asserted that all Christians are members of the Body of Christ with gifts to be shared. (I Cor. 12:4-13)
It is important to remember that ministry and advocacy are with persons with disabilities. Like other minority groups, persons with disabilities need to speak for themselves. Listening can, for those who are temporarily able-bodied, be a transforming experience.
Time to Organize
Identify a core group. Invite persons who understand what it means to live with disabilities. Include people from several congregations who live with a variety of disabilities. Family members and professionals who work with disability concerns can add valuable perspectives. Don’t forget that disability has no respect for age. Many children and youth live with disabilities, many of which are invisible. If possible include both ministers and lay persons in the group.
A large committee is not necessary. A dozen knowledgeable and committed people who represent different life experiences can make up a working group.
As the mission and needs of the group develop, invite consultants who have specific skills; for example, an architect who understands needs that go beyond ADA requirements or a special education teacher who can advise Christian education committees on the needs of children.
Find out how a disability concerns group can fit into the presbytery structure. A committee, council or work group on congregational life or social justice may provide the “umbrella” under which this committee can be housed. This can broaden support, provide access to congregations and assist in obtaining a budget and other resources.
Use resources from PC(USA). Members of the Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) leadership team have experience in locating resources for getting started. The PC(USA) Disability Consultants can give practical help in several areas: mobility/accessibility, hearing, visual and developmental disabilities. Take out a membership in PDC/PHEWA to stay connected with others in the field and to show your commitment to these issues being addressed by our denomination.
Set realistic goals. “Raising awareness” is what advocacy groups hope to do, but the goals need to be achievable. Keep in mind the group’s energy, personnel and resources. List what is needed to meet realistic goals. For some groups, one or more of the following might be a good beginning:
- Distribute one good resource to every church in the presbytery. PDC's annual Access Sunday packet includes resources for worship and education. The packet is available in print and on the web. Other excellent basic resources are Different Members: One Body and Welcoming People with Disabilities Into the Church.
- Send a short, simple questionnaire to all churches in the presbytery. Ask questions about what churches are doing to address disability concerns. You may discover congregations that have found creative ways to welcome all persons. Your committee may be able to plan ways to assist churches in sharing ideas and resources.
- Plan a workshop at a presbytery event. Use committee members or resource persons from other advocacy groups as leaders. Here are some possible subjects:
- Is your church accessible?
- How can we welcome persons with disabilities?
- What does the Bible say about disabilities?
Evaluate. At least once a year evaluate the committee’s accomplishments, strengths and areas for improvement. Celebrate what you have achieved! Then you can reconsider your goals and plan for the resources you need in order to continue working effectively.
Explore ecumenical and community resources. Sharing ideas and resources with other groups with similar goals can expand possibilities. Also, organizations like the National Organization on Disability (NOD) can provide valuable printed resources. Organizations with local chapters can often provide speakers. If your goal is to reach people in local churches, be sure to keep that as a focus so that you do not spend all your time simply meeting with like-minded people!
Don’t give up! Exclusion is not new. The Christian tradition and history includes much that is negative but the real message is one of God’s love for all people. We have a rich treasury of resources. God is still at work, creating the new! (Isaiah 43:18-19) |
