PC(USA) - PHEWA - Presbyterians for Disabilities Concerns

PHEWA - Presbyterians Health Education and Welfare Association


	Disability Resources Download the PDC brochure Download bulletin insert Presbyterians for Disability Concerns welcomes those who affirm, support and advocate for the gifts, rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the total life of the church. Join PHEWA and take part in this ministry. Four consultants are available to help with questions about welcoming persons with disabilities. Meet our Disability Concerns Consultants.


	Get the 2008 Access Sunday Worship Celebration Packet Providing pastoral care with and for people with disabilities Access Sunday is June 22, but can be celebrated at any time in the life of a congregation. The 2008 theme is pastoral care with and for people with disabilities. If the term “pastoral care” suggests trying to “fix” people with disabilities, or a one-way helping relationship, or “doing for” people who have little to give to the church or community, you may be surprised at some of the articles and stories that have been included. Resources in this years packet include worship suggestions, personal stories, and articles for thought, reflection and action. Learn more.


	Be the full embodiment of the household of God Congregational Audit of Disability Accessibility and Inclusion The Audit is intended to assist a congregation in taking seriously the call for the church to be the full embodiment of the household of God and a “house of prayer” for all peoples (in this instance persons who have a disability).This Audit is also intended to help congregations pinpoint specific areas for present and future concentration of effort. Use this Audit a a tool for conversation and ministry review by a variety of persons within your congregation. Further resources for use with this audit Creating a Task Force on Disability Issues for Your Church Sign Language Interpretation


	New resource Living into the Body of Christ: Towards Full Inclusion of People with Disabilities Disabilities paper as approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006), includes a study guide. Free single downloads available Order multiple copies $4.00 • Item # OGA06091


	Presbyterian Panel Report: Disabilities Issues How accessible to persons with disabilities are your church’s programs and facilities? Read this report from Research Services to learn how Presbyterians around the country answer, and compare the results to your own congregation. Other findings from this 2004 survey include the prevalence of disabilities by type among individual Presbyterians and their families and church staffs, impediments that have kept congregations from being more fully inclusive, and familiarity with denominational resources on disabilities.


	Make your church more accessible Our Disability Concerns Consultants provide concrete ways to make your church more accessible to persons with disabilities. [Read more]


	2006 Nancy Jennings Award recipient OPENING DOORS Task Force on Disabilities of the Presbytery of the Cascades The Nancy Jennings Award, presented by Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC), goes to a person, congregation or other PC(USA) entity that affirms, supports and advocates for the gifts, rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities in the life of the church. [Read more]


	Establishing a presbytery committee on disability concerns The Rev. Bebe Baldwin, PDC Leadership Team 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. [Read more]


	Making your church’s Web site accessible The Rev. Rick Roderick, PDC Leadership Team and Disability Consultant for Visual Disabilities, Louisville, Ky. Designing an accessible Web site is an excellent means of providing valuable information and easy navigation for all web users. Welcoming existing church members and prospective new members via an accessible Web site is an excellent form of evangelism. Many of us who are blind or visually impaired use the Internet. Speech technology is available that allows the selective reading of what is on the computer screen. Braille displays contain pins that move up and down to represent dots allowing Braille users the ability to read and print out Web site information in Braille. Screen enlargement software makes print easier to read for some people with low vision. [Read more]


	Suggested Guidelines for Committees on Preparation for Ministry for Candidates with Disabilities in Accommodating Ordination Exams Prepared by Nancy Olthoff, Ph.D. for Presbyterians for Disability Concerns Endorsed by the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates Ordination examinations are required of each candidate prior to entering professional ministry. This booklet has been prepared to facilitate the process of administering ordination exams to persons with disabilities. Download Suggested Guidelines for Committees on Preparation for Ministry for Candidates with Disabilities in Accommodating Ordination Exams.


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