Including everyone in... Church Organisation

 

The Church, as the Body of Christ, is made up of all its different parts who all have a role to play.  People with learning disabilities bring different experiences and insights because of their disability, that will enrich the church.  Ensuring the church is accessible and fully includes people with learning disabilities enriches the entire body.

Disabled people need to be involved in the following points to ensure that the church is able to reach its full potential, and is inviting to everyone.

Policies

• Are people with learning disabilities involved in the shaping of policies from the very beginning?
• Is someone in the church responsible for ensuring that people with learning disabilities are included?
• Is there someone in the church that people know they could go to if they find it difficult to understand services?
• Do you have teachings and literature appropriate for people with learning disabilities?
  

Church Meetings

• Do you need to allow extra time for the meeting? - e.g.:
  - breaking up your message creatively helps keep attention focused.
  - can you say what you want to say in simple, everyday language?
  - be aware that if you ask a question, albeit a rhetorical one, you may receive a reply!
• Does your meeting allow for creative forms of worship?
• As you preach, what is your church's attitude toward interruptions or noise? Maybe the way God loves people with learning disabilities could be a topic for wider teaching?
• A welcoming church meeting is not only one where material needs are catered for, but more importantly where the attitude of people is open and welcoming, and where those who serve are prepared and helpful.
  

Leadership

• Have your church leaders received any disability awareness training?
• Is there any reason why you do not have any people with learning disabilities in ministry at your church? - there are many ways to include people, depending on ability: as a welcomer, usher, helping with coffee, etc.
• Does your leadership actively look for ways the church can be enriched through including those with learning disabilities?

Building Design

• Is there adequate and clear signage?
• Could you have signs not only with written words, but also symbols? (i.e. arrows, or female / male symbols for toilets...)
• Are people with learning disabilities allowed to sit wherever they please, rather than in a group?
  

Church Publicity & Website

• Is your website simple and clear?
• How easy is your website to navigate?
• Does it have pictures and symbols as well as text?
• Do you advertise the availability of interpreters or the church's openness to everyone?