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Crossroads Christian Fellowship NSW Inc.Inclusion Sunday
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When planning worship we need to consider the abilities and disabilities of all those we are hoping to include. On Inclusion Sunday, or on any occasion, we need to consider the strategies which will enable people to feel included as they participate in worship.
The following suggestions and information may be helpful in attempting to achieve the goal of inclusion.
INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
The majority of people with a disability may have difficulties in some or all of the following areas:
- listening and concentrating.
- processing what is said.
- expressing ideas and reactions in words.
- drawing conclusions.
- generalizing, ie transferring what is learned in one situation to another.
Active learning is more effective than passive learning.
The use of physical and visual props is very effective.
Therefor, the use of drama, mime, music and visual effects, is very effective when including people with intellectual disabilities in worship, and in fact for the inclusion of all people.
INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH A PHYSICAL DISABILITY
Mobility and access will be the two crucial issues for the inclusion of people with a physical disability. Those with a physical disability may use a wheelchair, walking frame, walking stick, or may be mobile but slow and restricted in movement.
Level access into the building is ideal, or access via a ramp of low gradient. A sturdy hand rail is important for those using a walking stick or with restricted mobility.
Once the person is in the building, assist them to an appropriate place to sit. (Ask what his/her preference is for seating.) It is often helpful to position the wheelchair within the body of the congregation, rather than in an isolated position. A person with a walking frame/stick will probably be more comfortable at the end of a row, so access is more readily obtained.
INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Ask the person where s/he wishes to be seated. The position of lighting may be important. Provision of large print hymn books, orders of service, well lit and positioned hymn number boards and OHTs is important for those with little or no vision.
It is important to have someone to accompany the person, so that a commentary can be given of aspects of the service, which are not auditory.
INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT
This will be a considerable number of people in your congregation!
A clear amplifacation system, which doesn't distort the spoken word is essential. Speakers need to speak distinctly, not too quickly, and always facing the congregation. A hearing loop facility is also necessary.
Visual cues should be matched with the spoken word where possible. These include: hymn number boards, designation of readings, printed orders of service. Gestures and facial expression of worship leaders are also important.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The most helpful procedure is to talk with the person/s concerned to learn from their experience. Also, there are other areas of disability which have not been discussed such as psychiatric disability.
Many of the people in our congregations are elderly and may have developed disabilities, particularly physical or sensory impairments. As the age of the population increases, so does the incidence of disability. Therefore, we need to be aware of people's needs on an on-going basis, rather than only for a particular time designated as Inclusion Sunday.
Crossroads NSW, Suite 2, 265-271 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh NSW Australia 2120
Phone 02 9980 8911 Fax 02 9875 4002
Snail Mail to: PO Box 255, Thornleigh 2120
Email Crossroads: nsw@crossroadsfellowship.org.au