PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
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General Information
Better Serving People with Disabilities
A conference in Rome called “Us, Not Them”, examined ways the Church can better serve people with disabilities. The 2 day event included topics such as “to be human is to belong” and “the role of disabled people in the Church.” Director of the Kairos Forum and Disability Advisor to the Bishops of England and Wales, Cristina Gangemi, shares more about this event in a story on EWTN.
The Catholic Church’s History on Helping Disabled Persons
Church Documents
“Persons with disabilities are called to the fullness of sacramental life, even in the presence of severe disorders. The sacraments are gifts from God, and the liturgy even before being rationally understood, needs to be lived: therefore no one can refuse the sacraments to persons with disabilities. The community that is able to discover the beauty and joy of faith of which these brothers are capable becomes richer.” -Directory for Catechesis (New Edition)
If persons with disabilities are to become equal partners in the Christian community, injustices must be eliminated and ignorance and apathy replaced by increased sensitivity and warm acceptance. The leaders and the general membership of the Church must educate themselves to appreciate fully the contribution persons with disabilities can make to the Church’s spiritual life.
These guiding principles are provided for Pastors, Liturgists, Parish Advocates, Liturgy Planners, Designers, Architects, and all those who have a concern for the design of the worship space and the planning of liturgical celebrations. They are provided for the purpose of assuring the all members of the worshipping community are able to participate fully in the worship life of their parishes and also to insure that all who are appropriately qualified can fully participate in the various liturgical ministries.
These guidelines were developed to address many of the concerns raised by persons with disabilities and their families and advocates, and also clergy and other pastoral ministers, for greater consistency in pastoral practice in the celebration of the sacraments throughout the country. The guidelines draw upon the Church’s ritual books, its canonical tradition, and its experience in ministering to or with persons with disabilities in order to dispel misunderstandings that may impede sound pastoral practice in the celebration of the sacraments.
Organizations & Webpages
Below are organizations, along with their webpages, that serve as wonderful resources for parishes, families and individuals who would like to learn more about the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mission: Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) works collaboratively to ensure meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the Church and society.
This website is loaded with resources for families, individuals and parishes to better support faith development and meaningful participation within the Catholic Faith.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is a state agency dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, accessibility, and independence. Our mission drives the work we do. Our principles guide how we do it. We aim for service excellence by:
Listening first; Acting with a sense of urgency; Honoring diversity; Fostering inclusiveness; Valuing collaboration; Inspiring innovation; Being transparent and accountable; and Celebrating success.
Accepting the Gift is focused on providing resources and support to Catholic special needs parents. When special needs families can show up and participate in Mass, religious education, sacramental prep, and parish activities, everyone benefits. Start with the assumption that your parish CAN make the accommodation, CAN provide the sacrament, and CAN include someone before saying “No”. Your efforts may be what keep a family from leaving the Church permanently.
As part of the University of Dayton the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, serves as a support network and resource to individuals with disabilities and their families by providing DVD’s, and print resources, consultations, and networking opportunities on the national and local level.
A Prayer ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
…Your gift of love and commitment to the human race
…A seed to build a community of interdependence and respect for all life
As we celebrate the U.S. bishops’ proclamation of welcome and inclusion,
open our hearts to their words
Commit us to their proclamation that “There can be no separate Church for people with disabilities. We are one flock.”
Guide our hands to build access and welcome
Guide our minds to understand the power and wisdom of human vulnerability
Guide our actions to create parish communities open to the gifts of each individual
Give us courage to stand up to the forces willing to destroy life because they fear disability or
make judgments about its “quality.”
Give us understanding that your body is incomplete if people are left behind
Give us an appreciation of the role we must play in spreading your good news to all we meet
We praise you Lord for all of your good gifts
We thank you for those pioneers who have worked tirelessly
to carry out the bishops’ prophetic vision of 1978
We give thanks for loving parents who welcome and nurture their children
We appreciate all those living with disabilities who contribute their time and talents even in the
face of obstacles or rejection
Guide us always Lord in your way
Amen
Provided by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability
