Awareness Sessions for Pastoral Center Staff

The Office for Persons with Disabilities will be hosting a series of four sessions to address factors that are important to consider in ministry with persons with disabilities. We will discuss person-first language, accessibility, Deaf culture, adaptive resources and more. See below for the session topics and dates.

  • Deaf Culture & the Deaf Community

    In order to understand how to best meet the needs of Deaf Catholics, it is essential to understand the culture of the Deaf Community. Join us as we introduce a basic understanding of Deaf Culture, explore the unique language that is ASL, and address how we can better meet the needs of Deaf Catholics in our ministry.

  • All sessions will be hosted virtually through Zoom. A link will be sent upon registration.
  • Ministry with the Blind

    Persons with blindness or vision loss often need very specific accommodations to ensure meaningful participation in the Sacraments and parish life. Join us as we address best practices in ministry with the blind and visually impaired and share ways that we can provide opportunities for inclusion and belonging.

  • All sessions will be hosted virtually through Zoom. A link will be sent upon registration.
  • Autism and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

    There is a broad spectrum of needs that must to be met for persons with autism and intellectual & developmental disabilities to be welcomed into full participation in our Church. Join us as we address neurodiversity, adaptive resources, and how to minister to caregivers.

  • All sessions will be hosted virtually through Zoom. A link will be sent upon registration.
  • Mental Illness & Eliminating Stigma

    There is still a tremendous stigma associated with persons who suffer from mental illness in our Church. While 1 in 4 people suffer from some type of mental illness, it is often not addressed and people feel alone in their struggles. Join us as we discuss ways to destigmatize mental illness and encourage people to encounter Jesus through their struggles.

  • All sessions will be hosted virtually through Zoom. A link will be sent upon registration.