Day 3 and everything is becoming a blurrrrrr. Synod is crazy busy and unfortunately today the Pride Parade in Cleveland was rained out; what an exciting and memorial event that would have been!
Besides the marriage equality happenings and my excitement for the discussions tomorrow on Mass Incarceration, one thing that has really stood out to me is the disabilities ministry. I think it was yesterday, or it could have been in this morning’s plenary; two courageous women stood up and spoke about disabilities. One woman was middle aged and mentioned sight being an area where she needs assistance. She went on to tell us many things we can do to help those with disabilities including:
No matter our physical or mental abilities, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, we are all made in God’s image.
Besides the marriage equality happenings and my excitement for the discussions tomorrow on Mass Incarceration, one thing that has really stood out to me is the disabilities ministry. I think it was yesterday, or it could have been in this morning’s plenary; two courageous women stood up and spoke about disabilities. One woman was middle aged and mentioned sight being an area where she needs assistance. She went on to tell us many things we can do to help those with disabilities including:
- Ask if someone needs assistance, don’t just assume;
- Provide rides to church;
- Have a hearing system in your church;
- Make large print bulletins 22 pt font (and they don’t have to look exactly like the regular bulletins, just make it so people can read them and the hymns!)
- Wheelchair accessibility;
- Don’t judge;
- Accessible bathrooms that you don’t have to go outside to obtain access to;
- Invite participation of those with disabilities in worship and leadership within the church;
- Learn how to include those with intellectual disabilities.
No matter our physical or mental abilities, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, we are all made in God’s image.
Author

Tina Walker-Morin
Christina Walker-Morin is a member of Maple Street Congregational Church UCC, Danvers and is on the path to ordination.