Access To God and Community

In the coming months, the courier will feature new and old voices as we invite people with disabilities to share their stories. Disability is defined as “Having a physical or mental impairment that affects daily functioning within society. Disability is a social construct defined by the same society that exacerbates the impairment through structures and systems that are not accessible or accommodating.”  

These stories are not for inspiration or to elicit pity. Rather, they are an opportunity to see God’s work in our midst, to repent from our microaggressions, and an invitation to become allies and accomplices in the work of disability justice. Not all disabilities are always visible.  Our assumptions, words and actions can be deeply harmful, even unintentionally. The Church has long been complicit in harming our disabled neighbors. There is much work to be done to begin repairs.

Along with stories highlighted in the courier, there will be opportunities to join in the work. Here are a few ways to get started—

• Prayerfully reflect on the questions and your responses to the Able Privilege Scorecard.
  • Access the scorecard <HERE>
• Complete the Congregational Survey: Ministry with People with Disabilities.
  • Access the survey <HERE>
• Submit your disability story for consideration to be featured in an upcoming article. You can submit your story to Erica Parsons at erica.masa.wa@gmail.com.
• Consider volunteering for an hour to help with the accessibility audit (due before October 31st!)
• Visit the accessibility committee booth at the Discipleship Fair on September 14th.
  
  

These are just a few ideas to get started. More opportunities will be coming soon! Have questions about the accessibility committee? Talk to Erica Parsons or Savannah Hemmings.