Board of Social Witness - Special Needs

Physical Disability

Physical disability affects many in our congregations. The Board of Social Witness aims to provide churches with guidelines, some of which issued by the William Keown Trust regarding the layout of church buildings in order to make them more user-friendly for those with a physical disability.

Information and support is also available for those who care for the physically disabled.

May I Come In?

A video/DVD is available from the Board of Social Witness office called "May I Come In?" The title may appear odd but it this a genuine concern of many physically disabled people wishing to attend and become involved in a church.

This resource aims to equip churches with the necessary information about how to better facilitate this section of our community.

Norman Chambers, Director of Social Services until 2001, stated when the video and DVD were launched, 'Under new legislation, churches and other public buildings have to make adequate provision for disabled people. However, we consider it important that churches move beyond just what they have to do and make every effort in their programmes to make people with disability part of their church community showing practical Christian love and compassion both to them and their families.'

The video/DVD examines how disability has affected some individuals and families, stressing difficulties and presenting practical examples of how churches can provide a more welcoming environment.

Avril Crowe from Whitehead was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis ten years ago, leading to her leaving work and adapting to life in a wheel chair.. 'My life has slowed down so much,' she explains, 'but my spiritual life has strengthened and I'm glad I can still go to church. You can feel isolated in a wheel chair and the last thing you want is to be 'parked' and forgotten about. Physically the congregation has helped by providing a ramp but more important has been the continual loving concern and care shown to me by everyone.'

Bob and Janet Hamilton were shocked to learn that their son Gareth had Down's Syndrome. They have suffered much insensitivity and lack of understanding but they felt that their church, Knock Presbyterian, has much to offer Gareth. 'The minister and elders have been most supportive and in the youth organisations and Sunday School Gareth's contribution has been valued as much as that of the other children,' explained Janet. Knock youth leader Francis Gibson said, 'Gareth's love has touched me and the other children in Sunday School. He is a very important member of our group and we all learn a lot from him.'

Welcome To Our Church

With the Disability Discrimination Act now a reality, Director of Social Service Lindsay Conway reviews the progress of congregations in welcoming people with disability.

Our churches are becoming more inclusive, not because of legislation but because we want to follow the example of Christ. An inclusive church is a caring church, embracing all its members.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) will be fully implemented by 4 October 2004. Churches and all church organisations have now a legal duty to be inclusive and accessible. There are many examples of congregations who have got on with adaptations without fuss, no long protracted debates, no hesitation about funding. Regrettably there are congregations who have done very little and who are adopting the policy of wait and see if anyone complains.

The Board of Social Witness recent survey revealed that only eight of our congregations provide any project for disabled people. The design of the survey did not measure any integrated projects or services. The encouraging statistic is that a total of 28 congregations have planned or have future plans to provide specialist programmes.

We can also report that:

144 congregations have loop systems;
52 have large print Bibles or Hymn Books;
71 have wheelchair access to a pew;
115 have toilets for disabled people;
142 provide ramps;
80 have designated car parking.

The churches can take some solace that we are better placed than other sectors. A recent article in Professional Manager (September 2004) stated that 69% of small-medium businesses were unaware of impending legislation. The Disability Rights Commission found that 40% of local authorities had no plans to draw up a strategy on disability related issues.

The Social Witness conference "May We Come In?" this year discussed the whole area of disability and the church. We were challenged by the keynote speaker, John Brown (Elder in Ballydown) and a Trustee of the Through the Roof Foundation. John assured us that "Presbyterians will be safe when the Daleks invade earth-all we have to do is go to the nearest church with steps and we will be safe." In other words the issue is more than ramps, loop systems, car parks and large-print Bibles; it is to do with attitudes. Get the attitude right-be welcoming, caring and gracious. A disabled person can play a full and active role in the family of the church both as a participant and leader. There is no aspect of church life that will not be impacted upon by the legislation. It has given us the framework, and there is no doubt that some attitudes have changed.

One of the best examples of this is our own Willow Brook, an example of a project that responded to an individual need in a caring, Christ-like manner. The tenants are fully integrated into their local community, including church life.

Another example is our ministry to the deaf community at the Kinghan Church. This work was greatly enhanced by a major refurbishment, introducing tiered seating, new design pulpit and lighting. Worship has been greatly enriched by the introduction of PowerPoint and other advanced technology.

All new and refurbished churches and halls will be proofed against the DDA standards. The following list is just a taste of other aspects we must be conscious of as we modify our approach:

Codes and Policies
Reserved Seating
The Seated Person
Dealing with Guide Dogs
Emergency Escapes
Regular Risk Assessments
Height of Door Handles
Glass Panels
Door Closers
Height of Lectern
Height of Displays
Loop Systems
Can leaflets be reached?
How are people welcomed?
Training
Carpets
Colour Schemes
Participation in Services
Large Print
PowerPoint
Special Services-Communion, Weddings, Baptisms.

A few years ago I ruptured my Achilles Tendon and found myself in a full leg plaster for a number of weeks and was not fully mobile for months. This gave me a mere glimpse of what it was like to have restricted mobility and experience less independence. I also experienced a full range of human nature ranging from those who would knock you down in the rush, to those who went out of their way to accommodate your needs.

Churches can get it wrong so easily-the awkward approach, the inappropriate word, the clumsy response to a simple question.

We have come a long way in a comparatively short time. I still wonder if we would have come so far without the legislation. Gone are the days when parents were told to take their child with a learning disability home, as the child may shout out at an inappropriate time. Gone are the days when Church Committees complain about making changes to buildings or purchasing equipment. Gone are the days when stewards refuse to help people to an appropriate seat.

We never have to ask family and friends "May I come in?" - we are simply welcoming and encourage the full involvement of all who do come in. 4tth October is only a date in the diary, the day of full implementation, but our churches will be the richer for making the effort to embrace everyone, following the example of Christ.

Locate a copy of "May I Come In?" the Board of Social Witness video/DVD and welcome all who come to worship.

Useful Contacts

Board of Social Witness Office
Tel. (028) 9032 2284
www.presbyterianireland.org/bsw
bsw@presbyterianireland.org

Through the Roof Trust
Tel. (028) 9145 0681
www.throughtheroof.org

William Keown Trust
Tel. (028) 4375 1243
www.wkeowntrust.co.uk

Enable Ireland
Tel. 00353 (0) 1 269 5900
www.enableireland.ie