Commission for Inclusion of People with Handicapping Conditions

The purpose of the NW Washington Synod Committee for Inclusion of People with Handicapping Conditions is to promote and encourage inclusion within our congregations and church programs. The inclusion should involve all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of age, who live with a disability. Faithful to God's challenge, our goal is to remove all attitudinal, communication and architectural barriers.

Ideas for making your church more accessible

In order that everyone can fully experience the gospel in congregations of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, the Inclusion Committee has copies of the latest video produced by the ELCA Division of Church and Society available to our congregations. The resource is a video and study guide that can be used for up to eight weeks. With the assistance of these materials, congregations are encouraged to develop disability ministries that emphasize three key areas: the physical accessibility of buildings, outreach to individuals in the community who are differently-able and the inclusion of individuals who are differently-abled in the life and ministries of the congregation. The resource guide is available by contacting the Region I Resource Center at 206-624-0093 or contact David Gross, Chair of the Synod's Inclusion Committee, at 425-334-8391 or email dgross7043@aol.com. Part of our calling as people of God is to include and minister with the beloved children of God who are differently-abled. Please plan to use this study guide in your congregation.

Some suggestions...

  • Have at least one clearly marked, wheelchair accessible entrance on every level of your building.
  • Have large-print bulletins available and readily accessible to the ushers.
  • Have hearing assistance devices, if available, readily accessible to the ushers.
  • Have accessible lavatories on all floors.
  • Be sensitive to specific needs in your congregation and be creative and flexible in addressing them.

Resources

Sight-impaired

Hearing-impaired

Mental Illness

Disabilities

Empowerment Programs

Other Information

Read 10 Important Dos and Don'ts of Interacting with a Guide Dog

Committee Contact

We would like to help you make your congregational life more accessible to those with special needs.

We are available to make presentations.

Please contact our committee chair, Dave Gross (dgross7043@aol.com). We meet monthly. You are welcome to join us. Please contact us for the specific date and time of our next meeting.