Download a wonderful booklet about inclusion from the Catholic Community of St. Matthias in Somerset, N.J.-- it is full of excellent, specific tips and practices!
Inclusion versus Tolerance: an article by a disabled Catholic exploring the difference between tolerance (merely allowing people to be present) and active, inclusive involvement.
Read the article "Finding their place in parish life: Catholics with disabilities and their families strive for full inclusion" in the November 18, 2005 National Catholic Reporter.
Ten Commandments for Welcoming Persons with Disabilities to a church: great specific tips!
BEATITUDES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
BLESSED ARE YOU who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us to know that if we persevere we can be understood.
BLESSED ARE YOU who walk with us in public places, and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your friendship we feel good to be ourselves.
BLESSED ARE YOU who never bid us to "hurry up" and, more blessed, you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time rather than help.
BLESSED ARE YOU who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures, for our unsuredness will be outweighed by the times when we surprise ourselves and you.
BLESSED ARE YOU who ask for our help and realize our giftedness, for our greatest need is to be needed.
BLESSED ARE YOU who help us with the graciousness of Christ, for often we need the help we cannot ask for.
BLESSED ARE YOU when, by all things, you assure us that what makes us individuals is not our particular disability or difficulty but our beautiful God-given personhood which no handicapping condition can confine.
REJOICE AND BE
EXCEEDINGLY GLAD for your understanding and love have opened doors for
us to enjoy life to its full and you have helped us believe in ourselves
as valued and gifted people.
Adapted from Andre Masse, C.S.E. NAMR Quarterly, 1968.