In July 2000, the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD), started the Interfaith Disabilities Network. Consisting of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim participants, as well as reprentatives from service-related agencies, the Interfaith Disabilities Network seeks to help congregations better include and support persons with a disability. This presentation will begin with a discussion of the barriers persons with a disability face when trying to participate in a faith community. Presenter will then offer strategies to overcome these barriers born out of the work of the Interfaith Disabilities Network. Presentation will conclude with discussion of the benefits of a coalition based model to address accessiblity issues in congregations. Presenter will demonstrate benefits of coalition in providing basic education to congregation on disability, assisting congregations in becoming accessible, and offering congregations service related opportunities/models for supporting persons with a disability in the wider community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to 1. Articulate the architectural, attitudinal, and programattic barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing their faith community. 2. Identify 5 strategies for overcoming barriers in a congregation. 3. Develop a plan to begin an Interfaith Coalition to address accessibility and support needs among persons with a disability.
Keywords: Religion, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employer