“How can I help a person with a disability feel included?” Disability Services: Leaders (2020)
“How can I help a person with a disability feel included?” Disability Services: Leaders
How can I help a person with a disability feel included?
We all have the responsibility to welcome and include everyone, including those with disabilities. There are many ways you can reach out to those in your congregation who have a disability or who are caregivers of a loved one with a disability. Sometimes all it takes is a small, genuine gesture to help someone feel like he or she is known, loved, and a part of the ward family. Here are a few suggestions of small things that, when done with genuine love and sincerity, can go a long way to help someone with a disability feel included:
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Reach out. Often, because we are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, we do not reach out to those with disabilities. You can start by greeting members of your ward with disabilities and their families. By showing a genuine interest in getting to know them, friendships can be created, burdens can be lightened, and everyone can feel included.
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Invite. Extend a personal invitation to members with disabilities and their family members. Let them know of upcoming activities or changes to meeting schedules. If you have noticed they have not been to church in a while, extend a personal invitation for them to come with you.
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Seek to understand. Seek to understand an individual’s needs with sensitivity and compassion before offering to help. As you reach out and build a relationship of trust and friendship, you may feel prompted to offer help.