|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latest News
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted made available the following two documents: Directives for Catholic Concerning Artifically Admistration of Nutrition and Hydration and Bishop's Letter
Disability "Do's and Don'ts"
All parishioners want to feel welcomed and comfortable in their faith communities. This holds true for persons with disabilities. However, sometimes our own discomfort is portrayed through avoidance or lack of interaction with those who are disabled.
How can these fears be overcome? Sometimes it is as simple as a smile and pleasant hello. Other times in may come in offering assistance, no matter what form it takes it must be sincere. Sincerety comes about when we become comfortable with language and presence. The following information is designed to help you communicate and interact with persons with disabilites not only in the parish but in the community at large.
Blindness and Visual Impairments
Do |
Don't |
| Identify yourself. | Gesture about a person who is blind. They may sense that some non-verbal communication has taken place and the may feel offended or excluded. |
| Let the individual know if you are leaving the room. | Assume that the blind persons needs Braille; many do not read it. |
| Talk normally and, use your customary tone of voice and typical expressions of speech, such as, "see you later" . | Be protective. Encourage the individuals who are blind, let them set their own pace and their own level of involvement. |
| Offer your arm when assisting. | Change seating arrangements, chairs or freestanding devices without telling the person who is blind. |
| Give verbal cues such as, "we are going through a door" or "we are coming to a curb." | |
| Describe the physical setting, especially is church rites and rituals. | |
| Invite the individual to participate in parish programs. | |
| Provide large print bulletins. | |
| Make sure lighting is adequate for those have a visual impairment. |