I had the privilege of teaming with The Reverend Benno Pattison, Mary Lou Vergara and Ana Martin to present a workshop during Ministry Fair 2010 for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. The title of the workshop was “The Changing Face of Disability in our Parishes.” It is my intent to write about some of the insights and resources I gained from the conversation over the next week or so.

Mary Lou Vergara from the Atlanta Regional Commission came to present about issues facing older adults in our congregations. I was reminded about how issues of accessibility and welcome are central in keeping elders engaged in the work of the community. I was also struck by the idea that congregations often plan events and outreach to elders without consulting them about their needs and desires.

Mary Lou shared some resources with participants to help them enter into thought and conversation regarding including the voices, experiences, needs, and dreams of elders. Here are some examples:

Aging & Disability Resource Connection:One Call to open doors to resources for community based programs and supports for elders and people with disabilities. (404) 463-3333.

Resources from the United Methodist Church’s Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries

I was reminded of something I heard from Dr. John Banja from the Ethics Center at Emory a number of years ago. He said, “life is a journey from disability and dependence toward independence and then back towards disability and dependence.” This begs the question then, who are people with disabilities? I believe the answer might be each of us is a person with a disability eventually. Given this reality it is important to plan congregations that are accessible to and welcoming of the people we will become.

I would love to know what your congregation/faith group is doing to plan for the presence and participation of peole as they age?

This article was recently sent to me from an Interfaith Disability Connection volunteer. The article discusses the challenges faced by older adults when they seek to attend their congregations of choice.

I am very interested to read the article. The idea of building coalitions between people with disabilities and people who are aging in congregations has long been a fascinating area for exploration and action for me. The concerns that members of these groups have are similar and the opportunities for action and reflection on inclusion of seniors and people with disabilities can lead to interesting discoveries, in my experience.

Are people who are aging out of participation in your congregations on your radar screen? Have you undertaken projects or discussions in your congregation to consider the needs of the population and the gifts your community risks losing if they are not invited, accommodated, and included?