I am in a little behind in posting this as the Eid Feast is upon us now, but I found this article really interesting. The article comes from the BBC and is written by a Muslim Woman with multiple Sclerosis.

The article is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, for its explanation of Ramadan as more than a call to go without food and second for it explanation of reasonable accommodations made for Muslims with disabilities during Ramadan.

The author is clear that the call of Ramadan is about a call to a disciplined life.  She also writes about the flexibility in Islamic practice that provide a pathway to authentic practice for those who have disabilities.

I have learned much from my Muslim friends with disabilities and one of the biggest surprises to me about Islamic practice are th multiple paths of Islamic practice for those who are unable to practice in typical ways.

I would love to get some feedback from Muslims with disabilities regarding the article and the practices of Ramadan?

This story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer examines some of the ways that inclusion in our religious communities benefits everyone.

I would love to hear what some of you think about this?

I am Grateful to Shelley Kaplan, Co-Chair of the USCJ Commission on inclusion for sharing the

  Open Wide the Gates of the Temple So That All May Worship Packet..High Holiday Inclusion Packet  The packet includes information specifically shared to assist synagogues in their preperations for I for the High Holidays 5769. There is some food for thought as well as incredibly practical tips for making your synagogue accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.

I hope you will consider downloading the packet and implementing some of the strategies as your synagogue  prepares to welcome worshipers during these holiest days of the Jewish year.

I am grateful for the work of USCJ Inclusion Commission members Shelley Kaplan and Linda Zimmerman who both happen to be long time IDC Board members and champions of our work.

Reverend Alan Roof, Consultant for Still Speaking Church Development for the Southeast Conference of the UCC interviewed me recently for the Southeast Conference United Church of Christ podcast series. You can find the podcast here. I would love to hear your feedback.

The Interpreter Magazine is a publication of the United Methodist Church. This  month’s issue features the stories of a couple of United Methodist Churches and work they are doing to reach out to people who have disabilities.

The article is helpful as far as it provides a couple of models of ministry with people with disabilities. I would have appreciated  fewer references in the article to “special needs” language. I know we struggle from time to time with appropriate language about disability, but there are more life giving ways to speak about disability than the language of “special needs.”

Kathie Snow, in her article about People First Language says the following:

Many parents say “my child has special needs” this term geberates  generates pity, as demonstrated by the usual response, “Oh I’m so sorry,” accompanied by a sad look or a sympathetic pat on the arm. (Gag!) A person’s needs aren’t “special”-to him. They are ordinary! Many adults have said they detested this descriptor as children.  Let’s learn from them and stop using this pity-laden term!

I would love encourage each of you to examine your language about disability. The language we use shapes the reality we are working to create.

The basic premise I proceed with when I think about language and disability is that people are not their diagnoses. When all else fails refer to a person by the name their parents gave them when they were born.

I would love to know what folks think of both the article from the Interpreter Magazine and my comments on language?

A colleague just passed this article along to me and it showcases and intriguing approach to congregational education and advocacy

The Lutheran reprinted a letter from Gloria Tessler whose son, Nick lives with Autism.

Gloria Tessler wrote this article for her congregation’s newsletter.  The letter explains Autism and behaviors that fellow parishioners might witness .  The article also invites congregants to ask questions and seek clarification.

What do you think about this? Would this approach work in your congregation? Have you seen this kind of education and advocacy used previously?  What outcomes did you witness?

Update: I received a message from a Parish Nurse at an Atlanta Area Lutheran Congregation that said:

I have two grandsons in the same family with autism. I think it is a wonderful idea to publish an article in the newsletter to let people know just how intelligent these kids may be, but because of their outward behavior, they aren’t always accepted.

 For the month of September, Ramps for Champs, will be building handicap ramps FREE OF CHARGE for Cobb County residents who need a ramp at their residence.  Ramps for Champs is a group of retired AT&T employees.  The ramps are built according to GA and Federal standards.            

 Please let your church members know of this opportunity.  For more information contact Billy Griffith at 770-435-1082.

I have appreciated the work and the advocacy of Kathie Snow for a number of years now. She is a parent of a teenager with cerebral palsy. She writes and speaks with a balance of passion and common sense.

I first heard of Kathie Snow through her book Disability is Natural and then I heard her speak.  Check out Kathie’s web site to read articles and find resources.

I recently came across a great article Kathie Wrote concerning inclusion of people with disabilities in churches and synagogues You can read the article here.

I would love to know what you think?