• Home
  • What is Autism
  • Blog
  • Giving
  • Contact Us
Mocha Autism Network

Special Needs and the Church by Krysten Cooper

7/16/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture


With awareness and advocacy of the disability world growing it is important for the church to get on board and prepare. Often times we have people with special needs sitting in our pews and don’t even know it. Does your church have a special needs ministry? Are your ushers prepared to serve people with special needs? If so, great! If not, here are some tips to get you started.





1.       Be yourself!

Treat your special needs guests with the same love you would anyone else.

2.       Be careful of seating.

Is the person in a wheelchair? Are the aisles easy to navigate? Ask the person where they’d like to sit. Don’t just assume they’d like to sit in the overflow area. If there are seats available in the main seating area, offer them.

3.       Use people first language.

“Sam has a disability” not “Sam is disabled.”

4.       Be compassionate

Remember, most people with disabilities have Developmental Disabilities, meaning they were either born with it or it onset before age 18. Having the disability is outside of their control just like your height.

You cannot catch the disability! I’ve come across so many people who act like disabilities are contagious. THEY’RE NOT!!

I hope these tips are helpful. People with disabilities are just that, people. They have feelings and love the Lord just like you and me. 


About the Author: 

Krysten Cooper is an Administrative Coordinator at a day program for adults with Developmental Disabilities and a caregiver. She's been working in the disability field for over 10 years. In addition, she provides virtual administrative assistance to families of children with disabilities. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and she blogs at www.KrystenCooper.org. Krysten resides in the Los Angeles area.


1 Comment

    Author

    Check here often so see our thoughts on Current Events

    Archives

    March 2016
    December 2015
    July 2015
    November 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    November 2013
    July 2013
    April 2013
    December 2012
    July 2012

    Categories

    All
    Aspergers
    #autismfamiliesofcolor
    Autism Research
    Autism Spectrum
    Awareness
    Joe Scarborough
    #LHHNY
    Lists
    #RoyalBlueForAutismAwareness
    Saigon
    Social Media
    Suggested Reading
    #ZetaPhiBeta

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.