October is Disabilities Awareness Month.

During the month of October, Brethren congregations are encouraged to observe Disabilities Awareness Month. Resources and information for those observing the month have been made available online at www.brethren.org by the Church of the Brethren’s Caring Ministries.

The theme scripture for Disabilities Awareness Month is: "For my house shall be a house for all people" (Isaiah 56:7). An introduction to the observance by Pat Challenger notes, "It is necessary for special needs folks both young and old to experience belonging and inclusion within God's houses.... We as churches need to recognize the talents that people with special needs can bring to our congregations."

Resources and information at the web page include a number of ideas for awareness-raising activities submitted by Cindy Barnum-Steggerda, such as a "field trip" through the church building in a wheel chair; a short guideline for doing a congregational self-evaluation, that begins by noting that "becoming an accessible congregation is an ongoing process"; and ideas for how churches may acquire funding to improve accessibility. Go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grow_health_disabilities_awareness_month to find the online resources and information.

Source: 9/7/2009 Newsline Extra