"When the disabled are missing, the Christian community itself becomes disabled.’
The World Council of Churches
We are currently seeking to further develop our work in this area, by:
- making sure churches are properly equipped and supported to help welcome disabled people into their communities
- making sure disabled people themselves are valued equally, fully included, and able to contribute their gifts and skills
Link to other organisations and resources
The law
General information
- This contains lots of invaluable advice and guidance including a downloadable guide ‘Equal Access to Church Buildings’
General advocacy and resource groups
- – movement of supporting Anglicans for an inclusive church
Sight loss
- – providing books and liturgical material in braille and audio
Deaf and hard of hearing
- – support and events for hard of hearing and Deaf people
- Deaf People in Church; Deaf Church Spaces - Southwark Deaf Ministry
Dyslexia
- – support for those with dyslexia and useful information to help make all aspects of an organisation more accessible. Including a useful downloadable resource guide to producing dyslexia friendly publications
Learning disabilities
- – being church with people with learning difficulties in London
- – the voice of learning disability
- – support, training and encouragement for churches to include adults with learning disabilities
- – helping churches to include, support, create places of belonging for, and spiritually grow children, young people and young adults with additional needs or disabilities. Support, training and information for families and churches to make inclusion a reality.
- – training to make your youth and childrens ministry welcoming to young people with additional needs
Neuro divergent
- – includes guidance for places of worship
Dementia
- – resources to encourage and equip the creation of meaningful relationships with people with dementia.
- – united against dementia.
Mental health
- – including 13 podcast reflections to support and improve mental health.
- – advice, support and information for those affected by mental illness.
- – offering a wealth of information and a small group course focussing on mental health and the church.
- – offering training and resourcing for churches to run ‘Kintsugi Hope’ groups that address mental health and wellbeing
Building and access
- on access and inclusion including link to an ‘Access Audit’
- – an audit tool for churches
BISHOP'S ADVISER FOR DISABILITY
Bishop Rose is delighted to announce the appointment of the 搁别惫诲鈥疢别濒颈蝉蝉补鈥疌补谤迟别谤 as Disability Adviser. In this role, Melissa will work alongside Bishop Rose and Diocesan staff to support parishes, clergy, and individuals by signposting training and resources that help ensure people living with disabilities, illnesses, health conditions, or who are neurodivergent are fully included in the life of the Church and enabled to flourish in the ministry or role to which God has called them.
Melissa writes: “If you would like to have a personal conversation about your own situation, or if I can help your parish explore what inclusion looks like in your context, please contact me at disabilityadviser@diocant.org.”
Bishop Rose added: “I am delighted that Melissa has accepted this role. She brings great experience and wisdom, together with her passion for wider inclusion.”