Platform: Vision Test

By Ann Ballard

I have worn hearing aids since age four. I didn’t know until age 26 that I also had tunnel vision. Until I was told, I thought I had a normal amount of vision. Until I knew otherwise, I didn’t realize I needed to make adjustments.

In much the same way, our churches have unknowingly developed tunnel vision in reaching out to people with disabilities.

Imagine you are deaf, hard of hearing, have ADD, ADHD, a learning disability, or memory issues. It is time for communion and you don’t know what to do. Panic sets in.

What can be done? One simple step is to provide communion instructions on your overhead screen and/or in your bulletins. Also, when providing verbal instructions, make sure everyone in your congregation can see you so they know when to receive and partake in the elements. This allows all people to know what is expected, and it increases the opportunity for all to truly spend time in communion with our Lord.

Does your church have participants come forward to receive communion? Don’t dim the lights during this time; when you do, those of us with visual issues can’t participate.

Train ushers and greeters to work with people with disabilities. Provide worship materials in alternate formats so that all can participate. Start a ministry to help caregivers so they can come to church and be ministered to.

What does your church do for people with chronic physical or mental health issues? There are many ways to help people who are hurting or simply need a bit of assistance. It doesn’t require spending much money to make a huge difference.

If you are interested in setting up a disability ministry in your congregation, contact your classis regional disability advocate to get started. If you don’t have a regional disability advocate or don’t know the person’s name, contact Terry DeYoung, coordinator for disability concerns for the RCA, at (616) 698-7071, ext. 1855 or tdeyoung@rca.org.

Let’s get going…together!

Ann Ballard is the regional disability advocate for the Classis of the Southwest. Platform gives RCA members a chance to share their opinions.

Editor’s note: People with visual impairments may be interested in reading RCA Today electronically, where the type size can be adjusted. Visit www.rca.org/subscribe.