Something not often thought about at a church until it happens is how the church is to handle people with both physical and mental impairments. How to include people with impairments at first, make them feel needed and as part of a community can be challenging at first – even for those with the impairments, but God calls us to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” according to Romans 12:10-13 (NIV).
I remember some of the awful things that have been said about people with disabilities in the church I still go to – these things tend to stick in my head. “Maybe people with disabilities don’t try hard enough,” or things like “Maybe they just don’t have enough faith to be healed”. Every time I hear these things my heart drops, because I know they are not true. I know these things are not true as 2 Cor 12:9 (NIV) says “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Me in the sound booth
I have Aspergers Syndrome – which is a mild and rare form of Autism. It makes dealing with large crowds, and social interaction very difficult and sometimes impossible. When I first started going to my church I had a difficult time, and they had a difficult time with me. It took me a while, but I found my area of service. I work now in the soundbooth with Audio Visual gear during church services. One of the blessing that comes with Aspergers Syndrome is usually one large obsession, mine is Technical stuff.
I have an aptitude for learning things that deal with tech very quickly, and I love learning how to use things – and make them work better. Its also easier because when I’m the sound booth I’m somewhat isolated from the large crowds, and can socialize on my terms. I feel included and needed as part of the church community which is extremely important to everyone.
So, how does your church help include those with impairments into the church community?
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Many, many people in my church feel disabled children are sent here as a sort of teacher. Many feel that they were so advanced in pre-mortal life that they were given these things to protect them from Satan, as he would try harder to torment them. That they are closer to heaven and have a lot to teach us. If you meet a downs person and are embraced in a big hug, you know they have more love for their fellow man than most. Williams syndrome kids, like my brother are very proficient in music. Autistic kids are very intelligent!
My Aspie son is one of the smartest, gentlest, and loving people I know. I have no doubt he is far above most people spiritually as well.
Here is an article by a leader of my church.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=6ec405481ae6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Half way down he says, “Many of the special ones are superior in many ways. They, too, are in a life of progression, and new things unfold for them each day as with us all. They can be extraordinary in their faith and spirit. Some are able, through their prayers, to communicate with the infinite in a most remarkable way. Many have a pure faith in others and a powerful belief in God. They can give their spiritual strength to others around them.”
Teachers and leaders are taught and encouraged to include and adapt lessons and activities to include and encourage all members, disabled or otherwise.