The Episcopal Church is called to be an inclusive church, and the work done at Convention largely supports our desire to include all of God’s children in as many ways as possible. However, in recent years, people with disabilities have encountered lack of access and other barriers to General Convention but to other ministries of the Church and calls to service. These barriers have included lack of effective communication access, lack of information regarding accessible bathrooms, accessible exits and entrances, and procedure for requesting and appealing reasonable accommodation decisions. Despite previous resolutions passed at General Convention that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to participate in the Church (2003-D051 and 2015-D043), there is still a need for significant improvements to basic inclusion and access.
By having a majority of the advisory council be Deaf people and/or people with disabilities, the Church would recognize and affirm the right of people with disabilities to determine their own needs and ensure that the Church’s work in this area is guided by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of access, inclusion, and legal protections for people with disabilities. Creation of this advisory council will allow for The Episcopal Church to become a more inclusive place for people with disabilities who are called to serve Christ and the Church through participation in General Convention, ancillary bodies and committees, and advocacy consultations.
Explanation
The Episcopal Church is called to be an inclusive church, and the work done at Convention largely supports our desire to include all of God’s children in as many ways as possible. However, in recent years, people with disabilities have encountered lack of access and other barriers to General Convention but to other ministries of the Church and calls to service. These barriers have included lack of effective communication access, lack of information regarding accessible bathrooms, accessible exits and entrances, and procedure for requesting and appealing reasonable accommodation decisions. Despite previous resolutions passed at General Convention that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to participate in the Church (2003-D051 and 2015-D043), there is still a need for significant improvements to basic inclusion and access.
By having a majority of the advisory council be Deaf people and/or people with disabilities, the Church would recognize and affirm the right of people with disabilities to determine their own needs and ensure that the Church’s work in this area is guided by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of access, inclusion, and legal protections for people with disabilities. Creation of this advisory council will allow for The Episcopal Church to become a more inclusive place for people with disabilities who are called to serve Christ and the Church through participation in General Convention, ancillary bodies and committees, and advocacy consultations.
