Starting within the Jewish and Christian communities in Los Angeles, a fresh initiative to bring disabled persons into full participation in congregations is spreading across the country.
Headed by The Arc (formerly Association of Retarded Citizens), thousands of copies of materials for Sabbath Sunday worship are being distributed. According to the Los Angeles Times (March 6), the Arc and other locally based organizations are also providing materials for Sunday School, for adult forums, and small group, to spread awareness of disability matters.
The National Organization on Disability has started a program enlisting 2,000 congregations by the year 2000 to launch programs removing attitudinal barriers and provide physical resources for those in need. These include ramps, large print books and parking improvements. Seminars sponsored by The Arc and NOD offer materials on improving understanding of disabled people’s needs and ways in which they can bring their witness to their congregations.
— By Erling Jorstad