Every church has someone in their pews with a disability-- whether it is a child with Down Syndrome, a teen with Autism, an  adult who uses a wheelchair because of Cerebral Palsy, or a senior citizen with mental retardation or Alzheimer’s disease.

Along with support from the community, these families and individuals need the support of the church. There are numerous ways the church and its parishioners can help include individuals with developmental and associated disabilities in community events, church projects and committees, and thus, help them to have the quality of life we all deserve.

Your church can help by:

• Offering inclusive classes with a buddy system so adults with disabilities can attend worship services and age appropriate Sunday school classes
   

• Designing/moving furniture or pews so people in wheelchairs have easier access
   

• Providing large print Bibles or modified hymnals
   

• Keeping hallways clear of cluttering displays so people who use walkers or canes won’t trip

• Praying and sharing the UMAR mission with your friends, business associates and other members of your congregation
   

• Donating an item of need from our Group Home Wish List
   

• Organizing a fundraiser through a Sunday school class, Men’s or Women’s Group, or just make an individual donation
   

• Volunteering your time to teach bible study at a group home, or
   

• Organizing a church group to participate in activities with group home residents such as bowling, cook-outs, attending social functions, or game night