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Welcome to Holland
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A BROCHURE FOR CHURCH GREETERS AND USHERS
INFORMATION PREPARED BY THE BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRY AT THE VINEYARD CHURCH OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
MISSION STATEMENT
I. To demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ by sharing in His acceptance, His respect, His comfort, and His purpose towards all people affected by disabilities because of who they are-made in His image, and not based on
their appearance, abilities or social position.
II. a. To encourage and equip the church to minister to people with disabilities.
b. To encourage each person with disabilities to identify and minister their gifts to the body of Christ and to their community.
c. To increase awareness of disabilities and create a knowledgeable church community
The Vineyard Church of Columbus
6000 Cooper Road
Columbus, Ohio 43081
(614) 890-0000
www.vcfcolumbus.org
Bridge Builders
(614) 890-3899 x 418
www.bridgebuilders.4mg.com
INTRODUCTION
It is important that disabled people be integrated into the life of our congregations to enrich our churches by what they can offer and by the dimension they can add to the
tapestry of our worship. Disabled people need to be welcomed into the church community, recognizing all they have to share and recognizing their special needs.
Meeting someone with a disability need not be an awkward situation; however, many people are unsure of how to act, which can create some embarrassing moments. This guide has been developed to help prepare
church members for encounters they may have with disabled persons.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Don’t ignore disabled people. Acknowledge their presence normally as you would anyone else’s, and attempt to include them in whatever activity you are doing. A warm smile and a friendly conversation is very welcoming.
Always speak directly to the person with a disability. (Don’t consider a companion, the person pushing the wheelchair for example, to be a conversational go-between.)
"Ask First"...Don’t hesitate to ask the person who has a disability if you can help them in any way. Don’t hesitate to use words like "see","walk","listen", etc. with disabled people.
Whenever possible, seat disabled people with their families or friends. Remove end chair if necessary.
Appropriate touch is often a very effective communicator of love, concern and understanding.
Use positive language when referring to disabilities, rather than using negative terms such as "crippled","stricken". "afflicted, or "victims".
Ask a disabled person to serve in the church.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
When greeting a person who has a visual impairment, be sure to identify yourself and ask them what kind of assistance you can provide.
Explain to a person who has a visual problem where things are located.
Offer a large print songsheets whether you think they can read or not. Copies located in the Volunteer Room in a wire basket.
If a blind person has a guide dog, ask how much room is needed. Do not pet, feed, speak or distract a "working dog" unless given permission by the user. It is important for these two to work as a team without distractions.
Always offer the person your arm by asking them which arm they prefer. Use directional words when guiding a blind person to their seat. Describe their surroundings, seating choices, order of service and give clear simple instructions.Ie: "Go up the aisle for
prayer".
If you are seated by a blind person, offer assistance during the alter call, communion or in exiting the auditorium or meeting place. Ask first and offer your arm to guide; never grab or push.
HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
Speak clearly and slowly, but don’t exaggerate or shout . (Sometimes it may be necessary to communicate in writing.)
Try to stand in front of the light source in order to provide a clear view of your face. (Never speak directly into the person’s ear.)
Look directly at the person and speak expressively; remember your facial expressions, gestures, and body movements help in understanding. Just remember you don’t need to be an expert in sign language to do this.
Remember to address the person with and the disability and not someone who may be serving as an interpreter for that person. Speak as you would normally.
Try to seat a hearing impaired/deaf person in an appropriate position in front of the pastor/speaker. Interpreter for the deaf offered at the Sunday 9:15am service only.
SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS
Try to give whole, unhurried attention to the person who has difficulty speaking. If you do not understand them, do not hesitate to ask them again.
Remember the person with a speech impairment may have their own means of communication other than by speech. Ie:writing,pointing,keyboard, voice device etc.
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS
Wheelchair use provides freedom. Don’t assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom which allows the user to move about independently.
A person who uses a wheelchair may be able to walk, but that person still needs the wheelchair. Try not to move the wheelchair or crutches out of reach of the person who uses them.
Be respectful. A person’s wheelchair is part of their body space and should be treated with respect. Don’t hold onto or lean on it unless you have the person’s permission.
Always ask the wheelchair user if they would like assistance before you help. It may be necessary for the person to give you some instructions. An unexpected push could throw the wheelchair off balance.
If lifting a wheelchair, be sure to follow the person’s instructions implicitly. They have been up and down steps before. If there are any questions of your ability, look for stronger, more able ushers/helpers.
Offer 1 of 3 seating locations (front, middle or back of the auditorium). Use end space for wheelchairs. Remove 1 or 2 end chairs to create a space.
When passing seated persons in a row, do not climb over a person in a wheelchair.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
If a mentally disabled person has behaviors which seem to be making people uncomfortable, have in mind some capable people in the congregation who would be willing to share their friendship, explain the service, invite them to coffee hour. This is not
insulting; it is friendly.
Offer a bulletin to all people. Do not assume a person’s ability to read.
HIDDEN DISABILITIES
Try to be aware of a congregation member’s abilities or newly diagnosed or acquired illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy,stroke,Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, which may require some assistance.
If someone in the congregation is having a seizure, don’t attempt to restrain or put anything in their mouth. Move any objects or furniture away from the person, if possible, to prevent injury. Make the person feel at ease after the seizure, perhaps by helping them
move to a comfortable resting place, and by offering reassurance.
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