How friendly and accessible are our churches to children who have a disability? I think it's something we really need to keep an eye on.
Firstly, our buildings should reflect our consideration of all children's needs not just those who are able bodied. I remember when the church we attended put in their first ramp, up to the front door. For years before that, one family of a girl with cerebral palsy had struggled up the steps with her wheelchair. Hopefully most churches are up to speed on physical accessibility for all people, including access to toilets. Is yours?
However, disabilities are not always visible or physical.
Have we asked the parents of children with disabilities, what their needs are? Children with developmental delays struggle to belong everywhere in society. Parents of these children know they need to socialize just as every child does, but the opportunities are limited. In church, we need to be aware that if children misbehave, it is not always because their parents are 'slack', but the children may have a condition that affects their capacity to socialize appropriately with other children.
How easy it is to judge! Disapproving stares and looks of agitation are not very encouraging and many parents of children with a disability simply give up going to church. Then it's not just the parents who miss out on teaching and fellowship, but also the children.
All people, adults and children need the opportunity to be part of a Christian community so they can catch a glimpse of the love of God. The Sisters of Mother Theresa in Kolkata, India refer to the disabled children they care for as 'The wealth of the church'.
"In Asha Daan there are about a hundred children, boys and girls, 83 of which are physically or mentally handicapped," a nun explained. "They range from 3 to 15 years of age, but they seem much younger. In some cases mental disability reaches 90 per cent, but each one of them is a treasure, a gift and a blessing."
"Each life ought to be lived," Sr M. Infanta said, even if it does not meet utilitarian criteria or is not "productive" according to today's models.
"These children have been created to love and be loved. They are a unique source of blessing for us, society and the whole world," she said. (Asia News, Nirmala Carvalho, 2/11/2009)
Life for the parents of some severely disabled children is an ongoing and relentless task twenty-four-seven, caring for their children.
I heard some sad stories on 702 (ABC local radio) last week of parents who had deliberately abandoned their children in hospital, so that they would be taken into DoCS care and much needed respite care services supplied.
I know that we Christians need to care and to show the love of God. How can we lift our game at the local church level so that we can show we care for children with disabilities? What does your church do to be friendly and accessible to all children?
