Search ELCA.org

Back to Ministry

Home » Growing in Faith » Ministry » Disability Ministries » Accessibility » Planning an Accessible Meeting

Shortly before Jesus died on the cross, he gave his disciples a new commandment, that they love one another as he loved them. Jesus has given that commandment to us too. The most obvious way to express this love is by reaching out to all people and inviting them to be a part of the family of God. When the church invites people with disabilities to be a part of the work God has given us, the church needs to be welcoming in every way possible. This booklet represents a way to get started in that process of welcoming. You could say it is a "jumping off" point for the ultimate goal of total inclusion of all people in all aspects of the church's life. We invite you to become a part of God's mission in the world by taking seriously the effort to be inclusive in all ELCA activities, be they in worship or in the world.

In most instances expressions of this church are under no legal obligation to be inclusive. However, the ministry and mission of this church is dedicated to the inclusion of all God's people. What follows is a guide to assist you in exercising this church's ministry of inclusion in your meetings, conferences, and other events. This guide does not constitute legal advice. If you have specific questions regarding your legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or any other state or federal law; you are advised to contact your attorney. This guide merely suggests how a congregation or other expression of this church may carry out its ministry of inclusion. We have divided the checklist into categories of disability for the sake of easy reference. Continue