Creating a Welcoming Path for People with Special

NeedsRoberta WitteSacred Heart, Saratoga

OverviewIs my parish welcoming to

all?

Where do I begin?

How can our parish do this?

Who are they?Are families missing out on Mass and the

Sacraments due to special needs?Has a parishioner had a change in health status?Is there a military vet who is recovering and now

has needs?Support for families with prenatal diagnosis of a

disability

Our Mission“In the Diocese of San Jose, a disability—of itself

—will never be used as a reason to deprive someone from receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or Eucharist.” Bishop Patrick J. McGrath

Parishes should encourage participation in all levels of pastoral ministry

Pastor guides the community of faith to be welcoming and inclusive to all

Raise Awareness The faith community needs to be aware of

persons with special needs, offer support and be welcoming.

Embrace what makes each person uniqueThere is support to guide you:Diocese of San Jose –Friends in Faith (2008)Oakland Diocese –SPRED, Special Religious

Education Ministry

Foster inclusionBecome knowledgeable about types of special

needsReach out to family – do not wait for them to askIntegrate those with disabilities but also

personalize the CatechesisPartner with the family to learn strategies

specific to that person

First StepGenerations of Faith or classroom modelKnow the learners- on your class registration

form asks specific questions about needsPartner with caregiver, trained volunteer as a

buddy or offer specially trained catechistsAvoid isolation of persons with disabilitiesAdapt content and method to each person

Teaching 101Make a plan to meet with families of any special

needs studentsSurvey questions are very important to establish

communication = teamTeachers greet all students at door, establish routine

& respectBe prepared!! Always ask for volunteers to read and incorporate

multi-sensory experiences by encouraging acting or hands on events

Procedure, Procedure! The following are excerpts from "First Days of School" by Harry Wong.:

Behavior problems stem from lack of proceduresDiscipline: Concerns how students behave

Procedures: Concern how things are done.Discipline: Has penalties and rewards

Procedures: Have no penalties and rewards

Special NeedsPeople with motor or orthopedic impairmentsBehavior disorders/ADHDDevelopmentally challenged in how they learn or

expressHearing ImpairedVisually ImpairedAutism Train each catechist to offer a learning environment that

enables each child to reach his or her full potential.

StrategiesKnow the student:Attention Disorders-foster environment for

success by clearly articulating rules and directions in positive productive language.

Reading (Dyslexia) or Expressive language issuesVisuals to support lesson for all learners Learning style preferences Change up the format so it is less like school

Open the Door to ChangeCelebrating Mass with a Special Needs childSensitive to person – “How can I help you?”Refer to parishes that have established modelsSacramental Prep programs for allPromote acceptance and support to allWorship together- we are a fabric of many different

texturesTrain all teachers, ushers, Eucharistic Ministers

Being a Parent Position in the pewReinforce appropriate behaviorEstablish a routineUse a picture missal Support for parents by faith community-

acknowledge that you are there for them

What’s Next? Sacramental Prep Tools- Loyola Press Retreats for familiesAwakenings Prayer GroupWhite MassMinistries with Persons with Disabilities

Models in other Dioceses Diocese of Oakland- SPRED Diocese of San Jose

Resources to Open the Door

Network of Inclusive Catholic EducatorsLoyola Press Pathways to WorshipDiocese of San Jose-Catechesis for those

with Disabilities ResourcesDiocese of Oakland-SPRED

Loving God, you make each living person in your image.Guide our hands to build access and welcome.Guide our actions to create school communities open to the gifts of each individual.Give us understanding that your body is incomplete if people are left behind.Give us an appreciation of the role we must play in spreading your good news to all we meet.Guide us always, Lord, in your way.Amen

(Adapted from prayer on NCPD website commemorating Bishops’ 1978 Statement

Thank YouRoberta WitteSacred Heart ParishSaratoga, CADiocese of San Jose