Emails, I get emails!

I have received many emails from Catholics across the country who are interested in more inclusion of Catholics with disabilities. I'm happy to respond to emails and, of course, comments on my blog. I do have a policy of not giving out my phone number.

I also emailed the National Catholic Partnership on Disability down in Washington , D.C. to let them know about this blog. I haven't yet received a response, but here's why I gave them my url: it might be interesting for them to check out the following:

Readers express a general desire to network our "grass roots" efforts so it's easier to get at information rather than "reinvent the wheel". Ministries for people with disabilities are run by folks with disabilities -and , let's face it, if we can help each other by sharing information, that would be appreciated.

The reality is that there are many disabilities and many resources needed, so if a neighboring diocese has a parishioner who knows about American Sign Language and your parish ministry is run by a person in a wheelchair, they have valuable information to share!

Folks seem to be looking for resources , information about how other parishes became more accessible, how to coordinate awareness and education about inclusion in their parishes and how to deal with practical matters such as transportation issues. I've also received emails from parishioners wanting to know how to make bathrooms accessible, how to go about installing a ramp or a lift and how to make altars accessible to wheelchair users.

I know for a fact that there are parishes that have already dealt with these issues and it would be great to have, in addition to a list of ministries for the disabled already listed by NCPOD, a way to network between each other and know which parishes have certain information or resources. This would be of great assistance toward those working on issues of inclusion and access.

At this point, I'm just gathering information and sharing it in hopes of helping folks network and coordinate efforts. It's very exciting to see all that is going on and to meet so many Catholics who are enthusiastic about their Faith and living it by serving the Church in this wonderful ministry.