Parish Resources for Deaf & Disability Ministry

The Catholic Diocese of Des Moines works for the inclusion of persons with disabilities along with those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We want everyone to be full, conscious and active participants in their faith life and to live out their call to holiness. We do so by working with parish pastors and staff, families and community partners for ALL to live out their baptism in the Christian community and society.

Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities

All members of the Body of Christ are uniquely called by God by virtue of their Baptism. Participating in, and being nourished by, the grace of the sacraments is essential to this growth in holiness. The USCCB has outlined guidelines for celebrating sacraments with persons with disabilities to assist priests in parishes as they support Catholic adults and children with disabilities, and their families.

It is important to note that the U.S. Bishops recommend that persons with disabilities should participate in a typical classroom with their peers as much as possible.

Parish catechetical and sacramental preparation programs may need to be adapted for some parishioners with disabilities, though, as much as possible, persons with disabilities should be integrated into the ordinary programs. They should not be segregated for specialized catechesis unless their disabilities make it impossible for them to participate in the basic catechetical program. Even in those cases, participation in parish life is encouraged in all ways possible.

- Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, Revised Edition, USCCB, 2017, par.5.

If your parish needs additional support in assisting person with disabilities, you can contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org or (515) 237-5073.

Catechists Leader Resources

Adaptive Faith Formation Curriculum

Recommended faith formation curriculum and lessons for children with disabilities.

Catechist Training Resources

Additional catechist training on working with disabilities can be very beneficial for both the catechist and the child.

Adaptive Faith Formation Questionnaire

Use this questionnaire to get input from parents on how to best support their child during religious education.

Individualized Religious Education Plan

Example of an individualized religious education plan (similar to an IEP in schools) for parishes to use in their faith formation programs.

“No abled vs disabled. There is just us.”

Welcoming Strategies and Tips for Systemic Change

There are many ways a parish can better serve people with disabilities in their community using these strategies and tips to create systemic change.

1. Welcome (Before Families Step in the Door)

Cultivating a culture of welcome & care starts with intentional planning and moving people with disabilities from the periphery to the forefront of parish thought. People with disabilities should be included in future planning whether they are currently present or not. This includes creating accessible facilities, programs, and open hearts.

To plant seeds for change identify a Parish Advocate and parishioners who are authentic and welcoming and educate them on using person-first language and practicing disability etiquette. It is important for priests and parish leaders to be approachable so that parishioners feel comfortable contacting the parish for assistance.

2. Presence (Crossing the Threshold)

Serving those who are present starts with identifying parishioner needs so that accommodations can be made. Parish registration and faith formation forms should include an area for disabilities and accommodations.

Parishes need to identify Parish Advocates and make their contact information accessible in the bulletin, on the parish website, and in parish publications. For example, include a weekly presence in the bulletin or on the website:

“Our parish desires the active participation of all members of our faith community. If you or your family member could benefit from an accommodation, please contact [Insert name of parish advocate] at [email, phone number]. We are eager to assist you or your family member as we are able.”

“Please contact us if you could benefit from an accommodation such as screen reader access, wheelchair access, sign language, interpretation, sensory adaptations, etc.”

“In order to provide for any needs, such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening equipment, sign language interpreter, or large print/Braille materials, please contact [insert name of parish advocate] at [email phone number] at least 10 days before the event.”

For individuals needing assistance make sure accommodations are available and communicated:

Signage in the parking lot, gathering space, and church

Information on where or how parishioners can obtain hearing devices, large print missals, visual learner Mass guides, or braille missals, sensory friendly tools/spaces. etc.

Train hospitality members and staff to communicate this information

3. Serve (Action-Oriented and Serving like God)

Nourish and grow your parish community with active involvement with persons with disabilities. Invite person with disabilities to share their gifts in serving at your parish in liturgical roles and volunteer opportunities. This includes offering ongoing training for hospitality ministers and volunteers, hosting sensory-friendly Masses, and including bulletin blurbs & homilies with reflections on disabilities.

You can also work with the parish council and use parish surveys to identify new or unmet needs within the parish.