| Disability Awareness Committee | ||
| 2007 to 2011 Goals
Objectives:
5. Use the Material from Opening Doors, Volumes I and II from the National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities as a guide to assist parishes in becoming communities that welcome all members to full participation in parish worship services and other parish functions.
Disability Awareness Committee Minutes February 14, 2008 Present were: Sue Weaver, Bernadette Howard, and Richard Murphy The meeting opened with a prayer. The minutes from the Oct. 11, 2007 meeting were accepted as published. Old Business: 1. Report on Inclusive Representatives in Parish Training: on Nov. 3, 2007 the Parish Inclusive Representatives training to place at Lourdes Parish in Owensboro. There were 18 people present plus members of the committee acting as trainers. The evaluations showed a good response from those trained. They liked receiving information from professionals working with people with disabilities. The folders of information were helpful. Representatives would like follow-up and committee members were urged to see what the representatives needed in their parishes. The committee member reported a good response from her pastor and good collaboration with her Parish Social Concerns Committee. A list of people with disabilities was needed and requested. It was the committee person’s understanding that the list would be provided. Bulletin inserts on accessibility were suggested in parishes throughout the diocese.
2. Follow-up from Training: Sue Weaver was asked to join the committee and Tina Edge Murphy would also be asked to join the committee. Richard Murphy reported that the book Opening Doors was sent to each parish representative, and a copy was given to each committee member. Bernadette Howard received your copy of the book at this meeting. The evaluation results from the Nov. 3rd meeting were shared with parish representatives and committee members on Nov. 29th. Information on a stereo listening device was requested by one parish representative and it was provided.
3. Committee Recruitment: as stated above Sue Weaver and Tina Edge Murphy would be asked to join the committee. Tommy Malone would also be asked to join the committee.
4. L’Arche Community in the Diocese of Owensboro: Richard Murphy shared the report on the committee in Bowling Green preparing consideration for starting a L’Arche Community. Sister Audrey Gold attended this meeting and would be asked to report the next time she was available.
New Business 1. The Committee discussed ways to help the collaboration between Parish Inclusion Representatives and Parish Social Justice Committees. It was noted that communication was very important between these groups and the Pastor and Parish Councils. Critical to the success of the work for the Parish Inclusion Representatives would be to obtain the names of people who were people with disabilities. Awareness of the different types of disabilities would be important to obtaining the help an advocacy of parishioners in the work with persons with disabilities. Persons with mental health problems were in special need of understanding and encouragement. All persons with disabilities need to be encouraged and provide opportunities to do what they can to participate in parish life.
2. Volunteer Center Sought Personal Advocacy Volunteers: information was shared regarding this need throughout the region as spotlighted by this announcement from a Volunteer Center. Although the Volunteer Center may not currently being operation, the need still remains for Personal Advocacy Volunteers for persons with disabilities.
3. Resource Report: Richard Murphy shared information about the 874K legislative advocacy effort that occurred on January 23, 2008. February 11 was the World Day of the Sick. The Faith Based Coalition Conference was set for March 24 to March 26, 2008 at Gen. Butler state Park.
The meeting closed with the prayer.
The next meeting was schedule for April 10, 2008 at 5 o’clock at the CPC.
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