CouncilCorrespondence202211Disability

Link to CouncilAgenda20221121 > CouncilMinutes20221121

Disability Action Plan 2023-2025

Email

From: Andy Calder <[email protected]>
Subject: Disability Action Plan 2023 - 2025
Date: 25 October 2022 at 2:38:17 pm AEDT
To: Andy Calder <[email protected]>

To Secretaries in Congregations
 
Please find attached information relating to the Synod’s development of its 2023-2025 Disability Action Plan.
In order to develop the best possible Plan, please consider completing and returning the brief survey to me by Monday 28 November.
Please also circulate information about the Forum to be held on 2 December (see [[attachment:disability action flyer.pdf| attached flyer).]])  
 
Many thanks in anticipation.
 
Andy Calder 
 
Disability Inclusion Advocate
 
Director Uniting CPE
The John Paver Centre
29 College Cres Parkville 3052
t  (03) 9340 8844  | f  (03) 9251 5491  | m  0417 562 556
e  [email protected]
w  victas.uca.org.au

Background

The Uniting Church’s Assembly (2018) adopted the ‘Statement of Access and Welcome’ (see p 16-17), 15th Assembly MINUTES | UCA Assembly (recollect.net.au)

The Church is a body with many gifts that builds the people of God, through which Christ can work.

People with disability have faith, gifts, dreams and hopes which should be honoured. All people are made in God’s image and we see Christ best when all people are welcomed without barriers. The work of God and the Church includes justice, peace and reconciliation.

As a Church, we have not always lived up to that vision. We now commit ourselves to living up to that vision.

We ask each synod to develop a Disability Action Plan that will work towards removing barriers in attitudes, theology, access, welcome, communication..

The Synod’s current Disability Action Plan (2019 – 2022) is found at https://victas.uca.org.au/download/296/resources/6911/disability-action-plan-2019-2022 and https://victas.uca.org.au/download/296/resources/6912/easy-english-disability-action-plan-summary

https://victas.uca.org.au/download/296/resources/6911/disability-action-plan-2019-2022.pdf

Summary of Plan

• Accessible

  • Disability issues are considered when planning meetings (accessible venues), buildings and property (building modifications or construction), and signage (exits, facilities, and access symbols on signage where appropriate https://victas.uca.org.au/download/295/disability-inclusion/8505/guidelines-for-disability-access

• Welcoming
  • Embodying a theology that all people are gifted and made in God's image

  • Using Synod’s Mental Health kit and/or Training in Mental Health First Aid https://victas.uca.org.au/download/262/ministry-mission/7317/mental-health-kit-2

  • Use of disability-friendly resources, worship materials (e.g. large print service orders), equipment (e.g. audio loops) https://victas.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FINAL-Called-to-be-a-Church-for-All.pdf

• Listening
  • Actively seeking the input of people living with disability and mental health issues in decision-making and worship service planning
  • Annual self-audit of property with a perspective of people with a range of disabilities

  • Use of disability inclusion bible studies from 2021 Synod meeting https://victas.uca.org.au/download/295/disability-inclusion/13670/synod-2021-bible-studies

Survey

VicTas Synod Disability Action Plan

https://victas.uca.org.au/download/296/resources/6911/disability-action-plan-2019-2022 https://victas.uca.org.au/download/296/resources/6912/easy-english-disability-action-plan-summary

(1) In reviewing the Plan above please tell us how it applies in your context?

• Comments:Glen Waverley congregation has a modern building with good wheelchair access. The one exception is the dais in the front of the sanctuary. Proposals to provide a ramp for that are regularly considered, but have not progressed. Moving the lectern to the floor at the front has provided a suitable alternative. A ramp would significantly disrupt the worship space. There has been no demand for it to justify the expenditure. Our welcome and opportunities to contribute to decisions are constantly reviewed. For example, Church Council meets on Zoom to accommodate those reluctant to drive at night.

(2) Are there stories from your context that reflect and honour the spirit of Assembly’s ‘Statement of Access and Welcome’? See p 16-17: 15th Assembly MINUTES | UCA Assembly (recollect.net.au)

• YES/NO

Please outline briefly. Who can we contact so your story might be shared to inspire others?

• Comments:

(3) Is your congregation/presbytery involved in particular responses with people with disabilities? (for example: shared decision-making/ drop ins/Cafés/Support services)

• YES/NO

If yes, please list them below

• Comments:

(4) Do you feel well equipped to provide a welcoming response in your context?

• YES/NO

  Comments:

(5) What might help you feel more equipped to provide a welcoming response to people with disabilities?

• Comments: We have welcomers at 9.15 and 11 am services. The volunteers are there to welcome people and give assistance if needed. We also have a community hub that is open, every Tuesday morning. People from the community are welcome to attend, chat and have a cuppa. Volunteers have time to listen.

(6) Has your congregation received a grant from the Synod’s Disability Access Fund?

• YES/NO

(7) If you have, outline briefly how those funds have made a difference.

• Comments:

(8) Do you have inclusive worship ideas/practices to share?

• YES/NO

If yes, please list them below.

• Comments: Fairly obvious ones. Wide aisle to accommodate walkers. Wheel chairs available. Communion served in seats. Hearing loop. Priority parking. Large print service orders and hymn books. Live streamed services. Devotions in nursing homes.

(9) What information or resources would support you in your work to be more inclusive of people with disability?

• Comments: AusLan signing persons.

(10) What changes or improvements have you have made during that period?

• Comments: The period from 2019 to 2022? None.

(11) Are there aspects of the current Plan you think need to be retained and further developed?

• YES/NO If yes, list them below.

  Comments: It looks good.

CONSULTATION AND PLANNING

In developing the 2023-2025 Plan, a vision and planning Forum will be held at Wesley Place,130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne on Friday 2 December 1-4 pm (inc. online option). Please refer to the attached flyer) and please distribute it.

Registration is required (link on flyer)) by Monday 28 November with zoom meeting details provided after that date.

Finally …thanks for your contributions.

Are there any other comments or questions you have that can help us develop the next Plan; or that Synod might support your endeavours regarding disability inclusion?

• Comments:

Your details
Congregation/Presbytery?: Glen Waverley congregation

Your name & contact information
Name: David Morgan
Email:
Phone:

Feel free to contact Andy at [email protected], 93408844 for any further suggestions or responses.