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Creating a Welcoming Path for People with Special Needs

Creating a Welcoming Path for People with Special Needs. Roberta Witte Sacred Heart, Saratoga. Overview. Is 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?

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Creating a Welcoming Path for People with Special Needs

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  1. Creating a Welcoming Path for People with Special Needs Roberta Witte Sacred Heart, Saratoga

  2. Overview • Is my parish welcoming to all? • Where do I begin? • How can our parish do this?

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Raise Awareness • The faith community needs to be aware of persons with special needs, offer support and be welcoming. • Embrace what makes each person unique There is support to guide you: • Diocese of San Jose –Friends in Faith (2008) • Oakland Diocese –SPRED, Special Religious Education Ministry

  6. Foster inclusion • Become knowledgeable about types of special needs • Reach out to family – do not wait for them to ask • Integrate those with disabilities but also personalize the Catechesis • Partner with the family to learn strategies specific to that person

  7. First Step Generations of Faith or classroom model • Know the learners- on your class registration form asks specific questions about needs • Partner with caregiver, trained volunteer as a buddy or offer specially trained catechists • Avoid isolation of persons with disabilities • Adapt content and method to each person

  8. Teaching 101 • Make a plan to meet with families of any special needs students • Survey questions are very important to establish communication = team • Teachers greet all students at door, establish routine & respect • Be prepared!! • Always ask for volunteers to read and incorporate multi-sensory experiences by encouraging acting or hands on events

  9. Procedure, Procedure! • The following are excerpts from "First Days of School" by Harry Wong.: • Behavior problems stem from lack of procedures • Discipline: Concerns how students behave
Procedures: Concern how things are done. • Discipline: Has penalties and rewards
Procedures: Have no penalties and rewards

  10. Special Needs • People with motor or orthopedic impairments • Behavior disorders/ADHD • Developmentally challenged in how they learn or express • Hearing Impaired • Visually Impaired • Autism Train each catechist to offer a learning environment that enables each child to reach his or her full potential.

  11. Strategies Know the student: • Attention Disorders-foster environment for success by clearly articulating rules and directions in positive productive language. • Reading (Dyslexia) or Expressive language issues • Visuals to support lesson for all learners • Learning style preferences • Change up the format so it is less like school

  12. Open the Door to Change • Celebrating Mass with a Special Needs child • Sensitive to person – “How can I help you?” • Refer to parishes that have established models • Sacramental Prep programs for all • Promote acceptance and support to all • Worship together- we are a fabric of many different textures • Train all teachers, ushers, Eucharistic Ministers

  13. Being a Parent • Position in the pew • Reinforce appropriate behavior • Establish a routine • Use a picture missal • Support for parents by faith community-acknowledge that you are there for them

  14. What’s Next? • Sacramental Prep Tools- Loyola Press • Retreats for families • Awakenings Prayer Group • White Mass • Ministries with Persons with Disabilities • Models in other Dioceses • Diocese of Oakland- SPRED • Diocese of San Jose

  15. Resources to Open the Door • Network of Inclusive Catholic Educators • Loyola Press • Pathways to Worship • Diocese of San Jose-Catechesis for those with Disabilities Resources • Diocese of Oakland-SPRED

  16. 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

  17. Thank You Roberta Witte Sacred Heart Parish Saratoga, CA Diocese of San Jose

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