Disability Audit

All parishes have now been asked to carry out an audit of all their activities and premises to let us know how people with disabilities are being helped to play a full part in the life of the Church.  All Diocesan properties and services are likewise being checked out.

Many parishes have already responded to the audit, and there is a lot of good work and good practice around the diocese.  Many parishes have requested a visit from me to assist with what they are doing and to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act. 

Parishes are being requested to nominate a Special Needs Helper, and a series of regional training sessions for these helpers will commence in the autumn.

In the main, parishes are not being complacent and are determined to do their best for people with special needs.

In addition, the Diocesan Disability Forum, which is a group of people with a range of disabilities who advise the diocese, held a training seminar for members of the Department for Pastoral Formation to raise their awareness and to pass on tips and techniques.  Members of the Forum will take part in the regional sessions for the Special Needs helpers.

When the audit is complete, the results will be analysed by both the Forum and the diocesan branch of the Caring Fellowship to do our very best to ensure that no person is ever excluded because of disability.                         Barry Hudd