Each person is created in God’s image and likeness, yet we are blessed with a tremendous variety of people. Persons with disabilities also reflect God love for us in countless ways. They enhance the spiritual life of the Church!

Our defense of life and rejection of the culture of death requires that we acknowledge the dignity and contribution of all of all our brothers and sisters with disabilities. What gifts do persons with disabilities bring to your life?

We are a single flock under the care of a single shepherd. There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities. We are one body that needs every part to be complete.

Parish liturgical celebrations and catechetical programs should be available to persons with disabilities and open to their full, active and conscious participation, according to their ability. Are all Christians invited to the table, or just those without disabilities?

The parish is the door to participation in the Christian experience. Are the doors of our parish open to those with disabilities? Are those with disabilities welcomed members of your community?

As a pro-life people, we are called to respond with love and support to the family of a child with disabilities. How does your parish community assist these families? What more can be done?

When we see a person with disabilities, we think of doing something FOR them. Have we considered what they might teach us about the paschal mystery, acceptance and joy?

The person with disabilities breaks down the stereotype that it is essential to be healthy in order to be important. That is one of the greatest deceptions of the culture of death. We are all greatly loved by God regardless of our physical abilities.

Defense of life means it is the duty of every Christian to not only affirm the rights of those with disabilities, but to help incorporate them into the fabric of modern society. This loving and compassionate response can transform our society.

If you were in a wheelchair, could you participate in the life of your parish? What if you were deaf or blind? Is your parish a place of welcome? Is your heart a place of welcome?

We must recognize and appreciate the contribution persons with disabilities can make to the Church’s spiritual life, and encourage them to do the Lord’s work in the world according to their God-given talents and capacities.

How do you feel about a person with disabilities? Subtle negative attitudes towards those with disabilities can escalate, over time, into rationales for abortion, medical rationing, and euthanasia. Be sure that you are Christ-like in your attitudes towards those with disabilities.

Have you ever heard someone in a wheelchair read scripture at Mass? God’s words to us may sound more compelling and real when proclaimed by someone with a disability.

Is your local movie theatre and grocery store more accessible than your parish? Does your local museum have large print guidebooks, but your parish has no large print missalette?
Say something!

“We, the disabled people of the world, must illustrate and teach the people of Christ’s Church the power of the powerless, the strength of our shared vulnerability.”
John Paul II

Adapted from statements from the USCCB and the NCPD