Can You Please Accommodate Me?
By Robert Giers & Holly Maes

Definition (Taken from Webster’s Dictionary): Disability is a physical, mental, cognitive or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with or limits a person’s ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions.

How can we make our Society more Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive to all?

Holly and I serve on the Bridging Abilities Committee with the National Committee on Multicultural/Diversity Issues and Initiatives. It is our hope to bring awareness to our Society of the need for accessibility for our members with disabilities not only in our Conferences, Districts but also to our Regional and National meetings.

One quarter (25%) of the world’s population deals with a disability. Disabilities can be acute, chronic, short or long-term and progressive. But all disabilities whether it is physical (blind, deaf, limb difference or loss), mental, developmental or genetic need and can use accommodations. There can also be “invisible” disabilities of medical, surgical and mental health issues causing a change from normal function to a different way of living and functioning. It is that different way of functioning that may need accommodation for the person to reach their maximum potential.

Another form of disability is aging. As we age, we begin to lose ability. You may not have a disability today, but tomorrow you will.

We are all created in the image and likeness of God. We learn the image and likeness is on the inside. Our Soul through the Holy Spirit is created unique and special to the individual. Our outside is also created differently so that we can learn to love, respect and honor one another regardless of our differences. So, if this is all you see, you do not see me.

Gospel of John, Chapter 9: Man born blind; Disciples asked Jesus, “who in his family sinned that he was born blind?” Jesus said, “no one sinned, he was born that way so the Glory of God can be shown through him.”

We are ALL born so the Glory of God can be shown through us. Our differences challenge us to love as God sees us.

As Vincentians we are called to love and serve all of God’s children and to seek out the poor, the sick, the widow and the less able and to share our time, talents and treasure with those in need.

How can your Conference befriend and accommodate persons with disabilities in your parish to help them become Vincentians? Just as we do not judge or discriminate when dealing with our neighbors in need, neither should we discriminate against fellow Vincentians who may need an accommodation to join us.

Every Conference and Council talks about recruiting new Vincentians, but we often disregard our parishioners with disabilities. Many likely feel they could never volunteer for St Vincent de Paul because they are disabled. NONSENSE! They would make fantastic Vincentians as they can be extremely empathetic with those groups that are marginalized. I mourn the untouched talent the Society leaves sitting in the pews, because we have not accommodated well for the disabled in our Society.

So, Servant Leaders, I beg you to be proactive. Start with your parish Conference, the backbone of our Society. Do you need a wheelchair or walker accessible meeting place. Perhaps a microphone with various settings and feedback/echo control. Do potential members need a ride because they do not drive anymore? Do you need a signer or an interpreter? Think outside the box, as the list is endless.

Not every Conference needs all of these things, but many need more than one. Take the time to think about what accommodations may benefit disabled members of your parish. Ask individuals if there are any specific things that may help them feel welcomed into the Society. Do not forget to reassess–did someone recently have surgery, spend time in the hospital, miss Mass for a few weeks? Keep asking yourself and other members how the Conference can be of assistance to them in their Vincentian charism. People change over time– accommodations need to be equally adaptable. Accommodation is not always easy, but doing the right thing is not always easy either. Loading a box ourselves at the food pantry–quick and easy, but consider the joy of the young man with Down’s Syndrome who can also do this with the assistance of someone who is supportive and patient.

Fact: the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Accommodations remind us that, the event sponsor, or the person/entity hosting the event, is primarily responsible for accessibility when planning a meeting or event. This includes ensuring that the event is inclusive and accessible to all attendees, including those with disabilities. This responsibility extends to all aspects of the event, from venue selection and budgeting to providing necessary accommodation and communication. Event planning committees should include an Accessibilities Coordinator.

List of Accommodations: main entrance accessible with push button assist, sufficient accessible parking (clearly signed), accessible transportation vehicles, sufficient accessible rooms close to the main event and workshops, accessible seating to all events, sufficient accessible bathrooms, accessible self-serve catering and staging for presentations, accessible coffee and dessert tables, portable access ramps for wheelchairs, sigh language interpreters and notetakers, these are not a complete list but should give a pretty good idea and in which can benefit all participants.

A few final thoughts–Disability does not discriminate. It does not choose based on color, creed, gender or age. It is much like a natural disaster, and we are all aware of them since many of these have been in the news recently. People, towns, and areas of destruction have been hit by hurricanes, wildfires or flash flooding resulting in many of these towns now have disabled inhabitants. This new Normal has changed lives forever and will require much accommodation–physical, mental and spiritual. Then God’s grace flows. People rally and help in any way they can to meet these needs and accommodations.

We live in a world where we need to share responsibility. It is easy to say, “not my world, not my problem, not my people.” Then there are those who see the need and respond. These people are heroes. (Mr. Rogers)

The very people Christ wants us to befriend and care for–right within your Conference. Please accommodate me…