Participation in Life - The Disabled God

"Today most denominations and many local congregations realize that church facilities should be constructed or altered to encourage the presence of persons with disabilities. Yet little effort has been made to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in the life of the church" Eiesland p. 20

In our Personal Centred Support course, the discussion of 'with' and not 'for' takes place. The hope is that as we seek to serve, we are not simply providing services for, but that we are coming along side and doing 'with' the person. This ties into our stated approach of servant leadership. All this is relatively easy to say - and sounds wonderful, but it is much more difficult to actually 'do'. We must realize that it isn’t a place to which we arrive, but a destination that we must constantly strive for and push through to. As with the church, the easy part is the altering of the physical facilities, while the much more difficult part is the attitudinal and practical 'person centred' changes that must be made. I mentioned before, that Eiesland laments that so often the disabled are observers of the good work that is being done on their behalf - but unfortunately, far too often they are not a part of that self-determination and 'including', inner circle. As long as those with disabilities remain on the outside of the circle, they are objectified no matter how well intending or meaning our efforts. The real challenge of our ministry is in the diligent and constant effort required to make sure that we are holding open the doors to that inner circle and making level the rough paths that prevent entrance to the inner sanctum of self-determination and true inclusion. I wonder sometimes if we, as the support staff, are the ones who need the 'programs' and 'behaviour plans' to adjust and modify us?

We read in Hebrews 12:13"Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed". How do we become participants with God in making level paths for all those about us -- particularly those with whom we have been called to serve? Can we do more, go deeper, push or 'level out' obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from entering the inner circle? How do we increasingly stand beside and do the 'with' - and honestly confront the constant pull to do the 'for'? What adjustments and changes do we have to make to that inner circle that will allow those with disabilities to come through the door, stand in that inner space and be welcomed and valued as an integral member?Anyway, what you think?