10 Ways to Reach Out to People with Disability in Your Community

People with disability often face a higher risk of being excluded in their churches and community, but you can make a difference! Here are 10 easy ways for you to start reaching out to people affected by disability in your community:

1. If you are able-bodied, don’t park in handicap accessible parking spaces – not even for a moment.
2. Make an effort to include people with disabilities in church and community gatherings. Isolation is a health hazard.
3. If you think assistance might be needed, don’t hesitate to ask a person with disability how you might help. That person can tell you the easiest and safest way.
4. Ask your local library to increase their selection of large print books.
5. Spearhead a committee to raise funds for an elevator, ramp, or curb cut where it may be needed.
6. Hold the door open for a person using a wheelchair or crutches.
7. It may be difficult for parents of children with disabilities to find experienced babysitters, but they, too, need an evening out now and then. Offer to help!
8. Suggest that your church or organization take on a service project. You can rake lawns, do repair jobs, or wash windows for homeowners with disabilities in your area.
9. Make sure walkways and aisles are wide enough that a wheelchair can navigate freely.
10. Most importantly, just be friendly!

Can you think of other ways to be hospitable in your community? Share your ideas below!

Click here to print out the list of ways to reach out.