Guidelines for Church Ushers is provided by the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries with Mental Illnesses Ministries to assist churches in becoming a truly inclusive body, accessible to all.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW . . .
We all know that persons with disabilities and their families should be integrated into the life of the church. We want to be welcoming in every way. However, we often do not know what to do and fear doing the wrong thing. Thus we sometimes appear to be unwelcoming. In reality, we are just uncertain.
Many people with disabilities have hidden or invisible disabilities. While we may not be aware of this, we might be alert to people asking for help in order to be welcomed into our churches. This brochure is designed to assist ushers and other church leaders to offer hospitality to all persons with disabilities.
Basic Suggestions:
- Always speak directly to persons with a disability instead of to a companion.
- Don’t hesitate to ask if you can help. Then follow instructions.
- Whenever possible, seat persons with a disability with other family or friends.
- Don’t ignore. Include persons with disabilities in what you are saying and doing.
- Stress the person, not the disability (example: a person who is blind, deaf, etc., instead of a disabled person).
- Talk as you would to anyone else. Don’t hesitate to use words like see, hear, and walk.
- Ask a person with a disability to usher, greet or serve on a committee.
Developmental Disabilities
- Some congregational members may be uncomfortable interacting with people who have developmental disabilities. Ask ahead of time who would like to share a hymnal, explain the service, or sit with the person at coffee hour or lunch. Provide training for such individuals in advance.
- Always offer a bulletin. Then the person has the right to accept or decline the offer.
Hearing Disabilities
- Speak clearly, slowly and normally.
- If your church has assistive listening devices, show persons where they are and how to use them. Before the service, check the devices to be certain they are in working order.
- Never speak directly into a person’s ear. Stand where those who lip read can get a clear view of your face. Form your words carefully, but naturally without distortion. If possible, select a more quiet spot as noise is distracting and makes speech difficult to follow. If more appropriate, communicate in writing or with gestures.
- Avoid changing topics abruptly as the person uses context to help understand what is being said.
- Try to seat persons with hearing difficulty in clear view of the pulpit and the sign language interpreter, if the latter is present. Both should be in one clear view for speaking and gesturing cues as well as for the actual interpreting.
Mental Illnesses
The word “mental” itself is stigmatizing. Hereafter we will use brain illnesses — commonly known as mental illnesses. Largely invisible, disorders in the brain interfere with the capacity to feel, think and relate. The symptoms of brain illness are varied. A person may appear sad, withdrawn, protective, preoccupied, carrying an unusual burden, or, on the other hand, may be highly energized or acting in a way unusual for the person or the situation.
- Treat persons with brain disorders and the families just as you do any other member of the Body of Christ. Offer the hospitality of a simple welcome and introduce yourself.
- Come along side, be present, listen. Stand with the person, as if you are looking out at the world together, ready to offer help, assistance or guidance. Accompany the person to a seat with or near someone who is supportive, understanding and companionable. Make introductions.
- Persons on medication for a brain illness may exhibit facial or bodily movements which people unaccustomed to this side effect of drugs may not understand. Create a space that is calm, reassuring and respectful.
- A brain disorder may cause behavior that is disturbing or disruptive. As with any episode of illness, find one or two knowledgeable members to assist by engaging the person kindly and quietly, inviting and accompanying the individual to a less active area of your church where appropriate care and help can be better provided. A good program which offers information about mental illness is helpful.
Mobility Disabilities
- A person who uses a wheelchair may be able to walk and may prefer to use a seat in the pew. Honor that choice. If possible, provide a few shortened pews so persons using a wheelchair can sit with and feel a welcome part of the congregation. Note that standing is a matter of choice.
- Do not, without permission, move a wheelchair, walker or crutches out of reach of the person who uses them. They are personal property.
- If assisting a wheelchair user up or down a curb, ask the person using the wheelchair for directions. The person using the wheelchair knows what works best. Steep ramps can be difficult and chairs heavy. If you have any doubts about handling the chair safely, get help.
Speech Disabilities
- Try to give your full, unhurried attention to a person speaking. Take time to appreciate the person talking. If you do not understand, ask for repetition or clarification. Do not courteously pretend to understand as you may be missing important information.
- Remember, a person with a speech difficulty may use alternative ways of communicating, including writing, mime or computer-generated speech.
- Resist the urge to complete words or sentences for the person with a speech difficulty.
Visual Disabilities
- When greeting a person with visual disability, identify yourself and your role as usher or greeter.
- Explain where things are located in terms of the person. Use the imagery of a clock to help orient the person to surroundings (Example: The choir is seated about 50 feet in front of you at 2 o’clock).
- Explain the order for worship if the person is unfamiliar with your church. Ask a member to join a person coming alone so specific worship instructions can be offered.
- If the person has a guide dog, ask how much room is needed for the dog.
- Always offer a bulletin. Make sure large print bulletins are available. If possible, offer a Braille or large-print hymnal. Offer to read aloud the bulletin if it is not available in an alternative form.
- Ask about seating preference then walk the person to the seat. Offer assistance when and if needed. Provide an elbow or shoulder if requested, but avoid grabbing or trying to push the person ahead of you.
In Case of Medical Emergency
- Never attempt to restrain or put anything into the mouth of a person having a seizure.
- Move objects or furniture to prevent injury.
- Make the person feel comfortable after the seizure by helping the person to a comfortable place to rest and offering reassurance.
- Since an incident could be epilepsy, a stroke, or a reaction to medication, find out if medical personnel or an informed family member is present. Call 911. One usher should call immediately while another stays with the person.
- In case of emergency evacuation, assist all known persons with disabilities.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Hintz, UCCDM
866-822-8224, ext 3845
Email: hintzm@ucc.org
www.uccdm.org
United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministry
C/O Parish Life and Leadership
700 Prospect Avenue East
Cleveland, OH 44115
1-866-822-8224 x3845
