Awareness, Accessibility, Education, Information

Circle of Friends: St. Stephen's Disability Ministry

St. Stephens’ new disability ministry came together in September 2006 to decide what we want to accomplish as a group. Ideas were divided into four categories: Awareness, Accessibility, Education and Information.

• Accessibility: Transport to and getting around the campus and being able to fully participate in the service and social activities.
• Education: Special help for challenged children and adults; special groups and classes as necessary.
• Awareness: Teaching those around us the challenges of living with a disability; sensitivity to the needs of others, and overcoming fears.
• Information: Sharing and making local, state and federal resources available.

Participants were divided among these categories to form “think tanks”, research what has been done in these areas and what we can do to concentrate our efforts in each one.

It was decided that Awareness would be our main and continuing focus. We encourage you to join us, whether to help yourself or others.

During Lent 2007, the Circle of Friends (numbering about a dozen committed individuals) presented a Wednesday Lenten series entitled "As We Are: Called to be Whole and Holy," focusing on different types of disability. The evening included gathering games, speakers, Q & A and time for reflection and worship. Our hope was to find new ways to include people with disabilities in every aspect of our life together.