FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in De Soto, MO……?
Posted: May 3rd, 2011 | Author: admin | Filed under: Disability Aid Reviews | Tags: CHURCH, First, METHODIST, MO......, Soto, United | 3 Comments »…is providing mobility assistance for physically challenged members…
this church noticed that many of its disabled members were having difficulties using the ramp at church… some were extremely exhausted after climbing the ramp and as a result some were not attending at all…. so the trustees of the church polled their physically challenged members to see what sort of mobility aids were being used outside of worship… they found that most used scooters at home and the grocery store and other events… the church invested in a 2nd hand scooter to aid their members up the ramp to services… a volunteer rides the scooter to the member’s car assists the member to the scooter and assists them with transfer once inside… the members are pleased as it helps them to stay in worship services longer…
really compassionate for this congregation to reach out to its disabled members… our church right now has a regular wheelchair to assist disabled members and has recently paved an ADA access ramp as well… i’m sure there are more…
WYT?
Felicia: What is your question?
I think that this is a great idea, but I hope they have enough scooters to go around. God bless.
Your church is reaching out to everyone it can, and better yet, it took the initiative – no one had to come to them and ask or complain about limited access. I think the congregation deserves a big round of applause.
Several years ago I dated a man who had had a stroke 8 years before and he still had difficulty walking and climbing stairs, although he had (proudly) weaned himself off a cane. Seeing the world through his eyes as we went places together showed me just how many places are really not well-equipped to deal with physically challenged individuals. This man didn’t have much trouble asking store personnel, etc., for assistance when needed, but I think it is embarrassing for some people, so to just have the assistance already in place like your church is doing is truly the best.
Especially smart of your church was to poll the individuals involved. As simple as this sounds, it is remarkable how often this kind of thing is overlooked when decisions are made. Such as when changes are made in the workplace but the people who will have to implement the changes are never consulted. When assumptions are made about what is needed rather than actually conducting a fact-finding mission.
I also work in a veterans’ hospital so have seen and spoken with a lot of physically challenged individuals and found out the obstacles they face.
My hat is off to everyone in your church!