Advocacy & Disability within our Churches

1. Advocacy & Disability within our Churches Presented by Leanne Murrillo, CTRS & Martha Seaman

2. Program Group on Disability Concerns Reason for Existence • Resolved, that the Diocese of Arizona affirm and support the vision of its Program Group on Disability Concerns which states: “The universal call to holiness leads us to recognize that the Body of Christ is not whole when some members are not invited to full participation; therefore we envision that every person with disabilities will experience full inclusion in the parishes, missions, church properties and programs of the Diocese of Arizona; and be it further • Resolved, that the Diocese of Arizona acknowledge the legacy of The Episcopal Church’s many legislative actions and programs initiatives seeking inclusion of person with disabilities in the life of the Church, and embrace the policies suggested by those legislative actions and program initiative; an be it further • Resolved, that the Diocese of Arizona encourage each congregation to designate a person or persons to be particularly responsible for disability concerns within the congregation.

3. Disability • A disability is an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person's lifetime. • Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations.

4. Self-Advocacy • referring to people with disabilities taking control of their own lives, including being in charge of their own care in the medical system. The self-advocacy movement is (in basic terms) about people with disabilities speaking up for themselves. It means that although a person with a disability may call upon the support of others, the individual is entitled to be in control of their own resources and how they are directed. It is about having the right to make life decisions without undue influence or control by others.

5. Disability Awareness/Self Advocacy • What is my disability? • What are my accommodations? • What is my learning style? • Strengths • Weaknesses • Ways I am independent? • I would like to learn? • If I need help, I can ask?

6. Disability Awareness/Self Advocacy • Best person that knows of your disability is you! (person with the disability) • Best advocate for your disability is you! • If unable to know or understand your disability, best advocate is a family member or friend! • Circle of Friends from St. Stephens

7. Reality • Disability cuts across all ages, ethnicities, economic status, races, geography, urban/rural, spiritual beliefs • Disability is an equal opportunity club – anyone, anytime can join!

8. How Many? 2010 Population in USA: 310 million • Population with disabilities 54.4 million 2009 Arizona population: 6.5 million • Arizonans with disabilities: 902,000 Source: US Census Bureau

9. Fighting Fear of Disability • Disability is not a measure of character. • Disability is not contagious. • Most people with disabilities want to promote understanding. • People with disabilities would rather dwell on their strengths than their weaknesses. • If you have questions about a disability, ask -- within polite boundaries and if your question is relevant to the conversation.

10. Person with a Disability Vulnerability • A person’s fear of not being worthy of connection. • I’m not good enough…….. • The idea of connection is where we have to be seen. • Sense of SHAME!

11. Waiting on Vulnerability • We numb (emotions) • We want to be perfect • We want to be pretend

12. 3 C’s • Courage – to be yourself and tell your story • Compassion – to be kind to one self • Connection – letting go of who you think you need to be compared to who you really are

13. Vulnerability to Sense of Worth • When we embrace our vulnerability we define our self-worth. • Willingness to do something first – taking that first step • We make the uncertain - certain

14. Vulnerability to Self-Worth • Vulnerability can be the birthplace of joy, love and belonging. • Sense of worthiness is being loved and belonging. • I AM ENOUGH • AND BELIEVE IT!

15. American with Disability Act (ADA) • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009. • The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability. It affords similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics illegal. Disability is defined by the ADA as "...a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity." The determination of whether any particular condition is considered a disability is made on a case by case basis. Certain specific conditions are excluded as disabilities, such as current substance abuse and visual impairment that is correctable by prescription lenses. • On September 25, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) into law. This was intended to give broader protections for disabled workers and "turn back the clock" on court rulings that Congress deemed too restrictive. The ADAAA includes a list of "major life activities."

16. People First Language • Many people worry about how to talk to someone with a disability. • A person’s self image is tied to the words used about him or her. • People First Language reflects good manners, not “political correctness,” and it was started by individuals who did not want to be labeled.

17. General Disability Etiquette Tips • Don’t discourage children from asking questions about disabilities. Children have a natural curiosity that needs to be satisfied so they do not develop fearful or misleading attitudes. • Appreciate and emphasize what the person can do. • Offer your help if you think it is needed, but don’t be surprised or offended if the person would rather do it himself. If you are uncertain how to assist, ask!

18. Ed Roberts Father of Independent Living Movement • Disability is an equal opportunity club, anybody can join us at any time.

19. In Conclusion • Disability is a natural part of living. We don’t want to be “special” or “courageous,” heroes or villains. • If you are not sure how to help, just ask!

20. Questions & Answers

21. Thank You! • Leanne Murrillo, CTRS Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) 5025 E. Washington St. Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 296-0535 or leannem@abil.org • The Rev. Martha Seaman, Deacon martha.seaman1@cox.net