While much of the attention has waned recently, for many years in the field of disabilities, the hot topic of conversation was the concept of self-determination. Simply put, self-determination is a philosophy and a practice which holds that people with disabilities have the right to make choices and the freedom to seek the same goals that all others have related to personal relationships, membership in the community, and establishing an economic and spiritual future. In other words, people with disabilities have the right to make the kinds of choices and decisions that determine for them the highest quality of life. In many community homes throughout our country, where people with cognitive disabilities share space, resources, and staff, promoting a “spiritual future” is an afterthought. Direct care workers rarely ask the question or explore the individual’s religious background, and if a supported individual does attend religious services, it is usually at the church, synagogue or mosque that the staff person belongs to.
Creating the opportunity for people with cognitive disabilities to explore their own spirituality has great benefit in a number of ways. It may help to reconnect the individual with an important part of their past when they did attend religious services with parents or other family members. It provides a haven for people who are often ostracized from others to gain full acceptance for who they are and what they offer to the world. And it can open up numerous avenues for relationship-building and the sense of true belonging in a larger, loving community.
What a great opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion!! Our congregations should be reaching out to local human service agencies that provide various services to people with cognitive disabilities. Forming partnerships with them will not only bring the promise of spirituality to those who desire it, but it increases the visibility of the congregation in the community which, in turn, serves to bring more people to its doors.
Thus, opening our doors to those with cognitive disabilities is not only the right thing to do. It is also an investment in the congregation’s future. If you find this idea intriguing for your congregation, contact me at mbernstein@uua.org.
With respect,
Mark Bernstein
Regional Growth Development Director, CERG
UUA Liaison to Issues in Accessibility/Disability
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