Disability Dialogue for Congregations

This can be a good venue for the topic of disability awareness. Members often come from diverse backgrounds and have community contacts. Congregants who were receptive to the disability awareness program and want to explore ways to implement a more ambitious disability project. The goal of this project is to find employment for a person. Assistance is available for the entire project. Meeting 1 - Gather some people who are interested in helping by announcing it in the bulletin, including it in the website. Meeting 2 - Discuss steps for reaching the goal. Meeting3 - Include the person and parents at a meeting. Learn about skills, interests, experiences, abilities, likes and family involvement. Then consider the congregation and who has vocational connections. Meeting 4 - Decide who will arrange meetings and transport the applicant. Consider skill sessions (interview, resume, applications). Emotional support is crucial because the process can be a hard and long one. Meeting 5 - This will likely be ongoing. Notes should be recorded by the volunteer and reviewed by the group. What went well? What needs improvement? After a number of interviews are performed a meeting is needed to discuss high and low points. What suggestions can be reached? Details are available.