Illness and Caring for the Sick - #4

In 1987 I was appointed formation director at our theologate at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. My job was to help in the religious life training of future Passionist priests and brothers. One of my first discoveries at CTU was an office called Stauros (this is the Greek word for cross). Stauros was a Passionist office dedicated to probing the mystery of suffering and illness in our society. One of their main tasks in Chicago was public advocacy for persons with disability. Their advocacy incorporated persons with disabilities, Judy, Chris, Flavian, and Beverly frequented city meetings, did wheel chair sit ins for better public housing and public transportation, and promoted the rights and the abilities of those who used medical technology to live their lives. These people became a significant part of my life and taught me to see things from their perspective. The November edition of Rites indicated how each of us can make a difference.

"People with disabilities creatively address their needs and serve society in many ways, yet they often desire a greater opportunity to be involved in religious activities. There are many things that you as an individual can do to help people with disabilities participate fully in the liturgy, devotions and prayers of our parish."

1. I will speak directly to a person with a disability or difference, not only to the nearby companion, family member, interpreter or canine companion.

2. I will offer to shake hands when introduced to a person with a disability. (Persons with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can usually shake hands. Shaking the left hand is okay, too).

3. I will place myself in a chair at eye level for easy conversation with a person using a wheelchair or walker.

4. I will offer assistance and wait for instructions and not insist.

5. I will give my whole, unhurried attention to a person who has difficulty speaking rather than speaking for the person. I may help by asking short questions that require short answers, a nod or a shake of the head, or a written answer.

6. I will encourage a person with a disability to serve at the altar, to distribute communion, to greet people at the door, to take up a collection, to bear the gifts, to proclaim the scriptures, to sing in the choir or lead the singing all according to the individual's gifts and talents.

7. I will treat adults with developmental disabilities as adults, not as children. I will use first names only when using the same familiarity for all persons.

8. I will get the attention of someone who is hearing-impaired by lightly tapping their elbow or shoulder, or by waving my hand. I will look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively so that the person can read my lips.

9. I will offer to read the weekly bulletin to a person who is blind.

10.I will guide a person with visual impairments by giving verbal clues to steps, doors, curbs, and escalators. I will first identify myself.

"One out of five Americans has a disability-physical, mental or sensory.' (Rite, November-December 2000, p. 14)." They bless our church with their presence and their gifts.