1. “ If I could help to change one thing ” Linda Wray & Denise Keegan 12 th April 2014

2. “If I could help to change one thing” “ what can we do as a body of people to help children with a disability feel part of our congregation and the wider family within our church?”

3. “Preparing for the journey” Its’ a whole new world! Welcome to Holland By Emily Perl Kingsley

4. So often people look at the disability without recognising the wonderful person within

5. Communication “Communication is a basic human right” Understanding others and being understood is crucial in order to have a good quality of life. Successful communication is essential for the emotional well being of people

6. Resources to aid communication

7. Beth’s Place Mat Beth Smyth12 th April 214 I can eat independently but need my food well cut up. I can choose what I’d like to drink. Hi, I’m Beth!

8. Personal Place Mat: Beth Smyth Date: 12/04/14 Swallow: I do not have any difficulties with swallowing. Food: I eat all my food normally but require some things cut up for me. Drink: I drink normal fluids and like to have a choice of what to drink at meal times. I like juice and sometimes a glass of coke. I also enjoy a cup of tea. Where and when: I like to eat my meals at the table in the dining room I usually have my dinner at 4.30pm. Equipment: I use a rubber mat under my plate and eat with a knife and fork or spoon. Protection; I like to wear an apron in case of any spills and I like to freshen up afterwards. Communication and choice: I do like to have choices and I have quite good verbal communication Risks and help I need: I require close supervision at all times I can easily become upset if other residents try to take my tea or if they are very loud. Name of person completing mat: Denise Keegan If there are any concerns about eating, drinking or swallowing, please refer to Speech and Language Therapy. Some of the clinical signs that can indicate a swallowing difficulty include coughing/choking on food or drink, wet gargly voice, recurrent chest infections, weight loss. Position: I sit in an ordinary chair at meal times.

9. A Sense of Belonging “No matter who we are we all what to feel loved and wanted”

10. A Sense of Belonging Dignity & Respect Feeling safe Being understood Having a voice Being an individual

11. Dreams & Aspirations “I would like people to ask me what I would like to do rather than what they think I might want to do!”

12. Independence Choice Time Support – Buddy System Easy access to buildings Good signage Appropriate toilet facilities

13. Attitude Disability is not a choice but our attitude is!

14. “ The Beatitudes for those people who have the privilege to work with people who have a disability ”

15. Blessed are you: Who take time to listen to difficult speech, sometimes it is difficult for me to put my thoughts into words, for you help us know that if we persevere, we can be understood.

16. Blessed are you: Who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your companionship, we find havens of relaxation.

17. Blessed are you: Who never bid us “Hurry Up” and more blessed, you who do not snatch our task from our hands to do them for us for often we need time not help.

18. Blessed are you: Who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures, who with a smile encourage me to try once more, for our failures will be outweighed by times when we surprise ourselves and you.

19. Blessed are you: Who ask for our help for our greatest need is to be needed.

20. Blessed are you: Who help us with the graciousness of Christ for often we need the help we cannot ask for.

21. Blessed are you: Who see me as a whole person, unique and complete and not as a “half” and one of God’s mistakes; who don’t expect me to be saintly just because I am disabled, who forget my disability of the body and see the shape of my soul.

22. Blessed are you: Who respect me and love me “just as I am” and not as you wish I were and without wondering what I might have been.

23. “ If I could help to change one thing ” If our church was full, would he still feel alone and excluded?