Resolution 2001-08 - Adopted at 128th Convention
RESOLVED, That this 128th Convenetion of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark asks all congregations and organizations in the diocese to review their facilities to determine if they are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and, if not, to develop a plan of commitment and compliance that will lead to full program and facilities accessibility by 2006; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Bethsaida Team monitor this project, provide instructional materials and educational opportunities to congregations, assist with program and facility assessment, collaborate with the Diocean Director of Development in seeking sources of funding for these projects, communicate regularly with the Diocesan Council, and report its findings annually to Diocesan Conventions through 2007.
Submitteed by: The Bethsaida Team (co-chaired by Jan Hardy, St. George's, Maplewood and the Rev. Canon Elizaabeth Kaeton), The Oasis, the Commission on Christian Education, The Women's Commission, The Mission to Dismantle Racism.
SUPPORTING INFORMATON
General Convention, 1985 adopted Resolution A-106a, that established a national Task Force on Accessibility. This prompted the 112th Convetion of the Episcopal iocese of Newark (1986) to pass Resolution XI to establish an Accessibility Task Force, "which shall be available to all persons with disabilities," and to "work in conjunction with the Task Force on Accessibility of the National Church and shall report its activities to the 113th Convention of this diocese." This was referred to Church Structures Committee of Diocesan Council. (General Convention Deputies: Robert Maitland, Dillard Robinson, John Rollins, F. Sanford Cutler, Marjorie Christie, E. Joseph Piel, Audrey M King, and Joseph Leidy.)
The churches of this diocese, assisted by the Diocesan Council, have had 15 years to examine their facilities and make them fully accessible to people with disabilities. Many have. Most have not. This resolution suggests, with understanding and respect for the financial constraints facing many communities of faith but with growing frustration and impatience of many disabled people, that churches need to focus their efforts over the next five years in order to make good the intentions set forth by this church 15 years ago. In this way, the next generation of people with disabilities may be able to rejoice, to proclaim with integrity, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You."
Members of the Bethsaida Team Project are available to visit churches, raise congregational awareness and provide on-site assessments of their facilities in order that they may be accessible to persons with disabilities. The Bishop Anand Resource Center has a resource lending library available that people may gain more information on this issue. The Episcopal Disability Network (www.edn4ministry.org) has many resources available, including the helpful publication, "More Than Fifty Ways to Make Your Parish Accessible with Little or No Cost Involved." Finally, Bill Gaventa of the Boggs Center, Robert Woods Johnson Hospital, is an indefatigable resource for congregations wishing to seriously address accessibility issues.
