What if you had a disability...

What if the next time you attend a Temple Service, a Sisterhood Meeting, or a Social Function, you would see no one who has a disability or impairment. Would you wonder “why”? Why aren’t more people with disabilities attending meetings?

“What if I have a visual impairment and there are no large print prayer books, bulletins or notices? Would you help me find a magnifier?

“I seem to be having more difficulty hearing certain sounds. Lip reading is not always the answer, and I’m not ready for a hearing aid. So what can I do?” There is help at most Temples.

“Have you noticed I walk with a limp, carry a cane, need a walker, or need an end seat in the Sanctuary, or at a meeting? Would you still include me on your Board, on a Committee, or any Sisterhood activity?”

What if these disabilities would still enable a Sisterhood Member to help with phone calls, write articles, help with planning programs, etc.

“What if I can’t find the right word that you expect me to use? Am I becoming a little forgetful, too old, not needed anymore?” Our ‘Sisters’ who have emotional or mental problems still want you to smile and think of them as a vital, useful people.

These are but a few of the situations we have to contend with when any of our Members have a Disability or Impairment. Shouldn’t we find ways to assist them in being more included by asking them of join us?

In Birmingham we have “The Center for Aging” at The University of Alabama, Birmingham; along with Research Departments in Hospitals that are finding ways to assist people who have any Disabilities by doing testing, and follow-up recommendations ~ giving them information as well as hope. What do you have in your areas?

Remember, these members need us as much as we need them. Think of how many more of our “Sisters” would become more involved and what a stronger, more vital and friendlier Sisterhood we would have.

For additional information relative as to who to contact for informative brochures, and program speakers, please contact me at eesbrown@bellsouth.net.

B’Shalom,
Esther E. Brown
Southern Region Disabilities Chair