* FINAL VERSION - Not Completed

Resolution D070

Title:   Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

Topic:   Disabled Persons

Committee:   Social and Urban Affairs

House of Initial Action:   Bishops

Proposer:   Ms. Vicki Garvey (Chicago)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention reaffirm Resolution 1985-A087 and urge all churches that have not yet done so to designate a person or persons to be particularly responsible for disability concerns; and be it further
Resolved, That the 75th General Convention reaffirm Resolution 1985-A087 and urge the dioceses that have not yet done so to convene committees on disability concerns.
 
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention reaffirm Resolution 1985-A087 and urge dioceses to convene committees on disability concerns to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act affording access for persons with disabilities to all church properties; and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention urge all congregations to designate a person or persons to be particularly responsible for disability concerns; and be it further
Resolved, That the Convention urge all churches, affiliated organizations, and institutions of The Episcopal Church to use only facilities which are accessible to all persons.
 


EXPLANATION

The Episcopal Disability Network reports that less than half of all dioceses have provided disability committee and contact information. Additionally, since the first Resolution authorizing a Disability Task Force in 1985 there have been several significant resolutions dealing with disability concerns that have been passed at General Convention, but have not become widely known. If we are to achieve full participation of all disabled persons into the life of the church, we need a framework of responsible individuals who can work together in the local, Diocesan, National and Worldwide communities.  Reaffirming 1985-A087 and urging Diocesan and Parish involvement will breathe new life into all issues dealing with Disability Concerns.


* The final language, as well as the final status of each resolution, is being reviewed by the General Convention office. The Journal of the 75th General Convention and the Constitution and Canons will be published once the review process has been completed.