Religious Participation Gap Canada

**New resource alert!!**

It's been a while since I've been active on this page (school and all that...). But I just had to pop on and share this amazing new resource, the Masjid Accessibility Manual by DEEN Support Services!

This is one of very few accessibility guides for religious organizations in Canada, and the first that focuses specifically on the access needs of Muslims with disabilities. The guide includes accessibility tips and resources, such as its useful Accessibility Checklists for facility and digital accessibility guidelines. I highly recommend checking it out and sharing with your networks!

Masjid Accessibility Manual — DEEN Support Services A free accessibility guide for Islamic centres and organizations — grounded in faith, aligned with Canadian law, and built on the voices of Muslims with disabilities.

7 Ways Churches Can Increase Their Accessibility This Advent:

1. Pay attention to lighting.

2. Be mindful of decorations that may be obstacles.

3. Make the liturgy and readings accessible for all.

4. Invite simplicity and creativity in musical worship.

5. Use a variety of media.

6. Provide sensory safe spaces.

7. Adapt food celebrations accordingly.

Happy Advent!

7 Ways Churches Can Increase Their Accessibility This Advent Advent worship often includes special elements and traditions. These guidelines will help your church adapt and better include people with disabilities.

"In the Gaze of the Divine: Disability in Islam"—a sermon by Dr. Sa'diyya Shaikh. (4:00-25:50)

"In my view, the story located in the heart of the Quran entitled Al-abasa we found deliberately and pointedly names injustice against a disabled person, while placing this individual at the very center as the model ethical subject. The story provides us with a generative and rich starting point to engage issues of personhood, power, ethics, and justice in relation to disability. May we each be instrumental in transforming our communities based on values of inclusivity, justice, love, and compassion." (21:46-22:24)

December 6, 2024 - Virtual Khanqah of the Anjuman i Islam of the Inayatiyya Dr. Sa'diyya Shaikh discusses "In the Gaze of the Divine: Disability in Islam" on the Islamic/lunar Urs of Mevlana Rumi. Seemi Ghazi recites the Quranic vers...

NEW REPORT!
On , Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000 released their second annual 2024 Disability Report Card, assigning Canada a failing grade for its lack of progress in addressing poverty among people with disabilities.

Key findings include:
➡️ 16.8% of people with disabilities live in poverty.
➡️ Poverty rates for people with disabilities are twice as high as for those without disabilities.
➡️ People with disabilities would need an average of 30% more income to reach the poverty line.

The Canada Disability Benefit must be strengthened to address this crisis.

Read the report: https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/2024-disability-poverty-report-card/

And the Word Became Accessible: Publishers Release Dyslexia-Friendly Bibles
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/11/dyslexia-bible-accessibility-lifeway-crossway-grace-typeface/

PROCLAMATION LAB: PL5 - Preaching in (Dis)abled Bodies
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET
Preaching in (Dis)abled Bodies featuring guest presenter Alicia T. Crosby. Whether we acknowledge it or not, every single congregation includes people living with different abilities and disabilities. How do we consciously orient our preaching to honor this truth? Join Rev. Alicia T. Crosby for a conversation about Preaching and Disability theology and justice.
https://www.sneucc.org/eventdetail/18661053

"In Mãori culțure, autism is referred to as "takiwātanga," which translates to "in his/her own time and space." This beautiful term reflects a holistic and accepting view of autism, recognizing that each person moves through life at their own pace with a unique perspective. It highlights the Mãori value of respecting diversity and individual differences, focusing on understanding and embracing neurodiversity rather than viewing it through a deficit-based lens.

What does "in your own time and space" mean to you? How do you see neurodiversity being valued in your own culture? Let's keep the conversation going!"

In Māori culture, autism is referred to as “takiwātanga”, which translates to “in his/her own time and space.” This beautiful term reflects a holistic and accepting view of autism, recognizing that each person moves through life at their own pace with a unique perspective. It highlights the Māori value of respecting diversity and individual differences, focusing on understanding and embracing neurodiversity rather than viewing it through a deficit-based lens. What does “in your own time and space” mean to you? How do you see neurodiversity being valued in your own culture? Let’s keep the conversation going!

Providing Greater Accessibility for Older Adults – One Church’s Story
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/providing-greater-accessibility-for-older-adults-one-churchs-story