[Blindtlk] rides from church members

Tue Dec 10 19:08:18 UTC 2013

It seems like we always have to be in-your-face kind of people, not in a 
negative way, but, like you said, find ways to get involved, even if it's 
volunteering to update a calling list or e-mail list.  I have done this for 
our church in the past.  Fortunately, we've found people to be very open 
with transportation when needed, and I'm very glad the women haven't been 
wowed out about me helping in the kitchen, etc.

Judy

-----Original Message----- 
From: Elizabeth Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:09 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hello all,

I know transportation is a difficult issue, but what about thinking of ways 
to help with projects for the church, such as writing an article for the 
newsletter or helping to make phone calls when necessary? Maybe an offer to 
volunteer will lead to meeting people who want to help with rides and so 
forth.
Also, I've found it's  helpful to find out who is in my zipcode, or one 
close to me. Again, it's always a good idea to help with gas money or taking 
someone to lunch.
My church which is Unitarian is also quite liberal, and I get impatient at 
times that the congregation doesn't seem to always get it when it comes to 
disability issues, but if people don't deal with what we deal with on a 
daily basis, how will they know what we need unless we continue to educate? 
I do get frustrated, but we have to keep trying.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin 
williams
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:58 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

I am having the same problem; my church is liberal also.  I've pretty much 
stopped going to church; the decision to go to lunch or not after church is 
awkward, and sometimes, rides to church fall through.  If you want me a part 
of the congregation, it seems like there would be a little more cooperation. 
I might ask, who is going to lunch, and literally, get no response, or a 
bbunch of I nots.   I have pretty much stopped going.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lauren 
Merryfield
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:06 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hi,
I know my church has a volunteer committee. I emailed, suggesting that we 
have a transportation committee, but I might be about the only person 
needing a ride.

I did have them put a notice in the bulletin and on the bulletin board, but 
we didn't get any responses. I don't think some of them see me as valuable, 
but as someone who is broken and not healed; that kind of thing. It is a 
more liberal church, so it seems like they could be more 
disability-oriented. I think they are working on improving things, with our 
new minister. She always stops to say hi to me, which is really nice. But 
when Marilynn isn't available, I really don't have other options except to 
take a cab.
Thanks
Lauren

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ericka 
Short
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 5:09 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Depending on how large your congregation is, you might want to start by 
sitting down one on one with the pastor and explaining your needs.  He/she 
can either direct you to some names to contact personally.  They might know
of hidden services in you area also.   If you know people from adult
classes, ladies aid or parents who have kids in Sunday School with your kids 
you can find a common connection.  Bigger churches have either a parish 
nurse, Family  concerns or social concerns committee/team .  These can be a 
good resource too.  At first you will have to schedule rides but later 
people realize you really need help and don't take advantage of them, you 
should have a few that will be reliable in a sticky situation.  I put a note 
in the bulletin and church newsletter.  That helped.  The more involved you 
are in the congregation the more they are willing to help you.  People like 
to help those they care about.  People don't help strangers so often any 
more probably for the same reason background checks for drivers is a good 
idea.  Some days I think some congregational leaders wish I'd leave the 
church because I’m pushing them to  be more disability accessible in 
facilities and in attitude.  That won't happen!  Good luck.  I hope I was 
helpful.

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short

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