IOTI - Disability Specific Training for Faith Based Organizations

Project Details

Project Context:
Places of worship are where people come together to practice their faith, whether a cathedral, chapel, church, mosque, synagogue, or tabernacle. Individuals with disabilities still fact many attitudinal, communication, programmatic, and physical barriers as they attempt to participate in religious activities and services. Training is needed to positively change attitudes, understanding and behaviors towards people with disabilities, improve interaction and communication techniques, increase awareness of hidden disabilities, improve programmatic and architectural accessibility, and increase knowledge of resources which will lead to greater inclusion in faith-based programs and activities for children and adults with disabilities.

Project Focus:
The focus of the training will be addressed through the following objectives: 1) Provide training on disability awareness and etiquette; 2) Provide training on how to appropriately and effectively communicate and interact with people with disabilities including individuals who use adaptive equipment; 3) Provide a basic overview of disabilities; 4) Provide training on programmatic and architectural accessibility and assistive technology 5) Conduct training on how to include people with disabilities in all programs and activities, create a welcoming supportive environment; 6) Provide training on local, state, and national resources/supports; 7) Develop a website and fact sheets on the above mentioned topics; 8) Complete process and outcome evaluations to continuously improve training and the project. Training participants will include leaders of faith-based organizations.

Products/Services:
1. Training will be provided at a minimum of 10 locations throughout Utah state.
2. Development of website and fact sheets