Mrs. Marsha Rivas
Director
1933 Spielbusch
Toledo, OH 43604-5360
419-244-6711
800-926-8277 (in Ohio outside Toledo)
TTY: 419-243-1475

E-mail: equalaccess

The Office of Equal Access Ministries promotes and enhances the full participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church. Equal Access Ministries assists parishes in developing and maintaining pastoral, catechetical and spiritual development, educational and advocacy ministries for persons with disabilities and their families.

Pastoral Services

• Training programs for parishes regarding hospitality, accessibility,
  transportation, sign language interpreters, and inclusive education.
• Liturgical minister training
• Sign language interpreter referral
• Braille or audio taped materials
• Large Print Sacramentary
• Portable assistive listening system
• Guidelines for the celebration of Sacraments with persons with disabilities
• Social, liturgical, and educational programs and activities

Catechetical/Spiritual Development:

• Catechetical resources for adults and children with disabilities
• Special Needs faith-sharing groups (e.g. Inner Vision, As Eye See It, JOY People, Faith & Light, mental illness support groups)
• Family Camp Weekend Retreat

Educational Services

• Disability awareness training
• Accessibility awareness training
• Leadership development
• Sign language classes
• Liturgical sign language interpreter training/mentoring
• Inclusion Tips, monthly factsheets on disability-related topics

Advocacy

• Recruit and train parish leaders to advocate for people with disabilities within their parishes
• Reproduce Catholic Chronicle on audio tape free of charge
• Network with community and civic groups to promote and monitor public policy that affects people with disabilities
• Plan and promote "Open Door Liturgy", the annual Diocesan celebration of Catholics with disabilities
• Promote "Open Arms Award" to honor parishioners with disabilities who have excelled in service in parishes and communities
• Implement national initiatives from the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, the National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry and the National Catholic Office for the Deaf
• Provide diversity and inclusion training in parishes, schools and Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation

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