empathy & etiquette
Spend time in different shoes
Spend time in different shoes
Spend time in different shoes
Interacting with those with disabilities can be intimidating and confusing. Don't let fears keep you from serving and building friendships. Build confidence by exploring and experiencing the daily challenges people with special needs face. Make real connections by adapting communication styles. Spend some time in their shoes to better eq
Interacting with those with disabilities can be intimidating and confusing. Don't let fears keep you from serving and building friendships. Build confidence by exploring and experiencing the daily challenges people with special needs face. Make real connections by adapting communication styles. Spend some time in their shoes to better equip yourself so everyone feels like they belong in your church.
Explore challenges
Spend time in different shoes
Spend time in different shoes
-Maneuver through your church in a wheelchair.
-Sit in service while wearing a blindfold.
-Go to an event without talking.
-Walk through a Sunday morning routine as if you are with a child who may run away or is afraid.
-Try to find a restroom without the ability to read.
-Hold workshops that help others become more empathetic.
Build respect
Make connections
Make connections
- Learn and use common etiquette principles that build mutual respect.
-Speak to the person directly and age-appropriately, in a normal tone and pace.
-Treat wheelchairs, walkers, canes, service animals, devices, and canes as an extension of one's body. Don't touch or move without asking.
-If guiding someone, let them grab your arm and fo
- Learn and use common etiquette principles that build mutual respect.
-Speak to the person directly and age-appropriately, in a normal tone and pace.
-Treat wheelchairs, walkers, canes, service animals, devices, and canes as an extension of one's body. Don't touch or move without asking.
-If guiding someone, let them grab your arm and follow you; don't pull.
-Ask a person how they'd like to be treated.
Make connections
Make connections
Make connections
-Discreetly announce your arrival or attract attention before starting a conversation.
-Position yourself so the person can easily see and/or hear you.
-Describe what you see, hear, smell, and feel to those who cannot use those senses.
-Be patient while waiting for answers and let the person finish their thoughts.
-Assume intelligence; hold a conversation similar to chatting with a friend.