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Monday, June 15, 2015

EqUUal Access: Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry

The Accessibility Banner consists of a dancing chalice surrounded by six accessibility symbols: a wheelchair, signing hands, a brain, an ear, a Braille symbol and a person walking with a cane. The dancing figure was chosen because it symbolizes how we could all 'dance' if there were full accessibility for all. The surrounding double circles symbolize Unitarianism and Universalism. The heading words 'Accessible and Welcoming to All' are in an italic font to suggest or hint at the dancing theme.
The Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry (AIM) credentialing program is officially being released at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly.

AIM was developed as a joint program of EqUUal Access (a group of Unitarian Universalists living with disabilities, their families, friends and allies) and the UUA. It builds upon a document that I helped co-author, “Accessibility Guidelines for Unitarian Universalist Congregations.”

Full inclusion and participation is of personal significance to me and serving on the EqUUal Access policy committee offered a chance to act on this conviction.

Patterned after two other UUA certification programs, Welcoming Congregation and Green Sanctuary, AIM will formally recognize congregations for their commitment and progress toward welcoming, embracing, integrating and supporting people with disabilities and their families.

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