The Saint James Disability Inclusion Committee is a voluntary ministry that supports the dignity of all human life regardless of age, physical, intellectual, or sensory abilities. The Committee is dedicated to addressing accessibility challenges and promoting awareness and belonging. To see the accommodations that Saint James offers for persons with disabilities, click here.
The mission of the Saint James Disability Inclusion Committee is to:
- Improve access for all parishioners to the entire St. James campus, to all of the Sacraments of the Church, and to a full experience of Parish life;
- Develop awareness and sensitivity to the needs and desires of people with disabilities living in our Parish; and
- Build a community of support and fellowship for Parish families living with disabilities.
Current initiatives include:
- Growing the new SPRED religious ed program for children with special needs.
- Improving physical access to the Church for parishioners with disabilities.
- Identifying people with disabilities in our Parish.
- Disseminating more information via our bulletin, website, and parish events.
- Giving people with disabilities a voice on our Committee.
Please join us! The committee meets the First Friday of each month at noon with a Zoom option available. Call the Rectory at 703-532-8815 or send an email to [email protected].
You can also complete an online form with your contact information and your interest level of support at https://bit.ly/DisabilityInclusionCommittee.
The Arlington Diocese prioritize acceptance and accessibility. Bishop Burbidge specifically prioritizes people with disabilities in his Diocese of Arlington Strategic Plan, 2022-2026. Two of the key goals are to
1) “Increase access to diocesan youth groups and religious education for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities” and
2) “Establish an advisory group for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their ideas and concerns with diocesan leaders”
St. James’ Committee Accomplishments
Through the leadership of Father Scalia, the Committee has accomplished wonderful improvements to support our mission, and is reviewing other parishioner needs:
- Church restrooms have been renovated to be ADA-compliant in 2023.
- Sunday Masses at 10:30am and 2:30pm (Spanish Mass) are live-streamed for parishioners who have challenges attending Mass in person.
- The 8:15am Mass on Holy Days of Obligation are livestreamed as well for parishioners who have challenges attending Mass in person.
- A presentation was given to ushers and other volunteers to help them identify challenges and solutions for people with disabilities and/or accessibility needs in 2023.
- A plan has been devised for people with disabilities and accessibility challenges to lector from the floor at Mass, e.g., parishioners in wheelchairs.
In 2024, Committee meetings will be held at noon on the first Friday of the month in the Parish House. If you would like to attend but cannot be there in person, we will have a Zoom option. Email [email protected] to request the Zoom link. We encourage people with disabilities and/or accessibility challenges to join us and share your insights!