People with Disabilities

Dolores Lopez, Director

27 C Street
Salt Lake City UT 84103
Phone: (801)328-8641 x 333
E-mail: dolores.lopez@dioslc.org

Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Mon - Fri

In the fall of 1998, the USCCB commemorated the 20th anniversary of their previous pastoral statement with Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities: A Framework of Access and Inclusion, emphasizing that,

 "We must recognize and appreciate the contributions that persons with disabilities can make to the Church's spiritual life and encourage them to do the Lord's work in the world according to their God-given talents and capacity."

MISSION STATEMENT

We, the Diocesan Commission for Persons with Disabilities, believe that reaching out as Jesus did is the heart of our Catholic Faith.  As one flock with one Shepherd, we will

PRAY for all people with disabilities, their families, pastors and parish communities.

EDUCATE the Catholic Community of Utah of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. We bear witness to all people by our actions.

PROMOTE the rights of accessibility and participation of all persons in diocesan and parish liturgical celebrations and catechetical programs to encourage full spiritual life in the Catholic Faith.

SUPPORT the Bishop, pastors, persons with disabilities and their families in pursuing positive faith-filled life experiences.

ASSIST parish communities in developing the means for full participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of ministry and programs in their parish communities.

GIVE THANKS and appreciate the gifts persons with disabilities bring to the spiritual life of our parishes and our Diocese.

Click below to learn more about:

Diocese of Salt Lake City Resources

     Current Commission Members

     Guidelines for Accommodating People with Disabilities  
     How can you make everyone welcome at your parish or diocesan event?  This brief document provides you with strategies for accommodating people who have disabilities.  If you  need help, Commission members are happy to help you.

     Holy Communion for Catholics who cannot have wheat

Catholics who are gluten intolderant or who have celiac disease, can fully participate in the Body and Blood of Christ.  Learn Church teaching and where to purchase low-gluten hosts.  Review and implement Diocesan policy for storage, consecration and distribution of Holy Communion using low-gluten hosts.

     Interpreters for the Deaf

Catholic American Sign Language interpreters for the deaf are available for parish activities, religious education, weddings, funerals, or other events.  Please contact Carol Ruddell at 801.440.8729.

     Schedule for Interpreted Masses for the Deaf in Utah

     Three parishes in Utah regularly provide American Sign Language interpreting of Masses.

     Religious Education

     Lending Library

     The Commission maintains a selection of resources for lending.  Items include DVDs, books, pamphlets, and more.

Catholic Resources for People with Disabilities

     Find organizations whose mission is to serve Catholics who have disabilities or chronic illness, including Catholics who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, have mobility challenges, who have dietary restrictions, and more.

Utah Resources for Persons with Disability

     Find the organizations or agencies serving people with disabilities in Utah.  Learn more about accommodations, health care, housing, mental health, social security, and more.

National Catholic Partnership on Disability

     The NCPD was established in 1982 to foster implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities.  Passed unanimously on NOvember 16, 1978, this prophetic document calls for welcome of the over fifteen million Catholics who live with disabilities into parish and diocesan life.  This mission of inclusion moves forward through a national network of diocesan-level leaders called by their bishops to address access and inclusion within parishes.  NCPD provides webinars, materials and resources for families, catechists and parishes.  On their website, find statements by the USCCB, training materials to download, and more.