At the 2017 General Assembly there was a Responsive Resolution written by Rev. Theresa Ines Soto to change the name of the UUA’s flag-ship social justice campaign “Standing on the Side of Love” to something less ableist. After some debate, it passed overwhelmingly. It was an historic moment when ableism was at last recognized as something important within Unitarian Universalism. The picture on the left shows the vote of the delegates, with Theresa in the center.  The picture on the right shows EqUUal Access leaders Rev. Barbara Meyers and Rev. Suzanne Fast during the debate.

Catch EA @ GA

From gatherings to celebrations and workshops, EqUUal Access is hosting an event every day of General Assembly.  See below for a complete list.  Plan to join us at one of our events, or simply swing by the EqUUal Access booth #408.  We’d love to get to know you!

Gathering of Disabled Religious Professionals / Religious Professionals with a Disability

Who: Disabled Religious Professionals / Religious Professionals with a Disability

What: Come for community, for food, and to begin a conversation on how we might support one another’s vocations in Unitarian Universalism. Members of all UU religious professions are welcome.

When: Wednesday, June 21 from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM

Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, Cottonmill Room

Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry (AIM) Gathering

Who: Local AIM Teams

What: AIM Congregations gather to discuss their experiences and ways forward.

When: Thursday, June 22 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Where: Convention Center, room 213

EqUUal Access Celebration

Who: Everyone

What: Join us as we honor our sermon contest winner, two new AIM certified congregations, and those individuals who have worked for justice for our community during their lifetime.

When: Friday, June 23 from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Where: Convention Center, room 213

The Right to Be Rescued: Climate & Disability Workshop

Who: Everyone

What: Disasters disproportionately affect people with disabilities.  As the frequency and severity of disasters rises with climate change, the courts have recognized that we have a right to be rescued.  Hear the stories, learn about emerging best practices, and explore how you and your congregation can be part of creating solutions.

When: Saturday, June 24 from 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Where: Convention Center, room 433

 

Congratulations, Kimberley!

Dr. Kimberley Jackson’s sermon, Disability, Identity, and the Circle of Life, has been selected as the winner of the 2017 EqUUal Access Sermon Contest!  The sermon will be honored as part of the EqUUal Access Celebration at General Assembly in New Orleans.  You can read the sermon and find out more about Dr. Jackson on our Sermons page under the Resources tab.

Information for submitting a sermon for consideration for the 2108 Sermon Contest will be posted here when available!

We have added two versions of a service dog policy to our resources section, one for Canada, and one for the USA.  Take a look.

A celebratory message from Canadian Unitarian Universalists!

Dear Ones,

Our Unitarian Universalist tradition reminds us of the power of Love to carry us through times of adversity. It’s a message we in the disability community know well, from our own experience and history.

Many in our far flung and diverse community are feeling the weight of increased apprehension today.  We know too well where this rhetoric of hate can lead – devaluing our humanity, cutting vital services, undermining our rights, and putting lives in peril.  My heart breaks with the knowledge that many Americans, many Unitarian Universalists, will not notice, their attention riveted on the damage to other communities on the margins.  My heart reaches out to yours in these difficult times.

Whether we consider ourselves disabled or a person with a disability, or neither, I have faith that the trying times ahead will bring us together.  We are creative, resourceful, and resilient people!  We will not be deterred.

As we traverse these difficult days, if you feel anxious or invisible, or stressed in some other way, please, practice the both/and of taking care of yourself and reaching out to receive support, and to offer it when you can.

I got up this morning and I lit a chalice: “In this cup, symbol of community, I kindle this light of love, hope, and justice that it may be a beacon in a hurting world.” Now, it has never been my practice to light a chalice when I get up!  But today, that small ritual let me feel connected to our faith, our values, and this community.  May this be our gift to one another: you are not alone.

Regards,

Suzanne

 

Suzanne Fast

President, EqUUal Access

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death yesterday of Carolyn Cartland, who was a founder and former President of EqUUal Access.  Carolyn helped to launch and to shape this organization.  While she had not been active nationally with EqUUal Access recently, she was available to share her insights and perspective with the Board.  We will miss her.

Carolyn’s advocacy for Unitarian Universalists with disabilities long predates the founding of EqUUal Access, including service on the UUA’s Accessibility Committee and Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee.  And it continued after she left our Board, as she supported the Team currently bringing the Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry (AIM) Program to her congregation.  A social worker by profession, Carolyn’s advocacy was not limited to the world of Unitarian Universalism!

There will be a memorial service for Carolyn on Wednesday, September 7, at 11 a.m., at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, CT.

We invite you to share your remembrances of Carolyn on our Facebook page, by emailing EqUUalAccess@gmail.com, or as comments here.