Nsawam Road Church of Christ advocates greater inclusion for persons with disabilities
The Nsawam Road Church of Christ has called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in churches, schools and society, urging Christians, families and educators to ensure that no one is excluded because of disability or age.
The church said creating accessible environments, promoting inclusive education and strengthening sign language support would enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in worship, learning and community life while living with dignity and respect.
The call was made during a two – week Deaf Awareness Month programme organised by the Nsawam Road Church of Christ Deaf Ministry from July 5 to 12 under the theme, “Opening Ears, Opening Hearts, Caring for Persons with Disabilities God’s Way.” The programme sought to educate church members and the wider community on disability awareness and the need to promote inclusion for children, adults and older persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the first session, the Elder in charge of the Deaf Ministry, John K. Essel, delivered a presentation on “Love That Understands,” based on Mark 7:37, which highlights the compassion of Jesus towards persons with disabilities.
He said genuine Christian love required understanding, acceptance and support for every individual, stressing that disability did not diminish a person’s worth because all people were created in the image of God.
Mr Essel encouraged Christians to listen before judging, avoid discrimination and recognise the abilities of persons with disabilities instead of focusing on their limitations. He also urged church members to learn appropriate ways of communicating with persons with disabilities to ensure their full participation in church activities.
He further emphasised that children with disabilities should not be denied education, family support or opportunities to participate in church life, adding that older persons with disabilities equally deserved care, dignity and inclusion.
The Preacher of the Nsawam Road Church of Christ, Minister Eric K. Sapey Jnr underscored the importance of education for children with disabilities, describing it as a pathway to independence and meaningful participation in national development.
Addressing participants during the second session, Professor Daniel Fobi, a lecturer and Sign Language Interpreter at the Department of Special Education of the University of Education, Winneba, said inclusion meant creating welcoming environments where everyone felt valued, respected and accepted regardless of ability, age or social status.
Speaking on the topic, “Inclusion in the Church, School, and Society: One Body, Nobody Left Behind,” he said churches had a responsibility to support marginalised people and remove barriers that prevented them from worshipping and serving God.
Prof Fobi also called on schools to provide inclusive education by making classrooms accessible, adopting appropriate teaching methods and ensuring that learning materials met the needs of all learners.
He identified cultural, social, economic and physical barriers as major obstacles to inclusion and urged churches, schools and communities to address them through education, advocacy and deliberate engagement.
The Leadership of the Deaf Ministry said the programme formed part of its commitment to raising awareness about the needs, abilities and contributions of Deaf people and other persons with disabilities. It also emphasised the need for continued disability education, sign language support and stronger collaboration between Deaf and hearing members to build a more inclusive church and society.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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