Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. With understanding, compassion, and appropriate accommodations, people with Autism are able to fully participate in the liturgy and many other aspects of a Faith Community.

 

Blindness/Vision Impaired

Vision impairment may vary greatly - some people are born blind, while others may have lost their sight from an accident or a degenerative condition. Some people have significant visual impairment that prevents them from reading at all, while others may have vision loss enabling them to read large print. The spectrum of impact varies greatly when it comes to blindness and vision loss.

A variety of resources can be available to accommodate persons with blindness and vision loss in order to welcome all at the Lord's table. Options include braille, large-print, audio materials, and adaptive technology designed to create inclusive and meaningful participation in a Faith Community for persons with blindness or low vision.

 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A person is said to have hearing loss if they are not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing, meaning hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe or profound, and can affect one or both ears. Across all age groups, approximately 600,000 people in the United States are Deaf (Gallaudet University).

Many people do not consider Deafness to be a disability. Deaf people have their own language with distinctive cultural and linguistic features, as well as thriving communities. Many dioceses in the United States provide services which engage Deaf culture, including the active participation of Deaf people in weekly liturgies, reception of the sacraments, faith formation, and youth ministry. Some dioceses provide the Mass and homilies in American Sign Language online. The National Catholic Office for the Deaf, however, estimates that 96% of Catholics are unchurched and greater efforts are needed to ensure meaningful participation of Deaf people in religious education and the Liturgy.

Hard of Hearing

Hard of hearing generally refers to anyone who has some degree of hearing loss, from mild to profound. A person unable to hear as well as someone with normal hearing, which is generally considered hearing thresholds of 25 dB or lower in both ears, is considered to be hard of hearing. Captioned videos, American Sign Language interpreters, and assisted listening devices are all examples of accommodations that may help to promote the participation of people who are hard of hearing or have hearing loss.

 

Intellectual and developmental disabilities

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are differences that are usually present at birth and that uniquely affect an individual's physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems. Intellectual disability starts any time before a child turns 18 and is characterized by differences with both:

  • Intellectual functioning or intelligence, which includes the ability to learn, reason, problem solve, and other skills; and
  • Adaptive behavior, which includes everyday social and life skills. 

Intellectual disabilities may be present in some, but not necessarily all, people with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and other disabilities. 

Developmental disabilities

The term 'developmental disabilities' is a broader category of often lifelong challenges that can be intellectual, physical, or both. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person's lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. One in six children (15%) is diagnosed with a disability or delay. 

Some examples of more common developmental disabilities include ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and vision impairment. Four main types of developmental disorders: nervous system disabilities, sensory related disabilities, metabolic disabilities and degenerative disorders. 

People with IDD may have varying degrees of capabilities and most are able to have an active part in the life of a parish community. Religious education programs such as Special Religious Development (SPRED) provide religious instruction and community for individuals with IDD.

IDD resources