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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the U.S., and many subcategories of disabilities, syndromes, and conditions are featured particularly in October, including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Blind (White Cane Day), Deaf, Invisible Disabilities, and more.

In light of these recognitions, throughout October the Archdiocese’s Center for Family Care will feature faithful Orthodox Christians who experience various disabilities and highlight their contributions to our church and society, while also creating awareness of ministry efforts and sharing resources from GOARCH’s Fully Human Ministry and the On Behalf of All (OBOA) initiative Toward an Accessible Divine Liturgy for Children with Disabilities. 

Educational interviews and resources will be highlighted in the Orthodox Observer and on the Archdiocese social media channels, including:

  • Reels of highlights from presenters at the Gathered as One Body Conference in Boston, May 1-3, 2025
  • Interviews of Orthodox Christians with disabilities who are working to build up their church and broader communities
  • Interviews of Orthodox Christians whose businesses seek to employ people with disabilities
  • Interviews on the topic of ordination of clergy with disabilities
  • Podcasts which feature interviews on various disability experiences to create awareness and foster understanding
  • A series of brief video messages from the OBOA staff, steering committee members, and volunteers from the 12 Pilot Parishes where they will share their favorite phrases in the Divine Liturgy. With these videos, we aim to recognize volunteers for their efforts and inspire the faithful to make similar efforts in their communities so that all people will have access to the life-giving words and prayers of our worship services.

Listening and learning from our sisters and brothers in Christ who have disabilities is a good step toward building worshipping communities that are accessible and incorporate the gifts of all their members.

The post GOARCH Center for Family Care launches October disability awareness campaign appeared first on Orthodox Observer.