Faith Formation

"Persons with disabilities should be integrated into ordinary catechetical programs as much as possible.  Catechesis for persons with disabilities is most effective when it is carried out within the general pastoral care of the community." -National Directory for Catechesis, p. 207

Please reference this document from the Dicoese of Newark or look to this  sample form with some ideas from the Dicoese of Cincinatti.

Sitting down to talk with parents about their child's needs is a good next step.  Parents are the experts on their children and will likely have a good idea of what will work and what will not work for their individual child.  You may also ask for permission to see a child's IEP (Individualized Education Plan), which will give you a good idea of effective strategies.  

SACRAMENTS
Parish catechetical and sacramental preparation programs may need to be adapted for some parishioners with disabilities, though, as much as possible, persons with disabilities should be integrated into the ordinary programs.Parish catechetical and sacramental preparation programs may need to be adapted for some parishioners with disabilities, though, as much as possible, persons with disabilities should be integrated into the ordinary programs.

The Revised Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (2017) provide a wonderful framework to provide access to the sacraments for persons with disabilities.  Included below are exerpts as regards each sacrament and what is necessary for the reception of the sacrament.