We at the Covenant Center believe that persons with disabilities have the same inclination toward the spiritual journey as everyone else. It is also clear in the doctrines of all the major faiths that all people should be welcome in the believing community, and that each individual has important gifts to offer that community. Unfortunately, persons with disabilities have sometimes felt unwelcome in the worship and fellowship of the religious organizations. Persons with disabilities, and their families, have often received tremendous support from their faith community, but in too many cases they have not. A goal of the Covenant Center is to explore ways to break down the barriers that keep persons with disabilities from participating fully in the religious community. Some highlights of the program are:

Consultations on Issues Related to the Spiritual Lives of Persons with Disabilities The chaplains serve as consultants at JIRDC and in the larger community for any groups considering how to be more inclusive of, or provide better religious services for, persons with disabilities. Examples include workshops and training sessions at community programs and churches on subjects such as bereavement support and sexuality issues, as well as consultations with religious organizations which are seeking to be more inclusive. This outreach effort also seeks to place articles on inclusion in local and national level publications of the religious and secular press.

 Invitations to Visitors We believe any person who has the opportunity for real interaction with a person with developmental disabilities, particularly in a religious context, will very likely become a lifelong advocate in their community for disability issues. Many clergy persons, students, young people, and other community members have accepted our invitation to visit and be part of the Covenant Center community. The "Worship Partners" program has been one of the most popular, and allows groups and individuals the opportunity to assist and accompany JIRDC residents in attending worship services.

 Community Engagement and Support The Covenant Center serves as an exchange point where JIRDC staffers and others can offer support in their area of expertise to community programs. For example, a person trained in special education or recreation could offer support to a Summer Bible School organizer who was seeking to make their program as inclusive as possible. The Covenant Center is also starting a new effort to bring clergy persons, community leaders, and persons with disabilities and their families to the table to discuss ways to build up area resources and promote inclusion.