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In response, the Breaking New Ground Outreach Program at Purdue is holding a series of workshops across Indiana in March to help congregations make their places of worship more accessible to members with disabilities.
The workshops will be held at the Christian Church in Rockville on March 4, the Sarto Retreat House and Catholic Center in Evansville on March 5, Clifty Falls State Park in Jefferson County on March 11, Harrisburg Union Church in Harrisburg on March 12, and Memorial Baptist Church in Fort Wayne on March 13. Each workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m.
Two of the topics to be covered are eliminating physical barriers on a limited budget and cost-effective adaptive aids. "We approach it from a low-cost practical solution," said Ed Bell, farmer liaison with Breaking New Ground. Bell said the workshops also help church groups plan their accessibility needs. "If you build it, they will come," said Bell.
Breaking New Ground helps farmers and ranchers with disabilities continue to run their farms and take an active role in their communities. The program offers resource kits and other services to farmers. Breaking New Ground also offers resources to those who work with people with disabilities. The group has held similar programs for county fairgrounds, Extension offices and rural businesses. More than 350 resource kits have been distributed in the state since 1992.
The fee for the workshop is $15, which includes lunch. Preregistration is due by Feb. 28. To register or get more information about Breaking New Ground, contact Michelle Gruver, Breaking New Ground Outreach Program, Purdue University, 1146 ABE Building, West Lafayette, Ind. 47907-1146, phone (800) 825-4264, e-mail gruver@ecn.purdue.edu.
CONTACT: Ed Bell, (765) 494-5088