PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THE MILLENNIUM

DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger”

Work to ensure that those people with disabilities who want to work are able to work. Ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for people with disabilities. For example, make sure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities have job coaches and other work-related supports available to them as needed.

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education for children

Find ways of incorporating children with disabilities into the Christian Education programs and preparation for Confirmation.

Support families of persons with disabilities by offering respite care, assistance in obtaining appropriate education, etc.

Make sure that the educational programs in your town or city give children with

disabilities education which prepares them to live life fully.

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and the power of women

Incorporate girls and women with disabilities into leadership positions and encourage them to take on roles of responsibility that maximize their potential, skills, and gifts.

See that scouting programs, camping opportunities, etc. are available for girls. If they are not, create them.

Create opportunities and strategies such as mentoring to build their self-esteem.

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Become knowledgeable about the medical services available to children in your community. Make sure that children with disabilities receive appropriate medical care even though this may be more costly than for other children.

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Young and poor women are more likely to give birth to a child with a disability. Become strong advocates for these women.

Befriend the vulnerable young women in your community who fall into these high-risk categories.

Make opportunities available to individuals with disabilities that enable them to make informed decisions related to sexuality and reproduction.

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Goal 7:  Ensure environmental sustainability

Goal 8: Create a global partnership for development

Support the work of  Episcopal Relief and Development.

Support the work of the United Thank Offering.

Partner with other churches in your area to build these partnerships.

Help in the revision of these Millennium Goals was thankfully given by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins-Shepard and her disability awareness group in the Diocese of Arizona.