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Working for justice and acting for peace by improving accessibility

Posted on October 7, 2024, by Loretto Community

Four people smile together while riding on a golf cart outside on a sunny day.
Mary Swain is ready to drive the golf cart for a tour of Loretto property.
From back to front Philani Dlamini, Martha Alderson, Michael Lapsley, Mary Swain.
Photo by Donna Mattingly

Working for justice and acting for peace can take many forms. Sometimes, the first step is making sure events, resources and information are accessible to everyone, whether able-bodied or disabled, to invite and encourage greater participation. 

Microsoft’s Inclusive Design team has a great way of looking at disability. “Disability happens at the points of interaction between a person and society. Physical, cognitive, and social exclusion is the result of mismatched interactions.” So part of the job of any developer (website, architect, landscape, event planner, etc) is to try to match what is offered with the abilities of the people intended to interact with it.

Developing accessible events, locations and technology benefits everyone, even those who do not identify as disabled. A few examples: a ramp is helpful to anyone moving a heavy load into a building; a website designed to be accessible is easier for translation tools to accurately translate; subtitles on your favorite TV show let you enjoy it while not disrupting others who may be in the room.

Loretto’s foundational text, I Am The Way, states “the greatest asset of the congregation and Community is the life of every member.” (#25 in IATW) This week, in conjunction with WordPress Accessibility Day, the Loretto Community will feature a few of the ways that we recognize and honor the value of each person by making our offerings accessible, including: 

  • Alt text on photos on the website and social media posts
  • Mobile-friendly websites that can be zoomed in 
  • Ramps and elevators at the Loretto Motherhouse
  • Wheelchair-accessible vans, automatic handicap-accessible doors, grab bars and assist rails, lower switches and rods, modified eating utensils and amplifiers at the Loretto Living Center
  • Staff support
  • Large print items 
  • Benches and resting places around the Motherhouse campus
  • Equity scholarships for retreats

We’ve got more work ahead of us but we’re starting down the path. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what we’re doing to make sure everyone is included in our mission to work for justice and act for peace!

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Cupola Cross 2-Icon

Loretto welcomes you

Learn more or plan a visit to the Motherhouse!