Affiliate Connect: Planning for Fully Accessible Events

Wed, 09/16/2026 - 2:00pm EDT to 3:00pm

Planning for Fully Accessible Events

It's not difficult to make parish and diocesan events accessible and welcoming to everyone. It just takes planning. Learn strategies that help everyone fully participate in church events, including physical space, presentations, handouts and more. Examples and tools will be shared.

Open to diocesan AND parish leaders in Affiliate Dioceses! Registration links will be sent to diocesan disability ministry leaders one week prior to the event and we ask them to share the invitation with parish leaders.

Blind/Vision loss

Deafness / Hearing Loss

Physical Disability

Diocese/ Parishes

Diocese/ Parishes - What to Do for Disability Ministry

How To Article(s)

English

Carol Ruddell

Administrator of Suicide Prevention Programs, Utah State Department of Health and Human Services

Prior to joining the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health, Carol directed two federal grants and research studies for Utah to improve employment, healthcare and independence among persons with disabilities, including youth across six states.

Carol was a teacher for 22 years, working primarily with students who were D/deaf and blind, with twelve of those years as the Transition Specialist at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind where she coordinated with agencies, local business, and community resources to serve youth across the state.

Carol has been a member of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Commission for People with Disabilities for over 30 years, providing training and support to the individuals, families, parishes and the diocese. She is also a Lay Ecclesial Minister for the Diocese. Carol is passionate about fully accessible parishes and programs so that all Catholics may fully participate in their faith.

Affiliate Connect: Planning for Fully Accessible Events

Planning for Fully Accessible Events

Carol Ruddell

National Catholic
Partnership on Disability

Advancing the Meaningful Participation
of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society