Disability Ministry News
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Meet HGA’s Disability Advocate, Jenn Johnson!
Jenn, a parishioner of HGA for 20 years, is passionate about supporting individuals with learning differences. She is the mother of a young adult with disabilities and an educational advocate who supports students and families with appropriate school programming.
This summer, Jenn will complete the yearlong NCPD mentorship program stating, “It is my intention to connect with parish families in need of reasonable accommodations to allow full participation and engagement with all the wonderful ministries and events happening within our parish family. Please reach out to me at with any questions, suggestions and/or concerns. I will share all these with Father Hoffa and we will do our best to meet your or your family member's needs.”
Disability Ministry Survey Recap
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey for the Disability Advocacy Ministry of Holy Guardian Angels.
The disability reported by most respondents was hearing impairment. Just a reminder that assisted listening devices are available for anyone who needs one to participate in the Mass more easily. If you speak to the sacristan prior to Mass, they will be happy to assist you.
For those parishioners who already use a hearing aid – there is another tool that may help! It is called a “loop system.” The technology is something that a person’s audiologist can turn on for the parishioner. Once turned on and programmed by the audiologist, the parishioner can turn the loop system on and off as needed.
What is a Hearing Loop?
A hearing loop (or induction loop) is a sound system designed for people with telecoil-equipped hearing aids. It transmits sound directly from a microphone worn by a speaker into the hearing aid, avoiding distortion from distance or poor acoustics.
Benefits of Telecoil & Loop Systems
· Clearer speech with both ears engaged
· Reduced background noise and echo
· No extra headset or device needed
· Works in many public venues worldwide
· Cost-effective accessibility
Other recommendations for accommodations at the parish included a quiet room, more parking for the elderly, expansion or addition to the handicapped accessible seating at the 4:15 pm, hymn numbers displayed on the board in the front of the church, motion technology for the automatic doors, and guidelines for eucharistic ministers. All the suggestions will be taken into consideration by the ministry members and updates will be ongoing.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the loop system mentioned above, or any other suggestions for ways we can meet your needs or the needs of your family members, please contact Jenn Johnson, Disability Advocate at disabilityadvocate@hgaparish.com.