Designing Communications
Icon Bulletin helps non-readers engage at Columbus Mennonite Church

by Tracey Lehman

An excerpt from Columbus Mennonite Church's Icon Bulletin

In 2014, Columbus Mennonite Church implemented the Icon Bulletin. As one of our church’s accessibility advocates and the mom of two boys with Down syndrome, I wanted our church to have a bulletin that could be meaningful to non-readers

I collaborated with Gwen, our church secretary, who also has a son with Down syndrome. We decided it would be better to create a separate bulletin with simple text and visual symbols rather than to try to modify the existing bulletin. Gwen found icons to represent every activity in the worship service, including the Mennonite hymnals, the pastor, and a "quiet" icon.

The beautiful thing about this modified visual bulletin is that it’s not only useful for our children with Down syndrome but also for typically developing children who can’t yet read.

Get Inspired! Check out an example of Columbus Mennonite Church's Icon Bulletin by clicking HERE, or the image below.

 Tracey Lehman is a stay-at-home mother to three boys, two of whom have Down syndrome. Tracey and her family reside in Galena, Ohio.

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In this issue

Universal Design...for Congregations!
One size does not fit all. This edition of Connections features stories of congregations that have used creativity and ingenuity to design congregational life to fit the unique needs and styles of participants with disabilities.
Designing Worship at Expressions of Love and Praise
Expressions of Love and Praise creatively redesigned worship into an experience that is participatory, meaningful, and vibrant for those with intellectual disabilities.
Designing Leadership
Dan Longmore's pastoral leadership is shaped and enriched by his disability. Read more for an example of how churches can welcome the leadership gifts of those with disabilities.
ADN at Summer Conferences/Conventions
ADN is participating in denominational conferences in June and July. Read more about how you can be involved.
Hand in Hand With God
When Flora Williams found herself trapped in a Mexican tour bus, her terrific get away turned into months of hospital stays, doctors appointments, and a life-changing disability. Flora's book Hand in Hand with God is reviewed.
Becoming More Accessible Summer 2017
ADN Executive Director Kathy Nofziger Yeakey calls on us to use divinely inspired creativity to break down barriers and promote accessibility.
Designing a Welcoming Space
Most steps towards becoming a more accessible church are simple and easy to do. Dan Longmore, pastor of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church gives tips to making people with disabilities feel more at home.