Blind & Visual Impairment

 

ELCA Disability Ministries: Every person with a disability has a right to be a member of a congregation and to serve in some capacity.The Braille and Tape Ministry grew out of similar programs of the ELCA's predecessor church bodies. In particular, the Braille and Tape Ministry continues the mission of Ephphatha Services, through which The American Lutheran Church met the spiritual and educational needs of its visually impaired members.

The ELCA Braille and Tape Ministry was established as a replacement program for Ephphatha Services in 1988. Currently located at Augsburg Fortress Publishing house in Minneapolis.

ELCA Disability Ministries: Every person with a disability has a right to be a member of a congregation and to serve in some capacity.Currently, the Braille and Tape Ministry produces audio cassette versions of several of the ELCA's most popular publications including The Lutheran, Lutheran Woman Today, and Christ in Our Home. The Bible study portion of Lutheran Woman Today is also offered in braille. Any other braille or taped materials that a blind or visually impaired person may need to participate in his or her ELCA congregation -- such as lectionaries, confirmation resources, and Sunday school materials -- are provided upon request, within the limits of current staff and volunteer availability.

Despite the fact that the program receives little publicity, over 2,000 people currently use the Braille and Tape Ministry annually. Given the estimated 100,000-plus blind and visually impaired persons in ELCA congregations, the number of Braille and Tape Ministry users would likely increase significantly with more widespread exposure.

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