RampUp RampUp promotes the inclusion and participation of persons with disability in faith communities. The group also looked at solutions for the situation.

Around 2006 several individuals (disabled and non-disabled) in Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg started discussing the situation of persons with disabilities in churches. Many shared their experiences of exclusion - and in some cases serious neglect (e.g. churches not making any effort to enable the participation of persons with disability in the life of the church). The first step towards addressing the situation came about in 2011 when an academic research project was completed on the topic ‘The experiences of persons with disabilities in faith communities’. The results showed a serious need for raising awareness towards inclusion. The RampUp website was launched in November 2011. It contains material written by persons with disabilities and gives suggestions towards inclusion and an atmosphere of belonging in faith communities. The website has many downloadable documents on the following topics:
- General guidelines to inclusion;
- Guidelines for accessibility of church buildings, worship services and all activities of the local church;
- A Biblical view of disability;
- The annual Disability Awareness Sunday. For us the term ‘RampUp’ refers to increasing the intensity of churches' actively enabling persons with disability to participate in church activities. In other words:

- Ramping up peoples’ attitudes to be welcoming;
- Ramping up buildings to be more accessible;
- Ramping up our ability to be an inclusive community;
- Ramping up the interaction between disabled and non-disabled groups (‘us and them’ mentality)

In summary, Ramping Up our thinking, attitudes, perceptions, views, and ways of doing to ensure the meaningful contribution and belonging of persons with disability in the church. Write to us at erna@tlm.co.za: share your experiences and opinions, and above all, make suggestions on how to ensure inclusion.

04/03/2026
During Lent we meet together at the Cross of Jesus Christ.This wood carving depicts various disabilities, made by a frie...
27/02/2026

During Lent we meet together at the Cross of Jesus Christ.
This wood carving depicts various disabilities, made by a friend from Kenya.

Together during LentAt the Cross Of Jesus Christ
25/02/2026

Together during Lent
At the Cross
Of Jesus Christ

"God sends us to go and change every table where we sit,to become a space of inclusion, justice, dignity, equality and s...
23/02/2026

"God sends us to go and change every table where we sit,
to become a space of
inclusion, justice, dignity, equality and sharing"
(Klippie Kritzinger)

Picture from freepik.com.

Ash Wednesday 18 Feb 2026."Remember that you are dustand to dust you shall return".
18/02/2026

Ash Wednesday 18 Feb 2026.
"Remember that you are dust
and to dust you shall return".

16/02/2026

Be blessed by Transoranje Deaf Choir - Hands of Harmony

Hospitality: People with disability, and those without, receiving each other:“The most important workIs preparing yourse...
13/02/2026

Hospitality: People with disability, and those without, receiving each other:

“The most important work
Is preparing yourself
To receive others.
Only you know what to do
To make that happen.”
- Daniel Homan

The Presbyterian denomination of South Africa taking an initiative regarding people with epilepsy.
10/02/2026

The Presbyterian denomination of South Africa taking an initiative regarding people with epilepsy.

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA,

The General Assembly Health and Wellness Committee is pleased to invite the Denomination and Community at large to the upcoming Epilepsy Awareness Webinar in support of International Epilepsy Day which is on the 9th February annually.

The event details are as follows:

Topic: Epilepsy Awareness
Date: Sunday 15 February 2026
Time: 18:00

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85930148288?pwd=DrxCGSjGfNIFex0NNUJXyLi6xEkipy.1

Meeting ID: 859 3014 8288
Passcode: 450956

Please share with all within your Presbyteries and congregations.

Kind regards

https://youtu.be/902KrVkCBBk?si=Yw0AwrrbSsx1lueRSomething thoughful:Juan Meija, a young man with cerebral palsy, wrote a...
06/02/2026

https://youtu.be/902KrVkCBBk?si=Yw0AwrrbSsx1lueR
Something thoughful:
Juan Meija, a young man with cerebral palsy, wrote a powerful prayer for pastors and calling the Church to deeper inclusion of people with disabilities.
Be blessed.

Juan Meija, a young man with cerebral palsy, wrote a powerful prayer for pastors and calling the Church to deeper inclusion of people with disabilities.This ...

Recently RampUp visited an elderly lady, saying"The saddest part about growing old is that on the inside you still feel ...
04/02/2026

Recently RampUp visited an elderly lady, saying

"The saddest part about growing old
is that on the inside you still feel young
and no one even notices that."

In your church, be on the lookout for older people who may still feel young -
with some adaptation they may like to participate . . .

So, we heard this  statement again, at church a few weeks ago: "We pray for people with disabilities, that they may be h...
02/02/2026

So, we heard this statement again, at church a few weeks ago:
"We pray for people with disabilities, that they may be healed from their disability."
The approach was that having a disability is 'wrong'.

However, we suggest another more liberating way: "Healing is becoming whole."
See the RampUp website for further reading https://rampup.co.za/the-store-room/healing-in-context-of-disability/
(Picture borrowed from the Center for Disability and Ministry. )

Address

81 7th Avenue Highlands North
Johannesburg
2192

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00
Thursday 08:00 - 20:00
Friday 08:00 - 20:00
Saturday 08:00 - 20:00
Sunday 08:00 - 20:00

Telephone

+27827319857

Alerts

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