Confidentiality: Why it matters
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We all live in a fallen world. As such, it isn't pessimistic to state that everyone has challenges and unexpected circumstances. But I wouldn't want to wear my challenges as a placard around my neck, presenting them as if they define me.
How about you? What were your challenges this week? How would you feel about wearing them around your neck for all to see at church next Sunday?
Yeah, I didn't think you would. But that's exactly what we do when we present a disability as the defining aspect of a person.
You'll never see the real name of anyone with special needs on this blog nor any easily identifiable characteristics. The only pictures you'll see are ones that I have permission to post, and I don't add names to those either.
I could use names, because some of our parents would be comfortable with that. I don't, though, because I don't want someone to meet one of these individuals and know his label before his personality. If it were my child, I would want you to know my son or daughter as a kid first and foremost.
For that reason, all of our volunteers sign a confidentiality form. It's nothing fancy, just a statement like this:
Some people with disabilities don't mind everyone in the church knowing about their special needs. (And for those with physically apparent conditions, they might not have a choice about it.) However, it's not up to us to decide when, how or with whom the information ought to be shared.
It's not our story to share or not share; it's theirs.
How about you? What were your challenges this week? How would you feel about wearing them around your neck for all to see at church next Sunday?
Yeah, I didn't think you would. But that's exactly what we do when we present a disability as the defining aspect of a person.
You'll never see the real name of anyone with special needs on this blog nor any easily identifiable characteristics. The only pictures you'll see are ones that I have permission to post, and I don't add names to those either.
I could use names, because some of our parents would be comfortable with that. I don't, though, because I don't want someone to meet one of these individuals and know his label before his personality. If it were my child, I would want you to know my son or daughter as a kid first and foremost.
For that reason, all of our volunteers sign a confidentiality form. It's nothing fancy, just a statement like this:
I, __________________, serve Christ as a volunteer in special needs ministry at [insert church name]. In that role, I understand that I will learn about the special needs of the individual(s) with whom I serve. Out of respect and love, I will not disclose that information to anyone outside of this ministry.
Some people with disabilities don't mind everyone in the church knowing about their special needs. (And for those with physically apparent conditions, they might not have a choice about it.) However, it's not up to us to decide when, how or with whom the information ought to be shared.
It's not our story to share or not share; it's theirs.