District 42, through its Accessibilities Committee, constantly works to improve and maintain accessibility for persons with special needs. The Accessibilities Committee meets in combination with the District 42 meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.
Persons with Reading Difficulties
The District 42 Accessibilities Committee is exploring ideas for outreach to A.A. members, both newcomers and "old-timers," who have difficulty in reading. Some ideas under consideration are for GSRs to encourage their home groups to purchase an audio copy of the "Big Book" Alcoholics Anonymous on CD and for groups, districts, and intergroups to donate copies to local libraries and corrections and treatment facilities. A flyer has been prepared to help with this effort.
Accessibility of Meetings
As a result of a survey conducted by the Accessibilities Committee, the Groups page of this website indicates which District 42 meetings are wheelchair accessible. The committee has assisted the Area 29 Accessibilities Committee in developing a checklist that groups can use in determining how well their meeting places meet the special needs of people who may attend their meetings. The checklist is now being prepared for distribution.
Senior Outreach
Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
The district is interested in helping to make A.A. available to alcoholic seniors who are unable to attend meetings without assistance. The Accessibilities committee has sent letters to assisted living facilities and nursing homes offering guidance and support in helping alcoholic residents join or remain in the fellowship of other recovering alcoholics, regardless of their circumstances, to achieve and maintain sobriety. A follow-up letter was then mailed, with a packet containing a back issue of The Grapevine; the pamphlets AA for the Older Alcoholic, How AA Members Cooperate with Professionals, and A Newcomer Asks; and a list of meetings in District 42. The committee also plans to contact the Maryland Department of Aging to discuss carrying the message to members of Senior Centers.
Senior Residential Communities
The Accessibilities Committee has discussed contacting local senior communities to offer information on the availability access to A.A. in the areas. Check back for more developments in this effort.
Alcoholics Anonymous for Spanish Speakers
People with limited English skills have a difficult time participating in A.A. meetings in District 42. The Accessibilities Committee is exploring resources for improving the availability of A.A. for speakers of Spanish. The committee is investigating ways to help Spanish-speaking A.A.s to find Spanish language meetings and is contacting other districts for insight on what measures they have taken.
The committee has contacted the Spanish-speaking AA community to obtain information on helping alcoholics to find Spanish language meetings.
If you are bilingual or know someone who is please contact the Accessibilities Committee chair by email specialneeds@mdaadistrict42.org or write to:
District 42
P.O. Box 3161
Crofton, MD 21114
to find out how you can help.