Special Needs Services

The Islamic Association of Raleigh strives to provide an inclusive environment for our community members with special needs and disabilities. There are several projects underway to make our masjid welcoming to everyone and we encourage your participation and feedback.

The main building has a wheelchair-accessible prayer hall and bathrooms, as well as elevator access to the upper floors. Alhamdulillah, with the support of our dedicated volunteers, IAR can say we are one of very few mosques in the country that offers a parent support group and Sunday school for special needs children. Please contact our Special Needs Facilitator, Sr. Arshiya Siddiqui, at [email protected] with any questions.

MUHSEN CERTIFICATION

IAR currently holds a silver certification from Muhsen and is working towards gold for providing a friendly environment for special needs families. Muhsen (Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs) is a non-profit umbrella organization serving the Muslim community to establish a more inclusive “Special Needs Friendly” environment for our Brothers & Sisters living with Disabilities. Muhsen will advocate, educate, train and implement programs and services nationwide to improve access to Masajid for individuals with Special Needs as well as acceptance and inclusion by the community in all aspects.

As an ongoing effort to support Muhsen in its goal to recognize and learn the requirements for individuals with disabilities, IAR requests that if you have a family member with special needs to please fill out the Needs Assessment survey. Also, if you know anyone who has a family member with special needs, please send the link to the survey to them. All responses are confidential and will automatically be directed to Muhsen.

Wheelchair accessibility through ramps and elevator
Needs Assessment Survey of community
Advertising disability services on masjid website
Khutbas on disability at least 4x/year
Disability awareness event at masjid at least 2x/year
Restroom and wudu accessibility
Special needs/disability facilitator for masjid
Information about programs accessible on website

iar has!

Sign language interpreter for select lectures and khutbahs
Parent/caregiver support group
Siblings support group
Regularly scheduled programs or events for families with disabilities
Braille Quran must be available
Eid prayer accessibility and/or designated room for families with disabilities
Youth training event about Disabilities Interaction
Specialized child care at select masjid events

in progress

Special Needs Khutbahs

5 Videos