While there are no special A.A. members, many members have special needs. For the purpose of those Guidelines, we define A.A.s with special needs as persons who are blind or visually impaired; deaf or hard of hearing; chronically ill or homebound, and those who are developmentally disabled.

SPECIAL NEEDS COMMITTEES

Some A.A. entities are attempting to meet such needs by forming Special Needs Committees. Since the goal is to make A.A. accessible, some committees refer to themselves as Accessibilities Committees. In some localities committees name themselves according to the specific need addressed, such as “Hearing Impaired Committee.” When one or more members of a group have special needs (such as the need for an American Sign Language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility, or have an illness which prevents them from getting to the meeting room), A.A. members from that group will attempt to see that those needs are met. The members of a Special Needs Committee explore, develop and offer resources to make the A.A. message and participation in our program available to everyone who reaches out for it. A G.S.O. staff member who serves on the Special Needs assignment, is available as a resource and communicates with local Special Needs Committees.

In the interests of good communication and working together, Special Needs Committees are encouraged to keep their area committees and local central/intergroup offices informed of their activities. It is also helpful to work closely with committees handling Public Information and Cooperation With the Professional Community in terms of keeping the public and appropriate agencies informed about A.A. being accessible to alcoholics with special needs.

Link to A.A. Guidelines by GSO

Special Needs Materials

Click Link below to view or Right Click and Save Target As.. to download

Special Needs Workbook (PDF)
Developed by Special Needs Committee of Western Area of Missouri, 2004

Who do we serve?

To Get Involved Contact the Committee Chair on the Contact Us page
Or attend a district meeting where you live.

Current Activities Include:

• Providing interpreters for meetings and special events for hearing impaired or members with language barriers.

• Providing copies of literature and event programs in Braille for the vision impaired. Also, encourage tape study meetings within each district.

• Maintaining a current list of accessible meetings and provide assistance to physically disabled members. Encourage accessible meeting sites.

• Offering rides to meetings/events for senior citizens of fellowship.

• Bringing meetings into homes, hospital, or other facilities for AA members undergoing long term care.

Groups Can...
Special Needs Committee Chairperson: Jeannie H
To contact the Special Needs Committee please go the the "Contact Us" page