People with Down syndrome can accomplish amazing things, but the dignity of the human person is not contingent on measurable achievements.

We must see new technologies as opportunities for evangelization and solidarity rather than scary, bewildering forces that can only pull us apart.

Respondents reported a variety of accommodations for people with disabilities in their parishes, while also calling on their communities to do more to support parishioners with special needs.

"But he knows how to communicate, to express himself," the pope said.

While younger Catholics with vision impairment may be quick to tap into the expanding technology, older Catholics with blindness -- or those living alone or in out-of-the-way places -- often are less likely to access and acquire technology so they can download content.

Worshipping with other deaf Catholics feels like home. They sign prayers and responses with others and communicate after Mass with peers who understand.