Resources for Disability Week 2019
Disability Concerns shares resources to help your congregation mark Disability Awareness Sunday (October 20, 2019 or whenever works best for your church).
Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
Disability Concerns shares resources to help your congregation mark Disability Awareness Sunday (October 20, 2019 or whenever works best for your church).
There is one article specific to the Canadian context, but the remainder of the pieces are must-reads all over North America.
What keeps many people with a disability from being considered for a leadership position? I've included a video that raises awareness about how pastoral search teams can discriminate against leaders with a disability.
Often we are changed in and by our relationships with people with disabilities and their families. Consider these videos a glimpse into their lives and an invitation to deepen relationships in your congregation and community.
Topics include children and youth with disabilities, mental health issues, ways of showing welcome that go beyond physical accessibility, and more. Here they are in one post for your convenience.
Recently a church member asked, “How long have you suffered with your disability?” I immediately replied, “I have lived with my Cerebral Palsy since birth.”
In this video Dori Dykstra reflects on how she feels called to be in relationship with others in the Body of Christ and how that both encourages and prepares her to pick up the phone or send an email.
For Regional Disability Advocates, following up with churches is an important part of building and maintaining relationships as you continue supporting churches in being places where everybody belongs and everybody serves!
In this blog Dori Dykstra shares her experience of phoning congregations to speak about the ministry of Disability Concerns. This is a helpful tool especially for Regional Disability Advocates.
I am so thankful for the discipleship of Jean Vanier, and I remain thankful for the people carrying on his ministry, those who are simply the latest to arrive.
At a recent RCA Classis Minnesota meeting there was a discussion about no-cost options for welcoming people with disabilities. Here are some of the strategies they wanted to share.
Disability Concerns would love to see you at Inspire 2019! Check out a session addressing the significance of lament for people of all abilities, as well as five other workshops devoted to disability topics.
Be sure to order printed copies of this insert for Disability Awareness Sunday on October 20, 2019!
Gather with clergy, youth leaders, teachers, parents, disability advocates, and other supporters to learn, ask questions, encourage one another and praise God! The event will be held April 27 at Westdale Reformed Church in Hamilton, ON.
Our world may not end pre-natal testing, but as people of faith, we can support and be supported by people like Zachary and Christine. God’s world, we, will be richer for it.
“Since we do not have sufficient funds to change the building, we want to find other ways to help and support families so that they feel loved and appreciated.” Listen to Daysi share in her language of Spanish (English captions available).
Because he couldn’t get in the door, safely use the restroom, or access the pulpit, Kyle Crist “decided to become a disability advocate out of necessity.” Listen to Kyle share more of his experience as a disability advocate.
You are invited to register for Walking Alongside: Youth and Mental Health conference on Saturday April 27 from 8:15 am – 3:30 pm at Westdale Reformed Church in Hamilton, ON. Please share with your pastor(s), youth leaders, church council, your church’s disability advocate, and anyone else whom you believe would benefit from knowing this information.
While Cara had worked with people with disabilities, disability advocacy wasn’t connected back to her faith until this opportunity came.
You are invited to this one-day conference on March 30, 2019 at the 105 Gibson Centre in Markham. The event is sponsored by representatives of the Christian Community and friends, all experienced in engaging with the aging population.
Beth shares her experience with Friendship Bible Studies that affirms “when you learn you teach and when you teach you learn.” Listen to more of her story below!
“I’m so happy that, finally, disability concerns [is something] the whole denomination is starting to think about…that’s exciting for me.” Listen to Reg’s own words to hear his delight in this ministry.
Rev. Dr. Joanne Van Sant, Church Advocate in Ridgewood, NJ, shares a story of witnessing God's grace when “everything was just right in that moment.”
Michèle Gyselinck, Regional Advocate for Eastern Canada, shares how she became a disability advocate and how her leadership shapes her and her community!
This video is a helpful tool for families, older adults (who may also feel marginalized by age and acquired disability), congregations, study groups and more! Give it a watch and have a conversation with others.