July 24, 2019
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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).
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June 18, 2019
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Disability Concerns Canada Newsletter - June 2019
There is one article specific to the Canadian context, but the remainder of the pieces are must-reads all over North America.
June 10, 2019
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Leadership by Ministers with Disabilities
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.
June 5, 2019
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Videos and Discussion Questions: Let's Talk About 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.
June 5, 2019
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Roundup of Webinars From Disability Concerns
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.
May 30, 2019
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A Dance of Assumptions
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.”
May 21, 2019
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Contacting Churches Part 1: Thinking About the Relationship
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.
May 16, 2019
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Contacting Churches Part 3: Follow Up
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!
May 16, 2019
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Contacting Churches Part 2: Making the Call
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.
May 16, 2019
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Discipleship and Ministry of Jean Vanier
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.
April 25, 2019
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No-Cost Options for Welcoming People With Disabilities
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.
April 3, 2019
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New Bulletin Insert: Disability Awareness Sunday 2019
Be sure to order printed copies of this insert for Disability Awareness Sunday on October 20, 2019!
February 26, 2019
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Family and Friends for Life!
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.
February 20, 2019
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Why I Am a Disability Advocate - Daysi Simbana (Spanish or English)
“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).
February 20, 2019
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Why I Am a Disability Advocate - Kyle Crist
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.
February 14, 2019
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Why I Am a Disability Advocate - Cara Milne
While Cara had worked with people with disabilities, disability advocacy wasn’t connected back to her faith until this opportunity came.
February 7, 2019
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Why I Am a Disability Advocate - Beth Odor
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!
January 30, 2019
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Why I Am a Disability Advocate - Reg Laws
“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.
January 22, 2019
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Why I am a Disability Advocate - Joanne Van Sant
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.”
January 16, 2019
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Why I am a Disability Advocate - Michèle Gyselinck
Michèle Gyselinck, Regional Advocate for Eastern Canada, shares how she became a disability advocate and how her leadership shapes her and her community!
January 11, 2019
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Film Corto Ian: How a Boy Seeks Belonging
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.
January 1, 2019
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Universal Design: It's for Everybody!
Rather than creating special accommodations/requirements for a minority population, universal design reflects spaces and programs that can be accessed by everybody.
November 15, 2018
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Theologies of Disabilities
I recently participated in a webinar about theologies of disabilities led by Tom Reynolds. Through his experiences with his son who lives with autism, as well as living with his own depression, theologies of disabilities has become an academic passion for him.
October 17, 2018
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Ministry of Poetry: "Broken"
This past summer Klaaske deGroot-deKoning worked as a cook at Rehoboth camp at Gull Lake, Alberta. Rehoboth offers camps for people with disabilities, and she was inspired to write this poetry.
October 3, 2018
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"Yes I Can" Sermon for October 21, 2018
We hope your congregations are gearing up for Disability Awareness Sunday on October 21. Rev. Miriam Spies has offered a reflection based on the gospel lesson from Mark.