Fading Away!
I have been disabled and mostly house bound for 25 years! I was a type A person before and in some ways, I still am.
Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
I have been disabled and mostly house bound for 25 years! I was a type A person before and in some ways, I still am.
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.
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.
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!
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.
While Cara had worked with people with disabilities, disability advocacy wasn’t connected back to her faith until this opportunity came.
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!
Rather than creating special accommodations/requirements for a minority population, universal design reflects spaces and programs that can be accessed by everybody.
Are you a disability advocate who has made a positive impact for the community and for an individual? Are you a person with a disability who has found belonging in community with the support of an advocate? We want to hear your story!
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. We pray that your congregations are places where everybody belongs and everybody serves!
CRC and RCA Disability Week 2018 reminds churches that delightful benefits come to groups when participants differ from each other in significant ways.
This fall, I am spending time with the story of the man born blind in John 9. I am in midst of writing an academic paper around ministry, leadership, and disability, and some of that work might spill out in my CRCNA work!
Finding a career after graduation can be challenging to students with disabilities. Learn more about best practices when it comes to gaining relevant experience, exploring career paths, understanding your legal rights to employment, and applying for work in this guide.
Crabtree argues that denominational and regional association leaders must derive success through others.