Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
Disability
Michele
Heather
Diane
lynn
These liturgies were written by Rev. Samuel Kim, a CRC pastor and student in the D.Min. program in Disability Ministry at Western Theological Seminary.
Resources to help all children feel like they are a vital part of the community.
With universal design as our model, what preparation steps and options can we plant within our children’s ministries, recognizing that God creates children with great variation? Here are some ideas.
Owen Wigger and his family sent a letter to his first-grade teacher and classmates. Because he does not speak, this letter will help pave the way for their relationships with him.
I was almost born. Actually, I was five months old and in my mother’s tummy. My mother had a test done and when the results came in, a nurse called the house and asked my parents, “So, when will you terminate this pregnancy?”
This letter is for “the others”: for my two kids who are not special needs, who are considered typical, and for everyone who has a sibling with any special need(s).
Children both amaze and inspire me to be a better person. As I see Christ in them, I know God has placed them in my ministry not only to learn as students, but to teach as well.
You’re pleased the Carters have joined your congregation, and you want things to go well for Matthew, who has autism, but you’re feeling intimidated because you don’t know how to make things work for him.
The kids who collaborated to write and star in this "Dear Teacher" video represent students with various learning disabilities. They wanted to share with educators how their brain works and offer simple ways teachers can help.
Not many websites focus on the experiences of people from particular ethnic groups who also have disabilities. This site has a laser focus on black college students with disabilities.
From all outward appearances, Blake is a typical kindergarten boy. However, Blake has a sensory processing disorder. Almost daily Blake fights battles that are invisible to others.
Children with disabilities are part of God's family, but people don't always treat them that way. In this book you'll discover how to help kids and their leaders welcome and include kids with disabilities at church or school.
This webinar explores the issues of depression and suicide particular to youth and how we as a church can be equipped to be effectively helpful and supportive.
Practical advice and poignant stories that illustrate both loving inclusion and painful exclusion of youth with disabilities in church life.
What has your church done to train your children and youth leaders to engage kids with disabilities in church ministries?
Inclusion is the idea that all people, of all abilities are to be active integrated members of their community. How do you teach your children to be inclusive?
Youth ministry leaders often struggle with how to include high school age participants who have autism; developmental disabilities; or physical, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments. In the United States, starting a Young Life Capernaum group can be an excellent option.
Do you ever wonder what it is life is like for parents in your church who have children with autism; developmental disabilities; and physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments? Your ministry will be enhanced if you ask them, and also if you check out this video.
Leaders from a local church, from Joni and Friends, and from CLC Network discuss tools and resources for engaging all children and youth, including those with autism; developmental disabilities; and physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments, fully in the life of the congregation.
Three veteran ministry leaders describe ways that they seek to ensure that all children and youth, including those with autism; developmental disabilities; and physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments, engage fully in the life of the congregation.
Ministry programs and lessons with children and youth can get derailed by the challenging behaviors of just one participant. In this lively video presentation, author and special educator Barbara Newman describes a way to respectfully redirect participants who are having a hard time staying focused.
Over 100 ministry leaders from across North America gathered in Grand Rapids, MI, for an afternoon of discussion and learning about doing ministry with students living with autism; hearing, visual, and mobility impairments; mental health challenges; and other disabilities.
Here are some great guidelines for Sunday school instructors, GEMS or Cadet leaders who may be struggling with behaviors in the classroom.
The chairman led a team of volunteers and journalists to rescue the boy who had been tied and chained to his bed and locked up for 10 years. The rescue operation shocked neighbors, many of whom appeared not to have known that there was such a child in the home.
It’s summertime! That means school is out and your church is most likely working on its summer programming. Your church can take a few simple steps so that every child will feel welcomed and included in your summer activities.