Everybody belongs. Everybody serves.
Disability
Staci
Michele
Sonja
Richard
Here you'll find resources posted by individuals, churches, and ministries. Add comments, give a 'thumbs up', or post your own. Can't find something? Use the chat box to let us know.
Parade Magazine's article, "Unlocking the Silent Prison" describes research that has shown that people with dementia find written communication much more useful/memorable than spoken communication.
In this touching and warm story, Chris Gabbard, an English professor at the University of North Florida, reflects on life with his son, August, who lives with multiple impairments.
This journal from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota tackles a challenging topic. Articles are not necessarily presented from a Christian perspective; please read with discernment.
In these articles from Focus on the Family, Joe and Cindi Ferrini, who are parents of a child with disabilities.
This Focus on the Family article series describes itself like this: "Amid these stories from other parents, you'll find tips and tools in the areas of schooling, church, balancing the needs of your disabled child and the needs of your other children, coping when your circumstances have become too hard and encouragement in developing friendships."
This set of questions and answers give the current understanding of Asperger Syndrome from the National Institutes of Health (U.S.) The page includes links to other organizations as well.
Not only does this site contain articles that present positive views of autistic identity, but also it maintains an extensive list of resource and advocacy sites.
People with disabilities tend to be highly creative, since they have to find workarounds to do things that cannot be done the way most people do them. A kludge is a workaround using adaptive equipment or household items so that people can do what they want to do.
Wondering what sort of language is appropriate when referring to people with disabilities? This resource lists a host of articles on disability and language on a website founded by disability advocate Kathie Snow.
Wonder how to be courteous to a person who has a disability? Here's a great start from Easter Seals.
Shalem offers individual, couple, and family counseling from a Christian perspective and equips and supports communities, including faith communities, to better embrace the needs of people who struggle with emotional distress and/or mental illness.
An Orlando-based, non-profit organization that seeks to bring hope to kids with special needs and their families by providing resources and respite care. They also help equip local churches to be involved in special needs ministry.
Pathways to Promise is an interfaith technical assistance and resource center which offers liturgical and educational materials, program models, and networking information to promote a caring ministry with people with mental illnesses and their families.
Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends exists to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability.
Learn how to communicate with people with disabilities. These one- or two-minute videos show how to improve and ease communication.
This newsletter from Mental Health Ministries includes information and resources for faith leaders, family members and friends and who may find the holidays a difficult time.
1 in 4 Americans annually experiences mental health issues, yet less than one-third receives appropriate care. The Christian Citizen provides insights for people with mental illnesses.
What makes a human life worth living? Productivity – how much someone is accomplishing in life? The value of every single human comes from what she/he is: a creature made in God's image.
How do you recognize each other's gifts and support each other's needs while avoiding a "you're not like us" attitude? A feature story explores ways to be inclusive in worship and make room for those with or without special needs.
Here's a one-page newsletter insert or poster to hang to give people simple, practical ideas for inclusion.
A sermon by Curt Gesch based on 1 Peter 2: 9-10; 4: 7-11.
A responsive reading
A responsive prayer
To offer at a Disability Awareness Sunday
Are you planning a Disability Worship Service? Wondering what to do? Perhaps setting up a panel discussion as part of the message will work for you and your church!