All Abilities Inclusion Ministry

Joanne Blair has her M.Div. from Ecumenical Theological Seminary. We are thankful for the ways in which her expertise and her commitment to the inclusion of all people in our community enrich our ministries here at First Presbyterian Church. She was a volunteer with our All Abilities Inclusion Ministry for five years and joined the inclusion team in 2011. Joanne’s email is joanneblair {at} everybodyschurch(.)org .

Kathleen Downing is an Elementary School Teacher and has her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Wayne State University. She also serves as the Director of Education for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Michigan. Kathleen was a dedicated volunteer for the All Abilities Inclusion Ministry for four years and joined the inclusion team in 2009. Kathleen’s email is kathleendowning {at} everybodyschurch(.)org .

Inclusion Award

First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham was selected to receive a new national award for effective ministry to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The award was given in 2005 by Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education.

All Abilities Inclusion Ministries

Our inclusive Sunday school program for students of all abilities ranges from pre-school through their teen years. The curriculum includes an intentionally structured program with a multi-sensory approach to teaching Bible stories.  Curriculum is individualized based on parent input and staff recommendations. Our Inclusion Coordinators train and supervise volunteers who support students as needed.  If you would be interested in learning more about this ministry, please contact Cindy Merten at 248.644.2087 x145 or e-mail cindymerten {at} everybodyschurch(.)org.

FAR Conservatory

FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts is a private, nonprofit organization that provides creative arts therapy and recreation services for children and adults with mental, physical and/or emotional impairments. FAR also promotes public understanding of the abilities and potential of persons who are mentally, emotionally or physically challenged. FAR offers a wide range of programs in music, art, dance, theatre arts, softball, ice skating, gymnastics, garden club, cooking clubs, adaptive swimming, bowling, hockey and teen and adult clubs. Private, semi-private and group sessions are available. All ages, from pre-school to adult, are welcome to enroll.  First Presbyterian Church is extremely proud to house FAR's offices (Room 201) and many of its classes in our building and work closely with this wonderful organization.  For more information, visit FAR's website.

Resources

National Organization on Disability is an organization dedicated to expanding the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life by raising disability awareness through programs and information.

Faith Communities and Inclusion of People with Developmental Disabilities offers numerous resources and information for churches on including people with developmental disabilities in their congregation.

Faith Communities and Spirituality is a resource packet on disability, spirituality, and healing.

Resource Packet on Disability, Spirituality, and Healing – Handouts used for courses, retreats, and lectures

Center on Human Policy – The Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disabilities Study

Disabilities Inclusion Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham

Partnering Congregation Goals

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns – Presbyterians for Disability Concerns welcomes those who affirm, support and advocate for the gifts, rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the total life of the church.

Autism Speaks – Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

TASH Connections - TASH Connections is a magazine-style publication written for and by TASH members. Each issue contains provocative articles on breakthrough in the disability field, and challenges readers to rethink some of the toughest issues affecting people with disabilities, their families, advocates and professionals in the field. Stay updated on best practices, family concerns, advocacy opportunities and changes in policy.  You can read the complimentary copy, Spirituality: From Rights to Relationships, here.

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns Annotated Resource List – Book, DVD, and website recommendations for churches.