Disability Inclusion Resources
|
If you are interested in knowing more about what it means to be a Rejocing Spirits Community, or perhaps becoming a host congregation for a Rejoicing Spirits service you can find out more here at REJOICING SPIRITS
Other Resources For Inclusion MinistryGood Article: Autism and Faith: A Call to Action
All Abilities Inclusion Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham
The mission of our All Abilities Inclusion Ministry (AAIM) is to facilitate and advocate for the full inclusion of children, youth and adults in the whole life of the church. 
Faith Inclusion Network
We are proud to share videos from 14 amazing leaders from the national faith and disability community who presented at our That All May Worship-2105 Conference. These 5 minutes presentations and 7-8 minute interviews can be used to introduce the topic of inclusion in your faith community and begin or reinforce efforts in your congregation. 
Special Friends Ministry - This is the channel where parents and volunteers passionate about special needs ministry can expand their understanding of serving and parenting kids, teens, and adults with autism or other special needs. It's also a great place to receive encouragement for their journey.
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, theater 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.
Christian Horizons has evolved into a non-profit, faith-based charitable organization with more than 3,500 employees and hundreds of volunteers. We operate more than 200 residences, serving nearly 2,000 people with exceptional needs and their families in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Over the course of 25 years, Christian Horizons Global has made a positive impact in the lives of over 300,000 people affecting over 60 communities globally. Our services have expanded to serve children and adults. Our first summer camping program has grown to include a wide variety of support and vacation programs across Canada. Today, our direct support professionals meet the daily physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the many people we support. For over 50 years we have had the privilege of serving many people with the support of many partners, but there is still so much more to do. As back in 1965 when our founders heeded God’s call for action, our goal continues to create new opportunities for people with exceptional needs to share their gifts in communities of belonging.
Autism Alliance of Michigan - MiNavigator is the only program in the state offering support regardless of insurance, geography or need. Free resources for Michigan are available and targeted to meet a families’ unique needs. Assistance navigating the autism journey is offered through face to face, phone, email, and web-based resources.
The Congregational Accessibility Network (CAN) promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities in faith communities. CAN provides tools for individuals and families, friends and advocates, and faith congregations and communities.
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.
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, treatmenthis web site s 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.
Religion and Spirituality Division of the AAIDD - This is the website for the Religion and Spirituality Division of the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,. This organization works to foster opportunities for spiritual growth for person with disabilities. Here is a link to Gleanings, an excellent curated listing of national and international resources and events for those to develop ministry with persons with disabilities.
Collaborative on Faith and Disability - The mission of the Collaborative on Faith and Disability is to support people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them by providing national and international leadership in the areas of research, education, service and dissemination related to disability, religion and inclusive supports. You can find a wonderful series of on-line webinars here.
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center offers a long list of resources dealing with the issue of disabilities. Publications include tip sheets, books, brochures, newsletters, and more. Anyone needing materials in accessible format can contact them here or by calling (615) 322-8240.
|