The ELCA has Disability resources
for all ages here. Top 10 List of Accomodation for Disabilities: A lot of the questions the ELCA Disability Team get from individuals and congregations are about cost-friendly resources, or being asked where a ministry can start with improving their accessibility beyond physical structure. We put together a “Top 10 list” of sorts that offers ideas, resources, and our thoughts on accommodations that can give a place to start.
The World Council of Churches, “Life in Church: Theological Reflections of Persons with Disabilities,” highlights people with disabilities who serve in various roles across member churches.
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Two Things Can Be True: Disability, Healing, and a Vulnerable God. Written By Hannah Papenfuss
Spark Inclusion: led by ELCA Deacon Amy Kelly, a ministry igniting belonging in the church for the disability and neurodivergent communities.
Rhythms of Grace is designed to meet the spiritual needs of children and families living with autismspectrum disorders. It helps children and their families feel at the center of a worship/formation experience that is specific to their needs and circumstances, rather than merely at the margins of a more conventionally “inclusive” program of worship or faith formation; consisting of scripture-based session plans, including 12 monthly sessions (Sept. to Aug.) and 6 feast sessions, plus background material.
Thrive - Christian Reformed Church Disability Resources
Engaging Disability with the Gospel - Presbyterian USA Disability Resources
Disability Belongs - drives cultural and policy change to ensure our full representation and influence, creating a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society.
The Autism Faith Network seeks to spread autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion in local and faith-based communities all over the world.
Evangelical Lutheran Education Association Disability Resources
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Mosaic - Embracing God's call to serve in the world, Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life.
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Rejoicing Spirit - provides resources, support and coaching to help congregations to include people with disabilities as active and valued participants. (Part of Mosaic)
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With Ministries - helping churches create environments – both online and in person – where people of all abilities are fully included, embraced, and valued.
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Books:
Hide and Shh!: A Not-So-Sneaky Sister Story About Inclusion. by Christina Dendy (Author), Nathalia Takeyama (Illustrator). Dinah, a young girl with Down Syndrome, loves to play games with her older sister, Chloe, but she’s not very good at the still and quiet kind.
The Very Best Story Ever Told: The Gospel with American Sign Language (ASL) by ELCA Pastor Rob Currie and illustrated by David Williams. It shares the Gospel story with American Sign Language.
TOOLS:Special Needs Ministry Family Registration Template
Inclusive Language Guide - Northwestern University's Family Institute's thorough guide for discussing race, gender, and mental health.
A Fraser Sensory Kit is a bag with a variety of tools in it to help people with sensory processing differences modify their environment in order to self-regulate while out in the community.
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This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation By Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp Illustrated by Kayla Harren -a read-aloud board book with an empowering refrain, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use adaptive, imaginative, and considerate play so everyone can join in the fun.
Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Row Schulte and illustrated by Ziyue Chen Inspired by the author’s daughter who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.
Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw and Matt Carr A great introduction to young children about varied abilities. Like the cover says, "Go ahead ask me!"
Fun and Function expertise as an occupational therapist goes into each part of this company and our products, improving the lives of kids with special needs makeing a real developmental and therapeutic difference in the lives of children.
The federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs so individuals with disabilities can save and invest money without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits.
"JESUS: A Deaf Missions Film," a 2024 feature film entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). directed by Joseph D. Josselyn and starring Gideon Firl, both of whom are deaf, is a project of Deaf Missions.
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GIFT IDEAS:
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Baptismal or Confirmation Gift Ideas ...that are somehow connected to baptismal waters:
*Watercolors *A piece of art made with water color *Beach towel *A washcloth knit/crocheted by someone in the congregation *A soothing/calming toy with water such as a glitter wand *A water bottle *A watering can if you know his family has houseplants Disability Pride poem by Shannon Dingle, a disabled activist, freelance writer, sex trafficking survivor, young widow, & recovering perfectionist.She is the author of Living Brave: Lessons from Hurt, Lighting the Way to Hope.
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ALSO...
*card sets like We Connect and We Engage, that are conversation starters that might be a good gift and assist with social interaction at church. Especially, if everyone knows they have the cards and asks themto ask them a question. *Projector that shows stars and the ocean in a room. Reminder on difficult days that God created the stars and the seas and everything in between including them. *If the congregation has an artist, create stepping stones or painting on floor tiles with a bible verse/pictures on it. Then arrange different paths in their yard or even in their room to walk on. |
