Does your congregation truly welcome people with developmental disabilities into a deeper fellowship as a community and support them as they develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? I have found such a place but it wasn’t because it was intentional on their part. It was because they already had families dealing with children and young adults with special needs present in their congregation. They don’t have a formal program but have the awareness that many churches do not.
I went to this AMAZING conference a few weeks ago sponsored by my local Down syndrome association. The theme was congregational inclusion and the key note speaker was Erik Carter Ph.D. Dr. Carter is a dynamic speaker with a heart for individuals with special needs. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He is also the author of "Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities, A Guide for Service Providers, Families & Congregations".
This book is a practical and important book. It answers the questions I have been struggling with for years in the parish we attended for most of Miss R’s life -- we have since left that parish. True inclusion of individuals with special needs is much, much more than the wheelchair ramp and/or the elevator. It is not about making individuals who are gifted differently a project. The Church is not complete without all God’s children – including and especially those with special needs. It is about making all God’s children welcome and a part of the community – contributing their God-given gifts for the glory of God. It goes way beyond Sunday morning…bringing them into meaningful participation of all aspects of the Christian community. It means supporting the family with their unique needs so that all can participate fully.
As I look at our new parish – mission really – and its small congregation of about 40 - 45 committed members (and growing rapidly), we have 3 children with special needs and one young adult. This parish has a heart for young people with special needs and it shows. Now, I have some new tools to bring them and I am thrilled.
Read this book! Make a difference and bring Dr. Carter to your community!
4 comments:
Just stopping by. This book sounds interesting, I'll put it on my reading list right away. It's nice to read about other DS homeschooling families. Thanks.
Sounds like a great resource!
Somewhere there is a great article by Henri Nouwen on this topic, too--really opened my own eyes, even as a mom of an autistic son, to how the body is formed by ALL of us, needy and less needy. A beautiful image.
~Jeanne
Thank you for recommending this book. It is especially timely for us as we pray about another move and where to find the right church for our family.
I love Nouwen and read everything I can get my hands on.
I'm trying to bring Dr. Carter to the House so will let those of you in WI know if he comes!
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