Spiritual Support & Services
Upcoming Events
July 7 at 2 p.m.
What is Ableism? How Is This Evident In Faith Communities Today?
What is Ableism? How Is This Evident In Faith Communities Today?
Throughout this webinar you will hear form a panel of self advocates talking about what is ableism to them. They will share stories and give examples as to how ableism is experienced in faith communities. The intention is to bring awareness of how ableism is still enacted in congregations, in order to help move toward a new vision and way of living, connecting, and worshiping together.
What: Webinar
When: Thursday, July 7 at 2 p.m. (EST)
Speakers: Self Advocates - Misty Lawyer, Thomas Cunningham, Anna Harner, and Amanda Wilson
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
September 15 at 2 p.m.
Faith and Disability: Strategies for Helping Congregations Move from Exclusion to Embrace
Faith and Disability: Strategies for Helping Congregations Move from Exclusion to Embrace
Like anyone else, faith can have a prominent place in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Yet many congregations still struggle to widen their welcome and support the meaningful participation of this segment of their local community. This webinar will address practical strategies and resources that direct support professionals, parents, and individuals can use to promote greater access and acceptance within area congregations.
What: Webinar
When: Thursday, September 15 at 2 p.m. (EST)
Speaker: Erik Carter, PhD
Registration link: Coming soon!
Registration link: Coming soon!
November 10 at 2 p.m.
Stories of Belonging
Stories of Belonging
You will hear from a panel of adults with disabilities who will share how they currently experience belonging in their faith communtiies. They will share stories of this inclusion came to be and how it has impacted their life. Our intention is for people to learn from their stories, so that they may understand the benefits of inclusion and the mutual relationships that are built form this experience.
What: Webinar
When: Thursday, November 10 at 2 p.m. (EST)
Speakers: Self Advocates - Mikaela Coopedge, Thomas Phillips, Jacky Harner, and Dixie Chaney
Registration link: Coming soon!
Building Belonging
Downloadable PDF
PROGRAM GOAL:
Faith Communities and their congregations will enter into an intentional and committed partnership with Stone Belt Arc and with one another to address barriers of access and inclusion for people with disabilities. Our hope is to work together to assess, reflect, plan and implement steps toward BELONGING.
Program Outline:
- Initial Two Year Commitment
- Congregation Assessments and Planning
- Formation of a Disability Inclusion Committee
- Individualized Congregation Consultation
- Number of Congregations Per “Class”: 3-5
- Building Belonging: Disability Inclusion Cohort
- Participation in Hand in Hand
- Continued Commitment, Partnership, and Involvement:
- Access to webinars and community trainings
- Continued involvement with Building Belonging: Disability Inclusion Cohort bi-monthly meetings
- Congregation’s logo will be advertised on Stone Belt’s website as a committed partner.
- Seal of commitment will be given to each congregation to display on their own website (will have number of years in the program displayed on seal)
- Continued participation in Hand in Hand
PROGRAM ELEMENTS DESCRIPTIONS
Congregation Assessments
We will primarily be using the Stone Belt’s Indicators of Belonging to do the initial congregational assessment, reflection, and planning. Other congregational assessment tools can be used based on primary goals of the congregation.
Disability Inclusion Committee
Each congregation will be asked to create a Disability Inclusion Committee of some sort. This committee must include
- at least one person with a disability and/or parent of person with a disability
- a clergy (or equivalent)
- one or more other interested congregants
Individualized Congregation Consultation
Each congregation have about 2 hours a month available to them for individualized consultation from the Spiritual Support Coordinator. This may include in-person or virtual trainings, conversations, and coaching:
- Individualized Congregation Disability Inclusion Plan
- Congregation specific training
- Advisor and resource provider
- Additional consultation to meet goals
Building Belonging: Disability Inclusion Cohort
At least one representative from each congregation will meet bi-monthly altogether to share ideas, offer suggestions, share struggles/successes, and training opportunities.
Hand in Hand
The congregation will participate in one of the following ways in support of the Hand in Hand program:
- Individual: 3 individuals will donate food and each of their homes will be a pick up location
Webinars (Archived)
Welcoming People with Disabilities Across the Lifespan: They want what we want, They need what we need, They are we! (You Tube video)
Buidling Belonging & Inclusion in your congregation (You Tube video)
Support During Times of Grief & Loss (You Tube video)
Building Relationships through Mutual Connection with Non-Speaking Individuals
Creative Strategies for Inclusive Digital Worship
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Power of Spirituality in Inclusive, Quality Supports
Resources
Christian
Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality
Author: Thomas E. Reynolds
Disability and the Way of Jesus: Holistic Healing the Gospels and in the Church
Author: Bethany McKinney
The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God
Author: Amos Young
Islam
- EnabledMuslim, a project of American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP), is an online community for spiritual and practical support for Muslims with disabilities and their loved ones. http://www.enabledmuslim.org/
- MUHSEN (Watch video) provides a range of accessible services, education, resources, and programs to encourage inclusion in your masjid. https://muhsen.org/
Jewish
- Article: http://www.
enabledmuslim.org/wp-content/ uploads/2014/09/Promoting- Inclusiveness-for-People-with- Disabilities.pdf - Gateways provide free resources for Shabbat and Jewish holidays on their website. http://www.jgateways.org/
Resources - Jewish Disability Awareness Month Guide: https://
inclusioninnovations.com/wp- content/uploads/2020/12/Final- JDAM-2021-Guide-12.14.20.pdf - How Inclusive Are We Congregation Assessment: https://cdn.
fedweb.org/fed-2/2/Synagogue% 2520Self-Assessment%2520-% 2520Revised.pdf
Articles
ARTICLES
- Presbyterian Today (Jan. 18, 2021)
Is your digital ministry leaving out people with disabilities?
How to welcome all into the 21st century
-Sarah McKenney
Multi-faith Books
- From Longing to Belonging—A Practical Guide to Including People with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions in Your Faith Community by Shelly Christensen
- Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism
by Barbara J Newman - Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs by Katie Wetherbee
- Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: A Guide for Service Providers, Families, and Congregations by Erik W Carter
Ready to Use Forms/Tools
- Congregational Outreach Survey
PDF (downloadable) - Indicators of Belonging
PDF (downloadable)
About Us
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Stone Belt Arc is the local chapter of The Arc in Monroe County. The Arc is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of living, learning, working and fully participating in the community. The combined strength of local Arcs, The Arc of Indiana and The Arc of the United States makes The Arc the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more about The Arc by visiting www.arcind.org and www.thearc.org.