Addresses issues children might hear about in the news and may not understand; straightforward and kid-friendly explanations of tough topics; includes ideas for what they can do to help make the world a better, fairer place. Each book has a glossary and additional resources.
The series includes: Culture and Diversity; Rights and Equality; Protecting the Planet; and Rules and Responsibilities.
My 15 Favorite Guide Books for Parenting Intense Neurodiverse Kids
In a world that often misunderstands or underestimates the capabilities and worth of individuals with disabilities, Accompanying Disability offers a compassionate, faithful model for nurturing relationships with loved ones with disabilities based on mutual respect, dignity, and affection, rather than patronizing attitudes or pity.
Download the Reading Group Guide.
When Lindsay Wieland Capel talks about her work encouraging and equipping churches to be places of belonging for people with disabilities she sometimes hears a version of “that’s not what our church is called to.” She’s told that “We don’t have anyone with disabilities” or "our church isn’t big enough to have a disability ministry” or that someone would “be better served at the church down the road.” Let’s take a closer look at these responses. Read »
Beyond the Ramp: Redesigning Church for All (Podcast Episode)
In this episode of Do Justice, Thrive’s Disability Consultant joins to explore the transformative work of accessible church ministry. We delve into the Accessible Church Ministry cohort, a group dedicated to rethinking church inclusivity, and share stories of how churches have worked to better welcome people of all abilities. Listen »
Bethany Fox: Including Those with Intellectual Disabilities
Published
Bethany Fox is the founding leader of Beloved Everybody Church in Los Angeles, a church for people with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities. They seek to do church in a way that is accessible to people with a wide range of communication styles, learning styles, and abilities.
Ways to deal with common sensory issues (Disclaimer: This one uses the term ‘problem’ in inappropriate and unhelpful ways. However, the suggestions for mitigating sensory perception issues to develop more enjoyable social interactions are worthwhile, especially for families with multiple children and/or when working with groups of children.)
Find free curriculum, resources, and blog posts ranging from Setting up Kids Ministry Volunteers to Curriculum Adaptations [for] Kids with Special Needs to 5 Reasons Preschool Programming Is Not Childcare.
What does creativity look like on the spectrum? We asked four autistic artists to show us how they would like to be seen.
Find wisdom and inspiration in the practices of Beloved Everybody, an Ability-Inclusive Church that Embodies the Beloved Community.
The UMC's Including Children with Disabilities in the Life of the Church is a wealth of resources, ideas, and practical applications.
In this resource, you will find information about:
Who Is Coming? Identifying Populations
Identifying the Needs of Exceptional Children
Identifying the Needs of Parents and Families
The Basics of Classroom Set-Up
The Basics of Classroom Management
The Basics of Adapting Curriculum and Activities
The Non-Negotiables for Including Those with Disabilities and Their Families
The MN Conference UCC Faith Formation Resources page includes resources for Talking with Children about Violence and Anti-Racism:
The AUCE shares this list of resources for talking with children about Russia's war against Ukraine:
UMC Ministry with Children (fb) includes tips on empowering and listening to children the midst of pandemic and a list of resources for further mental and spiritual health and formation.
The PACER Center (pacer.org, 952-838-9000) is Minnesota’s primary parent resource for navigating the IEP and 504 process. They provide resources and staff to advise parents and professionals regarding their needs. Rev. Stephanie Friant, a member of the Disability Concerns Ministry and volunteer PACER Parent Leader, is trained and available to review IEPs with parents/guardians, assist with IEP meetings, and answer questions from church staff or contacts (815-592-3207, stephanieHfriant@gmail.com).
Neurodiversity Training Handbook Resource Toolkit (Printed Version)
Get ready to dive into the "Handbook for Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices" – your new BFF in embracing and celebrating the beautiful spectrum of our students' brains.
Safe Gatherings provide Clergy & Ministerial Ethics course and background checks, reference checks, and online abuse prevention training.
Arc's virtual program library is a free hub of on-demand activities that can be done from home by people with disabilities, their families, and service providers.
Browse listings to find activities like:
Browse Arc's programs here.
