Organization
NCPD Board Statement on Spiritual Development and Participation of Persons with Disabilities, 1995
Access Surveys
The importance of thoughtful and careful planning for any ministry cannot be overemphasized. Planning should likewise be approached with creativity and openness. The following questions can initiate the planning process toward a universally designed ministry:
- What does it mean to create a church community open to all?
- How was Jesus accessible to his followers?
- How can accessibility features benefit the whole community?
Saint John Chrysostom Parish - 2015 Loyola Press Opening Doors Award Winner
Universal Design on a Diocesan Level
There is no question that organization and structure are essential to an effective ministry with people with disabilities. However, there is no oneway to structure this ministry, as evidenced by the variety of configurations currently operating in dioceses throughout the country. We are witnessing the downsizing or consolidation of many programs, and in some cases, directors have been required to assume responsibility for additional ministries. These trends have made clear the need for creativity and openness to change when considering how best to create a welcoming and inclusive community of faith for all, including Catholics with disabilities.
Theological Framework on Mental Illness, 2007
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability sets forth the following framework as a guide to the Church’s ministry for and with people with mental illness:
Ethics Committee Letter to OPTN/UNOS on Organ Donation regarding VCA Living Donors, 2014
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) modified the OPTN Final Rule to include VCAs among transplantable organs, effective July 3, 2014. At its June meeting, the OPTN Board adopted an interim policy, without public comment but with a September 1, 2015, sunset provision. The VCA Transplantation Committee has solicited public comment on a proposal to make such policy permanent. Both provisions would permit living VCA donations.
Opposing Maryland Assisted Suicide Bill of 2015 - Martin Benton 3/10/2015
Chairman Zirkin and distinguished Committee members, I appreciate the opportunity to testify this afternoon and register my strong opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 676, entitled the Richard E. Israel and Roger "Pip" Moyer Death with Dignity Act.
Opposing Maryland Assisted Suicide Bill of 2015, 2015
My name is Stephen L. Mikochik. On behalf of NCPD and the thousands of disabled Maryland Catholics it serves, I testify in opposition to S.B. 676, which, in legalizing assisted suicide, is an open invitation to patient abuse.
Opposing CA Assisted Suicide Bill, SB 128 7/2/2015
To Committee Chairs Stone and Bonta:
My name is Stephen L. Mikochik. I am Professor Emeritus of Constitutional Law at Temple University in Philadelphia and past Chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD). On behalf of NCPD and the thousands of disabled Catholics it serves, I would urge you, should it reach your desk, to veto Assembly Bill (AB) 15 that, in legalizing assisted suicide, is an open invitation to patient abuse.
