One of the best ways to learn about disability is to listen to people who experience disability.
If you have a disability or you know a person with a disability who is willing to share their story, click here for more information!
A Mother’s Heart
I have been a mom for 31 years. It is by far the biggest blessing of my life to be a mom. I have two daughters; my firstborn will be 32 in November and my youngest will be 18 in October. I never imagined how much love my heart could hold until I became a mom.
Snapshots
"Having a sibling with disabilities comes with its challenges, but it has also been one of the most joy-filled relationships of my life. Kelly possesses a joy that is deeper and more authentic than anyone else I've ever met. Although she can't communicate verbally, she is able to quickly brighten my day with the love in her eyes, her sweet smile, or by grabbing my hand in hers and holding it tight. She continually teaches me to appreciate the little things, and to lean on the love of family when the going gets tough. I'm very grateful for my little sister and the many blessings she brings to my life!" - Heather Cooksey, Diocese of Galveston- Houston.
Autism Appreciation: Lessons from Horton Hears a Who
Many of you know the Dr.
"Apraxia hasn't stopped me..."
My name is Hannah Houser, and though I have apraxia, this hasn't stopped me from my desire to be what I was called to be, a Catholic sister.
They might not realize...
For just a moment I thought, “maybe it’s better if she doesn’t make it.” Then the horror of that thought sank in. Was it the exhaustion brought on by 36 hours of labor? Was it the realization that what I saw as a statistical anomaly was now my reality? Was it that I’d seen how people treated my sister with arthrogryposis?
Father Mark Nolette, A Priest with Autism
While searching the web looking for resources of our Catholic faith for persons with disabilities, I came across the blog of Father Mark Nolette.
St. Christina the Astonishing and Autism
After my son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism, I came to see many things through the lens of all that I learned about autism. Sometimes, this led me to view something in a new way. Christina the Astonishing is perhaps the best example of how knowledge about autism opens the door to a new way of understanding something.
A Transformational Journey with Hearing Loss in the Church
There’s a lot going on beneath the surface in church for people like me with hearing loss. For years, I felt like I was on the outside looking in until a stranger transformed my life. An amazing tool led me back into the circle of belonging. Why did it take so long? The words that unite us with God and one another are too important to miss. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 8:8).
Blooming in the Light of God's Love: Serving with Vision Loss
"I share both cultures and can relate to challenges faced by both groups. God calls each of us to bloom in the light of His love. He invites us to serve His children and provides us the graces and skills we need to fulfill our unique purpose." - Ines Chisholm
The Mystery of God and Life: A Story about Mental Illness
"Today I am a 62-year-old woman living with the biological brain disorder bipolar I illness. I have had a series of manic episodes and many years of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. But now for decades I have the benefit of the right medicine, therapy, the support of family and friends, and much prayer with a resolve to forgive. My symptoms are greatly lessened. I am more comfortable." - Judy Barr
Challenges of Deaf Ministry: Father Mike Depcik
People unfamiliar with Deaf people or Deaf ministry may not realize the many complex challenges they face in the Church. This article will discuss a few of them to help readers appreciate both the pastoral workers who serve Deaf Catholics and the faith of Deaf Catholics themselves in spite of limited resources.
A Life Like Yours: Maddie's Story
This video was produced in collaboration with NCPD by the Archdiocese of Washington's Department of Life Issues and the Department of Special Needs Ministries. It premiered at the annual Youth Rally for Life in Washington, DC on January 22, 2010. We commend Peg Kolm, the video's producer, who was the Archdiocesan Coordinator of the Office of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.
Simple Changes Make a Big Difference: Thoughts on parish access
Becoming a more inclusive church family can be as simple as saying hi. Every church wishes to be welcoming to all of God’s children, but the phrase “disability inclusion” may seem intimidating. As a person with a physical disability, one of the greatest blessings God has given me is the love of two faith-filled parents.
Experiencing Belonging in a Welcoming Congregation: A Personal Journey living with Cerebral Palsy
"Each person entering into a relationship, whether faith-based or secular, brings with them both strengths as well as their own vulnerabilities. An individual must be welcomed into a community on equal footing with all other members of that particular community for there to be true belonging and recognition of the humanity of the person." - Martin Benton
A life of service is never easy. Having autism can make it even harder.
"In my work I have been called 'cold,' 'impersonal' (and far worse) about as many times as I have been told that I am doing the work of God. No matter what people say, I look at each person in the eye and try with everything I can muster to create the empathic connection that seems to come so easily to other people.- 1 of 2
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