Resources for Church EducationHelpful ArticlesSuggested Accommodations for Specific Behaviors: Sr. Barbara Cline, M.A., Ph.D., and Director of the Office of Catechesis for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, says that we consider children in class to be problems when WE have not yet learned how to teach them. This list of practical suggestions for responses to challenging behaviors will help Sunday School teachers and others working with children to learn how to teach the precious charges they have been given. Are You Keeping Tony Out?: by Rev. Ron Noorman, parent of several children with disabilities, challenges readers to find ways to include children with special needs in church activities and gives practical suggestions how to do that. Friendship MinistriesFriendship Ministries helps churches and organizations around the world share God’s love with people who have cognitive impairments. Their mission is "to share God’s love with people who have cognitive impairments and to enable them to become an active part of God’s family. Resources for Church Education from Faith AliveWalk with Me, a popular Sunday school curriculum for children, as well as other resources for children, youth adults and are available in braille and large print from Faith Alive Christian Resources. Learning Disabilities and the Church: Including All God’s Kids in Your Education and WorshipCynthia Holder Rich and Martha Ross-Mockaitis Most churches are set up for a “one size fits all” approach to ministry and worship. But one size does not fit all. Learning Disabilities and the Church: Including All God’s Kids in Your Education and Worship is a manual that helps churches better serve the needs of children and youth with learning disabilities by describing practical ideas and strategies for accommodating learning challenges, discussion questions, helpful websites, and more. Expressing Faith in Jesus (revised edition)By Ronald C. Vredeveld This newly revised edition and brand new resource kit guides Friendship leaders/mentors, elders, pastors, and families as they help persons with cognitive impairments prepare to express their faith and become full members of a faith community. The book covers topics including "welcoming and including people with cognitive impairments," "walking alongside those desiring to express faith in Jesus,"and "journeying together as a community of believers," along with reproducible resources. The resource kit includes a mentor guide based on Friendship Bible Studies, a study guide to help friends prepare for the interview with the church council, and a keepsake certificate to commemorate the occasion. Helping Kids Include Kids with DisabilitiesBy Barbara Newman This how-to manual equips teachers, church activity leaders, and kids with the information they need to practice inclusive education in community. The book includes:
Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (revised edition)Autism and Your Church is a unique resource that will help your church embrace people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) into the full life of your congregation. New from Friendship Ministries, published by Faith Alive Christian Resources, this book outlines specific and tried techniques that will equip leaders to meet the special needs of those with ASD and develop an action plan for ongoing ministry. Besides these, Faith Alive has many more resources for disability ministry as well. |
