Spiritual Needs
Many of us find support from family, friends, or church. When youth with special needs start looking for independence and freedom from family, they may seek spirituality, whether it is tied with one religion or any. While many youth will choose to keep the habits with which they were raised, some may explore other ways. This section offers links to churches or groups that accommodate people with disabilities. The websites listed below might also be useful models for churches seeking to be more helpful to their members with special needs.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Collaborative on Faith and Disability
Supports people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them by providing national and international leadership
in the areas of research, education, service, and dissemination related to disability, religion, and inclusive supports.
Faith Ability
Religion and disability resources, events, news, and topics that are helpful for inclusion and involvement. Offers resources
for familes and faith leaders to understand disability, promote inclusion alternative ways to teach the gospel.
AAPD Interfaith Initiative
Provides resources for families and church congregations to support people with disabilities in worship by teaching how to
create inclusive religious settings and advocacy for all who wish to have access to church.
Rest Ministries, Inc. Chronic Illness/Pain Support
A nonprofit Christian organization for people who live with chronic illness or pain; daily devotionals, online support groups,
community support groups.
United Methodist Committee on Relief, Disability Ministry
Provides resources and funding to develop ministries that include and empower persons with disabilities and their families;
good page for Methodist church members.
Disability Concerns (DISC)
From the Christian Reformed Church, this website is for persons living with physically or mentally challenging conditions,
their friends, families, caretakers, lay associates, and clergy. It offers information related to disability concerns, yet
adds the dimension of spiritual care.
National Jewish Council for Disabilities
Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities is a thriving global organization dedicated to addressing the needs of
all Jewish individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life.
National Catholic Partnership on Disability
Welcomes the 14 million Catholics who are disabled and works to ensure that they are able to participate in the celebrations
and obligations of their faith, and advocates for their inclusion within the total fabric of society.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Disability Resources
Allows members of The Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and their families to find creative ways for inclusive worship.
United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministry
The UCC Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) envisions a world in which all people are included in the fullness of life because
they are created in the image of God. The UCCDM supports all settings of the UCC including but not limited to: local congregations,
Associations, Conferences, camps, and National settings, as they seek to include people with disabilities in all aspects of
the Church’s life and ministry.
Services for Patients & Families Nationwide (NW)
| Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NW | Partner states (4) (show) | | NM | NV | RI | UT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethnic, Religious, Cultural Support | 3 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 21 | ||||
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Authors & Reviewers
| Contributing Author: | Gina Pola-Money |
| 2005: first version: Robin PrattCA; Barbara Ward, RN BSCA; Joyce DolcourtCA; Kristine FergusonCA; Teresa Such-Neibar, DOCA; Lynn Foxx PeaseCA; Helen PostCA; Roz WelchCA |