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Spiritual Needs

Some of the most valuable supports for anyone during times of stress or transition are those of family, friends, and community, which may also include church. For special needs youth who are seeking increasing independence from family, spirituality may become more important, whether or not it is connected with any particular religion.
Although many youth will choose to continue the spiritual or religious practices with which they were raised, some may seek other spiritual connections. This section offers resources on finding churches or organizations that are both physically and spiritually accommodating to people with disabilities.

Resources

Information & Support

For Parents and Patients

CARE Ministries
A national interdenominational agency promoting spiritual development and Christian resources for people who are blind and visually impaired to encourage their full inclusion as fellow ministers and co-laborers in the Body of Christ.

Religion & Disability Program
This program from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) urges local congregations, national denominational groups and seminaries to remove architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers. The program was formerly with the National Organization on Disability (NOD).

Rest Ministries, Inc. Chronic Illness/Pain Support
A non-profit Christian organization for people who live with chronic illness or pain.

Disability Concerns (DISC)
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 Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
This organization provides social and health services to older adults, children, youth and families and people who are differently abled to meet their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs in the loving and caring spirit of Christ.

National Jewish Council for the Disabled
This council is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities within the Jewish community.

Council for Jews with Special Needs
Works to ensure that all Jewish young people with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in the richness of Jewish religious, cultural, and social life. It offers a variety of programs, services, and materials.

National Catholic Office for Persons with Disabilities
Welcomes the fourteen million Catholics who are disabled and works to ensure that there are able to participate in the celebrations and obligations of their faith, and advocates for their inclusion within the total fabric of society.

Services

Ethnic, Religious, Cultural Support

See all Ethnic, Religious, Cultural Support services providers (72) in our database.

Services for People with Disabilities

See all Services for People with Disabilities services providers (60) in our database.

For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.

Authors

Contributing Authors: Robin Pratt, 12/2005
Barbara Ward RN BS, 12/2005
Gina Pola-Money, 12/2005
Joyce Dolcourt, 12/2005
Kristine Ferguson, 12/2005
Teresa Such-Neibar DO, 12/2005
Lynn Foxx Pease, 12/2005
Helen Post, 12/2005
Roz Welch, 12/2005
Reviewing Author: Alfred Romeo RN, PhD, 12/2008
Content Last Updated: 12/2008

Funding/Support

Thank you to the Utah Medical Home Young Adult Advisory Committee for reviewing this section.