Kyle Can, Can You?

Michi Fujimoto
Price Stern Sloan, Inc., 1994.

The “Puzzle Place” gang meets Skye’s best friend, Kyle. Skye boasts about how Kyle loves to dance and play sports, so the kids are a little surprised to find that Kyle uses a wheelchair. The kids soon see that there are many different ways in which people live and that all should be appreciated. ISBN: 0843139951.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

The Missing Piece

Shel Silverstein
Harper Collins Children’s Books, 1976.

The circle was not happy because it was missing a piece. Hear the “searching for the missing piece” adventures and new wisdom gained from this quest. Age range: 9-12. ISBN: 0060256710.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

What It's Like To Be Me

Helen Exley, editor
Friendship Press, 1984.

In drawings and words, children with disabilities from all over the world describe how they feel about having a disability. ISBN: 0377001449.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Bless My Special Child

Carolyn Lynch Quinonez
Liguori Publications, 2000

Prayers and insights for parents, as well as a section on “How a Church Community Can Help Families with Special Needs Children.” ISBN: 0764805037.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities

Kathie Snow
BraveHeart Press, 2001

Children with disabilities, under the loving guidance of their parents — the true experts — can lead successful, natural lives at home, in school, and in their communities. The first step to ensure children lead successful, natural lives requires us to recognize that disability is not the “problem.” The problem is, and always has been, society’s attitude toward, and social policies for, children and adults with disabilities. ISBN: 0970763654.

Call (866) 948-2222 to order. Also available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Exceptional Parent

A periodical that provides information and helpful resources on disability issues.
P.O. Box 3000, Dept. EP
Denville, NJ, 07834
(800) 562-1973

See Exceptional Parent for additional resources.

Extraordinary Kids: Nurturing and Championing Your Child with Special Needs

Cheri Fuller and Louise Tucker Jones
Focus on the Family Publishing, 1997

This book, written by an educator and a mother of a child with a disability, provides hope, inspiration and insights a parent needs to capture the unique joy of parenting their child with a disability and help them reach their full potential. ISBN 1561795585.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities

Barbara J. Newman
CRC Publications, 2001

A resource to help children and their parents include a peer with a disability. Newman addresses five specific impairments: autistic spectrum disorders, emotional impairments, hearing impairments, mental impairments and visual impairments. Also included are short sections on ADD, speech and language disorders, physical impairment and learning disabilities. For each impairment, Newman includes a fact sheet for the educator and a lesson for preschool through 6th grade.

To order call (800) 333-8300 or buy online at Friendship Ministries.

His Name is Joel; Searching for God in a Son’s Disability

Kathleen Deyer Bolduc
Bridge Resources,1999

In His Name Is Joel, Kathleen Deyer Bolduc welcomes the reader into the world inhabited by a parent of a child with a disability to experience with her the moments of despair, the joy of resplendent victories and the redemptive presence of God in the midst of deep personal questioning. His Name Is Joel is at once affirming and dares to speak the truth: When disability strikes, parents and families grieve. Her account affirms that God is loving and provides us with the strength to face the darkest hours, bringing us to a place of greater compassion, love, and joy. Call (800) 524-2612 to order.

$11.00 plus shipping & handling
PDS# 095643

Hope for Families: New Directions for Parents of Persons with Mental Retardation & Other Disabilities

Robert Perske, Martha Perske (Illustrator)
Abington Press, 1981

A book to help parents cope with the unique problems they are confronted with when raising a child with mental retardation or other disabilities. ISBN: 0687173809.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Lessons from Emily

Peter & Mary Graber
Mennonite Mutual Aid, 1993

The Grabers chronicle their journey as the parents of Emily, a child born with microcephaly — an underdeveloped brain. They conclude, “It is a journey of love with God.” They share their feelings from when they first learned of Emily’s challenges to their ongoing daily journey with her. They share their disappointments and questions, as well as their joys, acceptance and love.

To order call MMA Educational Resources at (800) 348-7468.

The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Legacy of Love

Christopher de Vinck
Doubleday, 1988

Oliver, the author's brother who lay in the same bed for 33 years, unable to see, walk, communicate or feed himself. The child who outlived two of the doctors who said he would not live beyond the age of eight. The immobile child who touched the lives of hundreds and taught them the true meaning of courage and perseverance. The Power of the Powerless is a doorway into the deep lessons of life, love and faith Christopher de Vinck learned from his brother Oliver. It is a moving testimony to the power God demonstrates in the weakest vessels. It poignantly affirms the immeasurable worth of every person. And it attests powerfully to God's triumphant grace, which transformed adversity into an altar of love and bound a family together in a household of joy. ISBN#0310486912.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Reflections from a Different Journey: What Adults with Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew

Edited by Stanley Klein, Ph.D. and John D. Kemp, 2004

This book contains a series of essays written by adults sharing their experiences of growing up with a disability. They write in response to what they wished their parents had read or been told while they were growing up. The editors are a clinical psychologist who worked for 50 years with children with disabilities and an attorney and advocate who was born without arms and legs. ISBN: 0071422692.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

General disability resources

Access Sunday Worship Celebration Packet

This annual packet provides worship aids to help plan a special Sunday in the life of the congregation around disabilities awareness. Other resources are included to assist in the congregation’s journey toward full inclusion and hospitality.

Available free from PHEWA
100 Witherspoon Street, Room 4617
Louisville, KY 40202-1396.
(888) 728-7228 x8100

Download the packet.

Access Ability: A Manual for Churches, 1997

A complete and valuable 78-page manual designed to provide basic information about disabilities and how to make your congregation more accessible. Addresses architectural issues, attitudes, stereotypes and fears; and discusses models of successes and failures in beginning accessibility projects.

$10 (checks payable to Office on Disability Concerns, cannot ship to PO boxes).
Available from the Episcopal Office on Disability Concerns
Attn: Barbara Ramnaraine
Saint James on the Parkway
3225 E. Minnehaha Pkwy.
Minneapolis, MN, 55417
(612) 721-1103

Accessible Faith: A Technical Guide for Accessibility in Houses of Worship

Elizabeth A. Patterson and Neal A. Vogel
Retirement Research Foundation, 2003

The core of this 52-page guide deals with practical solutions for eliminating physical, auditory and visual barriers and for improving signage, in older houses of worship. The authors use a variety of case examples and support the text with many photographs, drawings, charts, and diagrams and also include information on who is affected by a “disability”, as well as the basics of accessibility laws as they pertain to houses of worship. They conclude the guide with sections covering the design, funding, and construction processes.

Partners for Sacred Places
1700 Sansom Street, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
(215) 567-3234

Adam: God's Beloved

Henri J.M. Nouwen
Orbis Books, 1997

Henri Nouwen writes of his experiences as a friend and caregiver to Adam, a young man with severe disabilities. In this moving, highly readable book, Nouwen describes the ministry and education that Adam provided to him.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer. ISBN: 1570751331.

And Show Steadfast Love: A Theological Look at Grace, Hospitality, Disabilities, and the Church

Lewis H. Merrick, 1993

Developed by Christian Education staff in the PC(USA) Congregational Ministries Division to address attitudinal barriers. Call (800) 524-2612 to order.

PDS# 941083
$4.25

The Body and Physical Difference: Discourses of Disability

David T. Mitchell and Sharon L. Snyder, editors
The University of Michigan Press, 1997

A humanities text which includes essays about western culture from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. Recommended particularly to seminary students and Christian scholars.

Cloth cover ISBN# 0-472-09659-1
Paperback ISBN # 0-472-06659-5

To order call (734) 764-4392
Fax (734) 936-0456

University of Michigan Press

Circles of Friends: People with Disabilities and Their Friends Enrich the Lives of One Another

Robert Perske
Abington Press, 1989

An inspiring book with a collection of stories about friendships between persons with disabilities and able-bodied persons. Beautiful pencil illustrations by Martha Perske. This is an excellent resource for congregations seeking ways to be involved in meaningful ways with persons with disabilities. ISBN: 0687083907.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Dancing with Disabilities; Opening the Church to All God’s Children

Brett Webb-Mitchell
United Church Press,1996

Imagine what a church could be if those who are “disabled” and those who are “able bodied” were to understand themselves to be equal partners in the faith community. Writing personally and passionately on this compelling subject, Brett Webb-Mitchell relates the struggles and triumphs, the frustrations and joys of children and adults with disabilities whom he has met through his ministry. It is these persons who put a genuinely human face to “disabilities” — and whose presence challenges the church to welcome all God’s children to their rightful place in the Christian community. ISBN 0-8298-1152-4.

$15.95
Call (800) 537-3394 or order at UC Press. Also available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Different Members, One Body
Welcoming the Diversity of Abilities in God's Family

Sharon Kutz-Mellem, editor.
Witherspoon Press, 1998

Different Members, One Body is a practical, faith-inspired handbook written for churches that take seriously God's call in welcoming all members into the community of faith. This book offers a wealth of information and insight to churches committed to changing the perceptual, attitudinal and physical barriers that often keep people with disabilities from participating in our churches. Published in partnership with the Commission on Enabling Ministry Services, a ministry of the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Call (800) 524-2612.

Item # 097300
$2.25 plus shipping and handling.

Item # 097301
Audiotape version, $4.50.

The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability

Nancy L. Eiesland

The author, who is disabled, argues that the “hidden history” of non-conventional bodies living ordinary lives with grace and dignity, disgust and disillusion can make both a theological and pastoral contribution. She affirms that bodies in trouble, that lumber and plod their way throughout life, are in full continuity with humans’ ordinary lives, filled with blessings and curses. “A good mixture of historical background, story and groundbreaking theological insights.” ISBN #0687108012.

Available through Abingdon Press, Nashville, Tenn. (800) 251-3320. Also available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

A Drama of Love: A Christian Educator’s Guide to Creating Classes Where Everyone Belongs

Judith Mullet and Paula Snyder

Subtitled "A Christian Educator's Guide to Creating Classes Where Everyone Belongs" this 16-page paper contains a wealth of ideas and helpful hints for Sunday school teachers who want to include children and youth with disabilities in their Sunday school classes.

Available at Anabaptist Disabilities Network.
(877) 214-9838 or (574) 535-7053.

Each One Uniquely Gifted by God

David McKee
Lothrop, Lee & Shepherd Books, 1968.

This disability awareness curriculum was created by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. This guide helps children develop inclusive, accepting attitudes and explains God’s call to show respect and hospitality to all God’s children.

Available from Bethesda’s National Christian Resource Center by calling (800) 369-4636, ext. 416; fax your request to (920) 262-6513 or e-mail.

This and additional resources can be found at Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.

Faith Communities and Inclusion of People with Developmental Disabilities

Mair Hall and Philip Lambert
1998

Includes resources and information on books, articles newsletters and organizations that work to include people with developmental disabilities in the mainstream of faith communities. Also included are selected reprints that give examples of this work. 77 pages. ASIN: B00011025Q.

Available from The Center on Human Policy
(800) 894-0826
(315) 443-4355 (TTY)

FDR's Splendid Deception

Hugh Gallagher
Vandamere Press, 1994

A moving story of FDR and how his efforts to conceal his disability brought significant change to the disability community, the United States and the world. ISBN: 0918339502.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Feed all my Sheep
A Guide and Curriculum for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Doris C. Clark, music by Kinley Lange.
Geneva Press, 2000

All congregations should have this book, a lovingly and competently composed curriculum for teaching adults and older youth with disabilities about the church. Doris Clark, whose son has Down syndrome, offers experienced advice about how to set up church classes geared to the requirements of adults with special needs. She also offers comprehensive advice about how to integrate adults with special needs into the church community.

Call (800) 227-2872

PDS# 501133
$21.95

From Barriers To Bridges; A Community Action Guide for Congregations and People With Disabilities

The resource provides the guidance needed to hold a “That All May Worship” Conference and to promote other community-building activities. It fosters dialogue between people with disabilities, their family members, religious leaders and the larger community.

$10 plus shipping and handling, quantity discounts available.
Available from the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
910 Sixteenth Street NW #600
Washington DC, 20006
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)

God Plays Piano, Too: The Spiritual Lives of Disabled Children

by Brett Webb-Mitchell
Crossroad Publishing Co., 1993

Joshua is a young boy with an extraordinary gift for playing the piano. He is also autistic. His story is one of many in this revelatory look at the spiritual lives of children with disabilities: those with mental retardation, autism or behavior disorders. From these moving, spiritually based narratives, readers will learn a great deal about the immensely rich, often hidden abilities of these children. They will see a surprising depth of understanding in those considered limited in their comprehension of themselves, let alone of the world, church and God. They will gain new insight into the relatively unknown and untapped power of the faith community in nurturing these children’s lives. Most of all, perhaps, they will become more aware of their own journey in Love. ISBN: 0824513746.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

The Gospel of Luke: An ASL Translation

This is a set of five tapes of the Gospel of Luke signed in American Sign Language. It is not voiced.

$84.95
Available from Sign Media, Inc.
4020 Blackburn Lane
Burtonsville, MD, 20866-1167
(800) 475-4756

A Healing Homiletic: Preaching and Disability

by Kathy Black
1996

Offers a unique and effective approach for preaching about disabilities. By going to the heart of the gospel and drawing on the healing narratives or miracle stories, Black shows how preaching affects the inclusion or exclusion of forty-three million persons with disabilities from our faith communities. Provides a new method of preaching about healing, based on Scripture, for understanding the needs of the disability community. This book is a must read for everyone who preaches and teaches in the church. It demonstrates ways to transcend the hurtful biblical passages that reinforce attitudinal barriers and cause pain to persons with disabilities. ISBN #0687002915.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Health as Liberation: Medicine, Theology, and the Quest for Justice

Alastair V. Campbell
Pilgrim Press, 1995

In this lucid and moving analysis of what constitutes a theologically grounded understanding of authentic health care, ethicist Alastair Campbell relates the cases of those not often heard, demonstrating convincingly why all of us — both inside and outside Washington — need to listen …This book has general application for pastoral ministry; it also includes one chapter directly relevant to disabilities. ISBN:0-8298-1022-6.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Human Disability and the Service of God: Reassessing Religious Practice

Nancy L. Eiesland & Don E. Saliers, editors
1998

A rich assortment of essays on worship, biblical texts and practical theology. This book — which might serve as a text in theological school — is a helpful, thoughtful resource for the church, as well. ISBN:00687273161.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Kiss of God; The Wisdom of a Silent Child

Stewart Marshall Ball
Health Communications Inc.,1999

The writings of a deeply spiritual child genius who is unable to walk, care for himself or speak. Inspirational. Revealing of profound truths. ISBN:1558747435.

To order call (800) 441-5569.

Disabilities paper as approved by the 217th General Assembly (2006), includes a study guide.

$4.00
Item # OGA06091

Loving Justice; The ADA and the Religious Community

Clarifies the relationship between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), other relevant disability laws and the religious community. It describes both legal and moral mandates.

$10 plus shipping and handling, quantity discounts available.
Available from the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
910 Sixteenth Street NW #600
Washington, D.C., 20006.
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)

Mill Neck

Resources for deaf ministry. They have a number of videos in American Sign Language:

• The Lord’s Prayer
• The Apostles’ Creed
• Twenty-Third Psalm
• “O Holy Night”
• “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
• “Silent Night, Holy Night”
• “Welcoming Deaf People into the Church”
• “Interpreters in the Church”

Other resources are available as well. Ask for their Sign Language Resource catalog.

The Mill Neck Foundation for Deaf Ministry
PO Box 100, Mill Neck, NY, 11765
(800) 264-0662

Money and Ideas: Creative Approaches to Congregational Access

National Organization on Disability (NOD), in collaboration with the Alban Institute, has published this 36-page booklet. It describes creative initiatives and fund raising strategies used by 50 congregations to become more accessible to people with all types of disabilities. These congregations, although limited in funds, serve as models of inclusion and hospitality.

$3.50 plus shipping and handling, quantity discounts available.
Available from the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
910 Sixteenth Street NW #600
Washington, D.C., 20006
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)

No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement

Joseph Shapiro
Random House, 1993

The disability-rights movement has thousands of heroes but, interestingly, no “hero.” Shapiro tells the story of how viewing disability as “illness” has changed to viewing disability as “culture.” ISBN: 0812919645.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Pain Seeking Understanding; Suffering, Medicine, and Faith

Margaret E. Mohrmann, M.D. and Mark J. Hanson, editors

Examines how believers and nonbelievers alike wrestle with questions of faith when confronted with pain and suffering that medicine alone cannot treat. Mohrmann and Hanson call upon fellow experts in the fields of medicine, ethics, theology, and pastoral care to help them weave the complex story of faith and science working together to ease suffering and help broaden our understanding of God’s role in suffering and healing. ISBN# 0829813543.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Perske: Pencil Portraits 1971-1990

Drawings by Martha Perske; introduction by Robert Perske
Abingdon Press, 1998

These illustrations in pencil from renowned artist Martha Perske present a rare, refreshing view of both a person’s disability and beauty. ISBN: 0687050804.

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

A Place Called Acceptance: Ministry with Families of Children with Disabilities

Kathleen Deyer Bolduc
Bridge Resources, 2001

In Bolduc’s new book, she challenges congregations to reach out to families of children living with physical, mental or behavioral disabilities. This is a handbook for caring congregations looking for ways to welcome all of God’s children into the full life of the church.

Call (800) 524-2612 to order.

$7.95 plus shipping & handling.
PDS# 095652

For information and to order the following, call PDS at (800) 524-2612

The Presbyterian Book of Confessions

Part I of the Consitution, The Book of Confessions contains the offical texts of eleven confessional statements.  The creeds, confessions and catechisms are both historical and comtemporary.

The Presbyterian Book of Order

This document contains the Form of Government, Directory for Worship, Rules of Discipline and the Formula of Agreement.

$7.50 Large Print Edition
PDS# OGA05010

$7.50 Braille Edition
PDS# OGA05051

Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) Newsletter

One benefit of membership in PDC is the network newsletter. It is a way to stay connected with others across the denomination sharing these concerns. It contains ministry models, resources and news about what congregations are doing. This newsletter is available in an alternative format upon request.

Free
Available from PHEWA
100 Witherspoon Street, Room 4617
Louisville KY 40202-1396.
(888) 728-7228 x8100

The Presbyterian Hymnal

Braille Edition
18 Volumes

For churches the cost is $603.45, for individuals $201.15. $1 more per volume for binding.

Order from The National Braille Association
Three Townline Circle
Rochester NY, 14623-2513
(716) 427-8260

A Ramp is Not Enough

This promotional brochure describes the work of NOD.

Available from the National Organization on Disability
910 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20006
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)
(Fax) (202) 293-7999
E-mail

The Rejected Body: Feminist Philosophical Reflections on Disability

Susan Wendell
Routledge, 1996

“Among the topics it addresses are who should be identified as disabled; whether disability is biomedical, social or both; what causes disability and could ‘cure’ it; and whether scientific efforts to eliminate disabling physical conditions are morally justified.” ISBN#0415910471.

Order by phone: (800) 634-7064 or at Routledge.

Religion and Disability; Perspectives in Scripture, Theology and Ethics

Marilyn E. Bishop, editor
Sheed & Ward, 1995

Three keynote addresses from the national symposium, “Ministry perspectives on Disability.” “A probing look at disabilities. This book offers depth of thinking.”

$6.95
To order call (800) 266-5564.

Riding the Bus With My Sister

Rachel Simon
A Plume book (Penguin Group USA, Inc)

An insightful and moving story focuses on the journey of two sisters — the older, a journalist, the younger, a person with “mild mental retardation.” The older sister spends a year participating in the world of her younger sister, gaining insight, wisdom, and depth of perception by her revisiting memories, engaging in experiences, expressing a range of emotions, and reflecting on the gifts provided through her sister’s life. ISBN: 0618045996

Available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

Sacramental Preparation — Eucharist — Individualizing Lesson Plans

Mary Pat Carter with Marilyn E. Bishop
Center for Ministry with People with Disabilities, University of Dayton, 1996

An overview of how children with disabilities can be included in regular classes — to learn about sacraments or for typical Christian Education classes. An extensive section on how to individualize lesson plans to meet the needs of a variety of children with disabilities. Note: This is a Catholic resource. Be alert to theological differences with Reformed Theology.

Sign Language Resource catalog

Mill Neck has a number of resources for deaf ministry. They have a number of videos in American Sign Language: the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Twenty-Third Psalm; the following hymns: “O Holy Night,” “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” and “Silent Night, Holy Night;” two video resources on deaf ministry: “Welcoming Deaf People into the Church,” and “Interpreters in the Church.” There are other resources.

Contact The Mill Neck Foundation for Deaf Ministry
PO Box 100
Mill Neck, NY, 11765
(800) 264-0662

Suffering Presence: Theological Reflections on Medicine, the Mentally Handicapped, and the Church

by Stanley Hauerwas
University of Notre Dame Press, 1986

Hauerwas’ overriding concern in this text is with the contribution theological ethics can make moral dilemmas in medicine...The text is a most provocative collection of essays and will become standard reading for all medical ethicists. ISBN #0-268-01722-0.

Order by calling (800) 621-2736 or at the AAUP online catalog.

That All May Understand; Ministry With Persons Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

by Debbie W. Parvin /Chalice Press
Christian Board of Publication, 1992

This practical manual tells in straightforward terms how to bridge the gulf between hearing and deaf people and deliver the good news in ways that benefit and empower both. The author offers an overview of deaf cultures, languages and issues, and sets forward specific guidelines for starting and sustaining effective ministries with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Order from Cokesbury: (800) 366-3383

That All May Worship; An Interfaith Welcome To People With Disabilities

Assists congregations, denominational groups and seminaries in welcoming people with disabilities. This handbook is interfaith and concerns people with all types of disabling conditions.

$10 plus shipping and handling, quantity discounts available.

Available from the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
910 Sixteenth Street NW #600,
Washington DC 20006
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)

Unexpected Guests at God’s Banquet: Welcoming People with Disabilities Into the Church

Brett Webb-Mitchell
New York: Crossroad Publishing Co.,1994

Flowing from Jesus’ parable of the banquet feast, this practical and challenging call to a more inclusive church shows why people with disabilities must be a part of congregational life, along with how, where and what to do. Essential for parents, teachers and those living with disabilities themselves. ISBN #0824514408.

Order from National Book Network, phone: (800) 395-0690. Also available at your local bookstore or online retailer.

What Christians Believe: Confirmation Studies for Persons with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

George C. Anderson and the Briarwood Task Force for Handicapped Ministries

The good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone! So why are there so few educational offerings to instruct people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in Christian doctrines? This need for biblically sound confirmation curriculum has finally been met with What Christians Believe: Confirmation Studies for Persons with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. In this nondenominational lesson series, Dr. Anderson explains how to teach the basic tenets of the Christian faith in a clear, meaningful way. The lessons use a variety of hands-on activities for students to learn about God's love; Jesus' life, death and resurrection; the Bible; Baptism; Communion; and Christian living.

Call (800) 524-2612

$5.48
PDS# 095602

Why, God?

Burton Cooper
Westminster John Knox Press, 1988

Examines the questions of why some people suffer and God’s involvement in that suffering.

Call (800) 524-2612

$17.95
PDS# 000731

Believing, Belonging, Becoming

Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities

This 12-minute video and accompanying booklet explore stories of inclusive faith experiences of persons with cognitive disabilities connecting with faith communities and building meaningful relationships in the congregation. Testimonials are given by persons with disabilities and by church members who form intentional relationships, called “worship circles of support” or “circles of friends” within the church community. The video highlights the essential place that social relationships and spiritual growth plays in all of our lives, including that of persons with cognitive disabilities.

The accompanying booklet is “Believing, Belonging, Becoming: Stories of Faith Inclusion” by Beth Sweden. Three handouts also accompany the video: A “Discussion Guide for ‘Believing, Belonging, Becoming,’” “Helpful Tips Toward Including Someone with a Disability” and “People First Language.”

To order contact Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) toll-free at (888) 332-1677 or (608) 266-7826. TTY/TDD (608) 266-6660, fax (608) 267-3906.

Bridges to Faith

Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation in Greater New Bedford
Testimonials are given by pastors, church members and persons with disabilities who participate in a “faith companions” program in New Bedford, Mass. Persons with cognitive disabilities who want to attend church are paired with church members who accompany the individual to worship/other church activities. Beautiful friendships are built, faith is nurtured and lives enriched through this intentional partnership.

Contact the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation in Greater New Bedford, Massachusetts at (508) 992-1848 x300.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

This is a copy of episode #1478 featuring Mister Rogers’ visit with Jeff Erlanger, a young man who uses a wheelchair. During that episode, the Rev. Fred Rogers sang, “It’s You I Like.” Family Communications, Inc. gave PDC permission to lend this segment out to congregations and to use the
lyrics and music in their Access Sunday Packets.

To borrow the video, call Nancy Troy at (888) 728-7228, x5800 or email Nancy Troy.

Surprising Grace: People, Disabilities, Churches

Media Services, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); produced and directed by William W. Gee, in cooperation with Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC), 1998.

This video in two versions (3 and 15 minute) shows persons with disabilities actively serving their churches. Includes interviews that explain why persons with disabilities feel welcomed by their churches and why “the more physically accessible a church can be, the more spiritually accessible it’s going to be for everyone.” Includes a study guide.

Call (800) 524-2612

$5
PDS# 72-650-98-001

The Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities

This video has been called a training tool as it was designed for use by businesses to train employees and improve service to customers. However, it can be helpful to other groups in church, school or community to increase sensitivity to persons with disabilities. Do the words, “Ten commandments,” in the title sound heavy — not at all! It is very effective in its use of humor to deliver its message. The video consists of ten vignettes depicting situations in which persons with limited mobility, vision, hearing or speech encounter situations where communication can be difficult unless the other person observes a few helpful tips. Viewing this video can change attitudes and avoid awkwardness. The points are made without preaching. Solid information is presented with clarity and in an entertaining, not condescending, way. The people with disabilities are pictured as competent and affable and they gain respect from their colleagues. They also get amused at themselves occasionally. 26 minutes

This video may be borrowed from PHEWA. Contact Allyn Schadt at (888) 728-7228, x5807. Also available for purchase from Program Development Associates.

Center on Human Policy, Syracuse University
The Center on Human Policy (CHP) is a Syracuse University based policy, research, and advocacy organization involved in the national movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities.

805 South Crouse Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244-2280
(800) 894-0826
315-443-4355 (TTY)

Disability is Natural
The mission of Disability is Natural is to encourage new ways of thinking about disability and to help create a society in which all people are valued and included.

BraveHeart Press
P. O. Box 7245
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Fax (719) 687-8114
Toll-Free: (866) 948-2222

Family Communications, Inc.
This Web site takes you to the many resources that continues the work of the Rev. Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood). Resources and information about training initiatives are available.

Family Communications, Inc.
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 687-2990
Fax (412) 687-1226

Kids Health
This site offers different portals for children, youth, and adults to learn about a variety of health issues. The language is age appropriate depending on which portal one enters. It is particularly good for learning about specific disabilities.

The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is a national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators and other professionals. Special focus is children and youth, birth to age 22. Through telephone and email, NICHCY information specialists offer personal responses to your specific questions and referrals to disability organizations, parent groups, and professional associations at the state and national level. Their publications include fact sheets on specific disabilities, state resource sheets, parent guides, bibliographies, and NICHCY issue papers.

NICHCY is a project of the Academy for Educational Development, operated through a Cooperative Agreement with the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education.

PO Box 1492
Washington, D.C. 20013-1492
(800) 695-0285 (Voice/TTY)
(202) 884-8200 (Voice/TTY)
E-mail

NCC Equal Access Guide
A Resource from the National Council of Churches USA (NCC) Committee on Disabilities. For meetings, conferences, large assemblies and worship.

The National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.)
N.O.D. promotes the full and equal participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. The N.O.D. Religion and Disability Program is an interfaith effort urging local congregations, national denominational groups and seminaries to remove the obstacles to worship that alienate people with disabilities.

910 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20006
(202) 293-5960
(202) 293-5968 (TDD)
Fax (202) 293-7999
E-mail