Hidden Disabilities

VBS: A Plan for Inclusion: Podcast Episode 049

VBS: A Plan for Inclusion: Podcast Episode 049

Sandra Peoples shares 8 steps to take so you’ll be ready to welcome and support kids with disabilities at VBS this summer.

The Mental Health Friendly Church: An Interview with Rachael Newham from Kintsugi Hope: Podcast Episode 047

The Mental Health Friendly Church: An Interview with Rachael Newham from Kintsugi Hope: Podcast Episode 047

In today’s podcast episode, Catherine interviews Rachael Newham from Kintsugi Hope, a UK-based mental health ministry that has developed a theology of mental health, and is spearheading a mental health friendly church project.

Teaching Biblical Discernment for Children of All Abilities

Teaching Biblical Discernment for Children of All Abilities

As we move from a knowledge-hungry world to one saturated with information, it is more important than ever to stop teaching children lots of memorized facts—but instead, instill them with the ability to discern information with wisdom. I also believe that even children with learning challenges and disabilities can cultivate discernment, especially as we show them through our examples and teach them to lean into the Holy Spirit for help.

Adding Social Stories to Your Toolbox: Podcast Episode 046

Adding Social Stories to Your Toolbox: Podcast Episode 046

Is there a specific situation or environment or activity that is stressful to one particular child in your ministry area, but is not a challenge to others? Social stories are not a new concept for students on the autism spectrum. But, perhaps you’ve never considered using them in the church setting. In this week’s episode, Beth shares examples of a few social stories to add to your toolbox.

The Reason My Family Is Not Always With Me in Worship

The Reason My Family Is Not Always With Me in Worship

Guest blogger, Shannon Blosser shares his experience as both a pastor and a special needs dad.

While our son loves being in the church and especially enjoys looking at our stained-glass ceiling formation, he cannot always handle the crowds and noise that come with being in worship. We try to meet his needs while living into the realities of being a pastoral family.

A Message for Children's Ministers on Inclusion: Podcast Episode 040

A Message for Children's Ministers on Inclusion: Podcast Episode 040

Today’s episode is a message of encouragement for those of you in children’s ministry who want to be more proactive about including kids with disabilities, including mental health and behavioral diagnosis. In your school district, it's likely that 20% of the students are receiving IEP or 504 accommodations to make learning easier for them. The message we share, the gospel, is important enough to be willing to make some accommodations for too in our ministries! So let's talk about why and how you can make your ministry more accessible!

Disability Ministry: A Tale of Two Churches

Disability Ministry: A Tale of Two Churches

Guest blogger Sandy Hartranft shares her son's experience with the disability ministries at two churches—each with its own approach to inclusion and belonging.

DATC2023 Ministry Intensive Preview: An Interview with Stephen "Doc" Hunsley: Podcast Episode 039

DATC2023 Ministry Intensive Preview: An Interview with Stephen "Doc" Hunsley: Podcast Episode 039

In today’s podcast, Catherine Boyle interviews Doc Hunsley from SOAR Special Needs, and lets you know how you can sign up for Doc’s Disability Ministry 101 Ministry Intensive at DATC2023.

The Reason I No Longer Mask my Neurodivergence at Church

The Reason I No Longer Mask my Neurodivergence at Church

After a recent conversation, Joanna French had the realization that she rarely masks her neurodivergence in her church. She shares her hope that everyone finds a community where their difference will be celebrated instead of admonished.