Library Guides: Theology and Disability: Websites

About

This page contains promising websites with information and resources about theology and disability. This is only a sampling of the many available.

Websites

The American Association of People with Disabilities Interfaith Initiative
Collaborative on Faith and Disability "The mission of the Collaborative on Faith and Disability is to support 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."
Disability & Faith Forum This blog includes interviews and guest posts by many well-respected scholars in the field of theology and disability.
Disabled World: "Disabilities: Definition, Types and Models of Disability" This very helpful resource includes a "definition of disability including types of disabilities and defining the meaning of the various models of disability."
Wheaton College Center for Faith and Disability "The Wheaton College Faith & Disability Initiative exists to provoke Biblical and ecumenical discourse on disability as it impacts schools, congregations, and families. Our vision is to empower long-lasting disciple-making movements with deep roots in the scriptures and in the diverse and beautiful body of the Messiah."
Faith Ability: Religion and Disability Resources
Faith and Disability Resources by Erik W. Carter "Faith can be important aspect of flourishing for many people with disabilities and their families. This line of work focuses on the place of faith in the lives of individuals, the postures and practices of faith communities that see themselves as incomplete without the presence and participation of people with disabilities, and the ways in which service systems can support a life of faith."
Institute on Theology & Disability "Our Mission is to foster diverse and authentic interfaith conversations at the intersection of theology and disability. Our Vision is that international theological learning and religious practices embrace the gifts, needs, and contributions of people with disabilities and their families."
Interfaith Disability Advocacy Collaborative "The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Collaborative (IDAC) mobilizes the religious community to take action on disability policy with Congress, the President and Administration, and society at large. IDAC is a diverse, nonpartisan coalition of national religious and religiously affiliated organizations whose core spiritual values affirm the rights and dignity of people with disabilities."
International Day of People with Disabilities "Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies and communities – most notably with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Over time, the UN has honed its focus on promoting the well-being and welfare of people living with disabilities, and in 1992 called for an international day of celebration for people living with disabilities to be held on December 3 each year. International Day of People with Disabilities is not owned by the UN - it is owned by everyone: people, organisations, agencies, charities, places of learning - all of whom have a vital role to play in identifying and addressing discrimination, marginalization, exclusion and inaccessibility that many people living with disabilities face. International Day of People with Disabilities is one day on the international calendar, yet it symbolizes the actions we should take every day, in order to create diverse and accepting communities."
That All May Worship: An Interfaith Welcome to People with Disabilities This is a promising resource from The American Association of People with Disabilities.
United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing Ministries "In 1992, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church established the National Committee on Deaf Ministries as a mission initiative (renewed at each General Conference.) As its mission expanded to include all people with hearing loss, the committee broadened its name to reflect the diversity of the population it represents. It is now known as the United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries or DHM. The committee operates under the auspices of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church."
United Methodist Disability Ministries "Through advocacy, education and empowerment, the Disability Ministries Committee (DMC) leads the United Methodist Church to create a culture where people with disabilities are fully included in worship, missions, leadership and ministry."
United Methodist Mental Health Ministries "Mental Health Ministries was founded in 2001 by United Methodist minister, Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder. It is part of the DisAbility Ministries Committee under the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries. Mental Health Ministries has evolved into an ecumenical and interfaith outreach. It works with faith communities, advocacy groups, community organizations and mental health professionals. The focus is on using one’s faith and spirituality as an important part of the recovery and treatment process and as a way for family members to find strength and hope in caring for a loved one with a mental illness."
United Methodist Women: "The Church and People with Disabilities" This page contains information and resources for churches that wish to become more accessible and welcoming to those with disabilities.

Disability Ministries

These icons are often used to signify different disabilities. Perhaps you recognize some of them. There are many more. See this resource for more information.