Pope Francis on Mental Illness
Pope Francis met with participants of a mental health conference last month. He noted that it is essential that action is taken to “fully overcome the stigma that mental illness is often tainted with.”
A Transformational Journey with Hearing Loss in the Church
There’s a lot going on beneath the surface in church for people like me with hearing loss. For years, I felt like I was on the outside looking in until a stranger transformed my life. An amazing tool led me back into the circle of belonging. Why did it take so long? The words that unite us with God and one another are too important to miss. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 8:8).
Blooming in the Light of God's Love: Serving with Vision Loss
"I share both cultures and can relate to challenges faced by both groups. God calls each of us to bloom in the light of His love. He invites us to serve His children and provides us the graces and skills we need to fulfill our unique purpose." - Ines Chisholm
The Mystery of God and Life: A Story about Mental Illness
"Today I am a 62-year-old woman living with the biological brain disorder bipolar I illness. I have had a series of manic episodes and many years of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. But now for decades I have the benefit of the right medicine, therapy, the support of family and friends, and much prayer with a resolve to forgive. My symptoms are greatly lessened. I am more comfortable." - Judy Barr
A Life Like Yours: Maddie's Story
This video was produced in collaboration with NCPD by the Archdiocese of Washington's Department of Life Issues and the Department of Special Needs Ministries. It premiered at the annual Youth Rally for Life in Washington, DC on January 22, 2010. We commend Peg Kolm, the video's producer, who was the Archdiocesan Coordinator of the Office of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.
Simple Changes Make a Big Difference: Thoughts on parish access
Becoming a more inclusive church family can be as simple as saying hi. Every church wishes to be welcoming to all of God’s children, but the phrase “disability inclusion” may seem intimidating. As a person with a physical disability, one of the greatest blessings God has given me is the love of two faith-filled parents.
Interview with the Xavier Society
Interview with Malachy Fallon, Executive Director of the Xavier Society. Malachy talks about the history of the Xavier Society, as well as the current resources that the Xavier Society offers for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Experiencing Belonging in a Welcoming Congregation: A Personal Journey living with Cerebral Palsy
"Each person entering into a relationship, whether faith-based or secular, brings with them both strengths as well as their own vulnerabilities. An individual must be welcomed into a community on equal footing with all other members of that particular community for there to be true belonging and recognition of the humanity of the person." - Martin Benton
Being Honest with Ourselves as Caregivers
Caring for others, whether we are formal or informal caregivers, can be challenging and difficult. Although there are many moments of joy, and many gifts to be received, there are also many trials and tribulations to be endured. Currently, we have seen these caregiving challenges augmented greatly while living through a worldwide pandemic.