Would you like to submit your story? Learn more here.
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
Autism is an extremely complex disorder but for purposes of this one article, we can distill its myriad characteristics into four fundamental areas: sensory processing challenges, speech/language delays and impairments, the elusive social interaction skills and whole child/self-esteem issues.
Waiting for Eli
This book is about a Lafayette, La., couple and their infant son Eli who was born with a birth defect called spina bifida. It is an inspiring story of faith, hope and the power of prayer. The book takes us on an emotional roller coaster ride, starting with the day the author first learns of his son’s medical condition. This moving story has a strong pro-life, pro-love message, and is made even more compelling by the author’s descriptions of little miracles along the way.
A Letter to Fellow Dads
Dear Fellow Dad, As we celebrate this beautiful year of Saint Joseph, I want to write to you dad to a dad. Thank you for all you do every single day for your family, especially your little ones.
Snapshots
"Having a sibling with disabilities comes with its challenges, but it has also been one of the most joy-filled relationships of my life. Kelly possesses a joy that is deeper and more authentic than anyone else I've ever met. Although she can't communicate verbally, she is able to quickly brighten my day with the love in her eyes, her sweet smile, or by grabbing my hand in hers and holding it tight. She continually teaches me to appreciate the little things, and to lean on the love of family when the going gets tough. I'm very grateful for my little sister and the many blessings she brings to my life!" - Heather Cooksey, Diocese of Galveston- Houston.
"Always dwell in the possibilities."
My name is Bridget Brown and I live in a suburb of Chicago. I am 33 and I have lived in my neighborhood most of my life. I am thrilled that I was born in March - when we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month- because I have never let the fact that I have Down Syndrome limit me. I am a national inclusion advocate and public speaker.
My Life as a Catholic Veteran with a Disability
There are a range of conditions that can qualify someone as a veteran with a disability.
Meet Saint Alexander's Parish
San Alejandro, Cornelius Oregon
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
The Blessings of Autism
Kym Wright, a contributor to the web blog Crosswalk.com, writes about the lessons she’s learned from her son who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many articles and books are published about the challenges of Autism and the negative impact it has on families. This mother, like many other parents, celebrates the joy and blessings Autism brings. The following are some of the positive outcomes Kym attributes to raising a child with Autism:
We are Part of the Same Family: The Story of SPICE
...our ultimate concern was what kind of education Megan would be able to have and was there a possibility of a Catholic Education for her – as was so important for us with her 10 older siblings. We fretted over this for years – legal pads of our thoughts that if they said this, we would say this – finally we just handed it over to God and called St. Catharine for an appointment with Margaret Crabtree, the principal at the time. We were greeted with “We have been waiting for you”! How about that for a Catholic welcome!
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.- 1 of 2
- next ›