Waiting for Eli
This book is about a Lafayette, La., couple and their infant son Eli who was born with a dreaded 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.
Dementia-Friendly Worship: Finding Spiritual Peace with Dementia
By Brian LeBlanc and Maureen Rulison
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:
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.
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