AAIDD Religion & Spirituality Network
"Working to foster opportunities for spiritual growth among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Friends and Colleagues,
I am in the process of culling resources, or, as realtors say it these days, “editing” one’s home and belongings. Over the years, I have been given extra copies of books or magazine issues that were going out of print, and a video. These are dated resources but still good. If you want some for your own collection or to give out to people in trainings, here is what I have:
Continue reading “Religion and Spirituality Resources Available”
Dear Friends,
The AAIDD annual meeting is almost upon us, June 3 – 6 in Pittsburgh PA. Register today if you haven’t already.
Continue reading “Message from the President, May 2013 (Conference Edition)”
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. Our dear friend, Nella Uitvlugt, died suddenly Wednesday evening, March 21. She was a powerful force in this work, as well as a good friend to many. In fact, friendship was at the center of her ministry, in its simplest and most powerful form, though she was also Executive Director of Friendship Ministries. You can view and add your own testaments for Nella here. Please keep her family and co-workers at Friendship Ministries in your prayers during this difficult time.
It is with a very heavy heart that our Division shares the news of the sudden and unexpected death of our dear friend, Nella Uitvlugt, Executive Director of Friendship Ministries of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
My review for this newsletter was prompted by a number of things. I recalled a conversation with another member of AAIDD about being cognizant of the issue of age appropriate materials when reviewing products for purposes of religious education with persons with special needs. Recent interactions with “twice exceptional” (both gifted and disabled) persons who have been struggling with finding a place to fit in came to mind.
Continue reading “Reaching Out in Faith with Contemporary Forms of Media”
Dear Friends,
I hope this edition of the Religion and Spirituality Division newsletter finds you well. Some among us may still be coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. For my own part, I am still catching up from the loss of power for a week, which is why this newsletter is delayed (sorry). However, my experience was nothing near what many had or are still dealing with.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our survey! There were 48 of you who did so, approximately 39% of our membership. There is a brief summary of it in this edition of the newsletter. The results are consistent with conversations I have had with many of you:
Your responses will really help to guide the work of the executive committee. A few of you expressed interest in helping. Thank you, we will be in touch!
A Review of “Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (2nd edition) by Barbara J. Newman
Published by Friendship Ministries
This 2011 revision of the original 2006 manual concludes with a call and a challenge by Pastor Jared Henderson to form inclusive worship communities by providing passionate, unconditional love to person with special needs, pursuing those who may need such environments, and to show compassion in order to “be willing to get close.” (p.91). With her fine mix of rationale based on scripture along with an extensive array of practical suggestions to faith communities attempting to meet the spiritual needs of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities, Ms. Newman accomplishes this in fine fashion. Although the publication is Christian in orientation, the suggestions could be easily integrated into any organized faith community interested in reaching out to persons with ASD and other special needs.
Continue reading “Pursuing Passionate and Compassionate Love”
Thank you to everyone who filled out our recent survey, below you will find a brief summary of the results:
Dear Friends,
I am excited about working with you all the next two years as president of the Religion and Spirituality Division! I have enjoyed the opportunities for learning and relationships through my membership, which have richly enhanced my ministry as director for Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. I hope and pray that I may do justice to the legacy of those before me.
Since our inception 30 years ago, Friendship Ministries has believed that the Church is complete only when it includes all of God’s people. To that end, we have worked diligently to encourage and equip congregations to minister with intellectual disabilities. Our unique model for ministry has quickly become the standard for congregations around the world, and we have been blessed with friends, mentors, colleagues, and partners who have graciously supported Friendship’s mission in their own communities.
Continue reading “Friendship Ministries, Celebrating 30 Years”
AAIDD Religion & Spirituality Network 