The
following web sites provide information designed to encourage
and support the accessibility of religious organizations and
facilities. Due
to policy and space limitations, we do not provide links to specific
ministries, churches, and programs that do not serve a national
or international audience.
This reference
circular from the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped lists bibles and sacred texts of many
world religions that are available in braille, large print, or
recorded format. The materials, which are available for loan
or purchase, represent a variety of languages, translations,
and versions.
This personal
website by Jeff McNair, Ph.D. is a resource for those looking
for information relating to the natural support given by local
churches to those with disabilities. Includes articles, research
projects in progress, and related sites.
This is
the website of a consortium of Christian organizations working
in disability ministry. It includes a quiz on "How Accessible
Is Your Church?" as well as information
about the organization and its publications and services.
Part of
the Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA), this membership
consortium offers online information about resources, articles,
newsletters, and other information of interest to special educators
in Jewish agencies.
The Council
"is a non-profit human resources agency, composed of concerned
individuals working together to ensure that all Jews have the
opportunity to fully participate in the richness of Jewish religious,
cultural, and social life." The website includes information
about the organization and its services. There are also related
articles and links.
This site
from Health and Welfare Ministries, General Board of Global Ministries,
The United Methodist Church, "is for persons living with
physically or mentally challenging conditions, their friends,
families, caretakers, lay associates, and clergy. It offers information
related to disability concerns, yet adds the dimension of spiritual
care. Pages include material on developmental disabilities, mental
illness, creative writing by or related to persons with disabilities,
and resources in the area of disability ministry for both individuals
and faith communities." The site also includes up-to-date
news, articles, and information about joining DISC's e-mail list.
Founded
by Joni Eareckson Tada, this internationally known organization
is devoted to "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability
community." Its website includes information about the organization
and its programs, a geographical directory of churches and organizations
with disability ministries, plus a very nicely organized collection
of disability links.
This greatly
expanded section of the N.O.D. website offers a wide variety
of resources and links relating to religion and disability in
general, accessible congregations, and current events and information.
Topics include: N.O.D.'s Religion & Disability Program, Money
and Ideas, Guides, N.O.D. Directory of Religious Leaders, Accessible
Congregations Campaign, Resources and Links, Journey of a Congregation,
Conferences, Facts & Statistics, and News & Updates.
Some of the sections are links to information about publications
available for purchase rather than online.
Part of
Bethesda Lutheran Homes & Services, NCRC provides resources
to families of children with disabilities, pastors, volunteers
and other professionals in the field of developmental disabilities
throughout the world. NCRC holds workshops, responds to telephone
inquiries, and offers a wide variety of other programs and services.
This orthodox
organization maintains a national resource center, a national
center for inclusion, and "mainstreamed" and self-contained
social and recreational activities.
"Pathways
to Promise is an interfaith technical assistance and resource
center which offers liturgical and educational materials, program
models, and networking information to promote a caring ministry
with people with mental illness and their families." Its
website provides clergy and others with information about pastoral
crisis intervention, family support, and and extensive list of
resources.
Compiled
by The Rev. Nancy Lane, Ph.D. and distributed by Syracuse University's
Center on Human Policy, this online packet includes published
articles, a syllabus used for a seminary course, handouts, a
bibliography, and other materials (some in pdf format) that can
be used by people with disabilities and those wanting to minister
with them.