RespectAbility hosted a conversation with leading scholars of Christian Disability Theology about representations of disability in the Second Testament. Learn from our panelists about alternative interpretations to sacred text and how these shifts in perspective can help to nurture belonging for disabled and pre-disabled people in local church contexts. [continue reading…]
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The intersection of spirituality and disability has given rise to a variety of initiatives and programs across faith traditions. All of these elevate the importance of faith in the lives of many disabled people and those who love them. Shelly Christensen, Rev. Ben Bond, Rev. Bill Gaventa, and Hannah Roussel discussed why sacred communities need to raise awareness to create a culture of belonging. The presenters talked about their experiences creating grassroots faith and disability initiatives, offered tools and resources, and provided wisdom from different sacred traditions and communities. [continue reading…]
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Throughout the pandemic, technology solutions provided opportunities for people with I/DD and their families to participate in what used to be inaccessible activities and environments. Today, tools such as virtual platforms, communication technologies, connected communities, and cognitively accessible solutions are applied in innovative ways to decrease loneliness and provide ways for individuals to access religious and spiritual environments. Our presenters discussed the utilization of technology solutions across domains and innovative approaches spiritual leaders are using to reach new audiences and allow greater participation from people with I/DD. [continue reading…]
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How do you determine ways to support individual spiritual and religious preferences? Evergreen Life Services has developed its own spiritual assessment practice. This presentation described how Evergreen utilizes its successful approach to support an individual’s preferences and participation in their chosen spiritual and religious expressions. The assessments include targeted questions that help create a pathway for providers to support individual religious and spiritual preferences and practices. The presenters from Evergreen shared the stories of peoples’ journeys to belong to their chosen faith communities. [continue reading…]
Here at RespectAbility, we hope to destigmatize disability in all realms of life. In the Faith Inclusion and Belonging department particularly, our work is in making all houses of worship across all faiths places where disabled people belong and thrive. RespectAbility, in partnership with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Long Beach, California, hosted a 5-session, weekly online study on disability in Jewish and Christian scripture. [continue reading…]
Matan Koch met with Rabbi Charles Sherman of Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, a small congregation in Pennsylvania with a dedicated Disability Inclusion Committee. Rabbi Sherman asked intriguing questions that prompted Matan to share about his disability, his experience as a Rabbi’s son, and his journey through the world of Jewish inclusion.
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Attendees heard from some of our Jewish rising stars in the Disability Training & Speakers Bureau and got their free copy of RespectAbility’s new Jewish Disability Inclusion Toolkit. [continue reading…]
Join Sinai Temple and RespectAbility for a conversation about Jewish disability inclusion! Hear from filmmaker and actor Aaron Wolf and poet Erika Abbott about their experiences as Jews with disabilities. Following their reflections, there was a Q&A session led by Rabbi Erez Sherman from Sinai Temple.
