Friday, December 30, 2016

News and notes from AMD, 12/30/16

See you next year!

Story from L'Arche newsletter
https://www.larcheusa.org/2016/12/where-is-your-bed-pillow/

Flying with a wheelchair
http://consumersense.org/wheelchair-users-hate-fly-more-than-you-do-heres-why/

UCLA study on people with disabilities in the world
http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/12/18/67332/ucla-study-looks-at-how-the-world-treats-people-wi/

“Special needs” is an ineffective euphemism, Cognitive Research 1:29
http://www.readcube.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-016-0025-4

UM Disability blog: hope
http://umdisability.blogspot.com/2016/12/hope-diane-mettam.html


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Monday, December 26, 2016

Hope -- Diane Mettam

Dear Friends,

I am so sorry you haven’t heard from me in such a long time.  I have been in the middle of a flare-up for a couple of months, and it is painful and draining.  I have tried to sit and write, and my writing goes nowhere.  With all that has been going on in this world, you would think that certainly God would give me something to say, but nothing has come through my mind or my fingers.  In this season of anticipation, I am honestly waiting. 

I am not waiting to feel better; I know it will come in its own good time.  I am waiting for the pain to pass.  It will happen, but not on my schedule.  It is difficult to endure at times, but I am comforted to know that I am not the only one who has gone through struggles with pain.  Paul wrote of a thorn in his flesh  “to keep me from being too elated.”  2 Corinthians 12:7  The psalmists wrote often of pain.  “But I am lowly and in pain; let your salvation, O God, protect me.”  Psalm 69:29  “For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.”  Psalm 38:17

The problem with pain is that it distracts us from so many things, including God.  It weakens us physically as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  One drags through the day, sometimes with grand ambitions of what will be accomplished, sometimes with the hope of just getting the bare minimum accomplished - getting bathed and dressed and the animals fed.  I am so grateful that I have a loving, understanding husband, although I often fear that he must be so tired of coming home to yet another day of nothing accomplished.  I am also grateful that it is Christmas break, and I have secured the services of a high school friend, who can look at a room and see what needs to be done without my telling her.  Thanks to her my family’s Christmas presents were wrapped and boxed and mailed last Monday, and my office filing was taken care of.  While I was trying to figure out what to do next, she cleaned out the magazines on my end table.  I am blessed. 

I used to be able to do two things a day; on an exceptional day I could handle three.  Now I’m lucky if I can do one, and I am grateful for those times.  Volunteering with the children at school gives me a sense of purpose and worth.  Attending Bible Study keeps me connected to the Lord and other Christians.   Going to the gym with my husband, if only to use the hydro-massage, helps me get out of my house.  Participating in the Christmas Pageant (although I had to hide the script in my Bible and read all of my lines - my short-term memory is shot) gave me a chance to forge connections with our youth and celebrate Christmas in a new way. 

Today is Christmas.  I still haven’t sent out the Christmas cards.  They may be Epiphany cards this year.  But we celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in church.  We brought requested food to the St. Vincent de Paul kitchen.  (Did you know there was a whipped cream shortage?  Apparently a nitrous oxide factory exploded and since it is a propellant and a preservative in canned whipped cream, it has caused a nationwide shortage, but we were able to find plenty at our Costco.)  We’ve renewed our homeless bag ministry since our city closed the campground where those without housing were allowed to sleep overnight.  There are lots of cold people on the street now.  The local market cooked our meal, and it is excellent.  And there is plenty for anyone who might stop by. 

On this night when we remember and give thanks for the gift of the Christ Child, I wish you all  a blessed holy day, full of joy and gratitude.  I don’t know when I’ll be able to write to you again, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. 


Dear Lord, I thank you first for the gift of your Son.  By coming to earth as one of us you demonstrated the depth of your love for us.  Thank you for the gift of Scripture, which can guide us and inspire us, comfort us and instruct us.  Thank you for the saints who have gone before us, and for those who live among us now.  Their love and their lives encourage us when we weary or our path is unclear.  And thank you for the promise of the resurrection, of knowing that we will always be with you.  Because of Jesus there is hope, and the world has never been the same.  Amen.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016

News and notes from AMD, 12/09/16

Holidays and hope:
https://www.robert-vore.com/blog/2015/12/16/holidays

CBS  program segment on ADA lawsuits-- comments are open
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-americans-with-disabilities-act-lawsuits-anderson-cooper/
Advocacy alert from CIL on this program:
https://t.e2ma.net/message/3f16l/3fli8c
What were you thinking?
https://medium.com/@OptimisticGrin/anderson-cooper-what-were-you-thinking-425fa6a9932a#.qvn06b8by

Hearing Health blog: Help us to hear the words of faith
http://hearinghealthmatters.org/betterhearingconsumer/2016/help-us-to-hear-the-words-of-faith/

Suicide Prevention
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2016/the-push-for-suicide-prevention.shtml


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

News and notes from AMD, 11/23/2016

Giving Tuesday: the GBGM committees that provide and promote services to Deaf and disabled people in the UMC connection are asking for funds to assist with their grant, education, and inclusion programs on November 29 (Tuesday); see https://www.umcmission.org/giving-tuesday or the Facebook pages of each committee for information.
The Disability Ministries Advance number is 3021054.
The Deaf Ministries Advance number 982562.

East African communities discuss disability and theology
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/east-african-communities-discuss-disability-theology

Visually impaired students thrive at African school
http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/visually-impaired-students-thrive-at-african-school

TU Collaborative: Helping people connect to the religious congregations of their choice
http://tucollaborative.org/sdm_downloads/helping-people-connect-to-the-religious-congregations-and-spiritual-groups-of-their-choice-the-role-of-peer-specialists/
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Friday, November 18, 2016

AMD this week, 11/18/2016

 Ruderman Family Foundation: Advocacy points for the next four years
http://www.rudermanfoundation.org/blog/article/10-things-the-new-administration-can-do-to-address-disability-rights

Ridgewood UMC programs
https://www.gnjumc.org/news/ridgewood-umc-makes-a-joyful-noise-for-special-needs/

The UMC cites health care as a basic human right. Here is an advocacy opportunity: tell your story.
http://fvindiana.blogspot.com/2016/11/protect-health-care-share-your-story.html

We will probably not publish next week. We wish all a happy Thanksgiving.-


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
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Friday, November 11, 2016

News and notes from UMAMD - 11/11/2016

Not Dead Yet: video project
http://notdeadyet.org/2016/09/face-to-face-challenging-the-better-dead-than-disabled-message.html

Where's the elevator?
http://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2016-10-31/the-party-is-on-the-second-floor-so-where-is-the-elevator

Suicide prevention hotline
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/#

Indiana University Institute on Disability and Community
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/order-form

We'd like to let our members know of a Facebook group dedicated to disability and politics. It's new, so a little Wesleyan leaven could help shape it.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1138423056239756/

Crip Pastor Blog
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2016/11/10/it-starts-with-me/--


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
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Friday, November 4, 2016

News and notes from AMD, 11/04/16

Disability Ministries newsletter -- please consider subscribing:
http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/join.html

Apple's accessibility ad
http://creativity-online.com/work/apple-accessibility--sady/49697

Reality of life with a disability
http://whydisabilitymatters.org/dont-gloss-over-the-reality-of-life-with-a-disability/

But you don't look Deaf
https://livingwithhearingloss.com/2016/11/01/but-you-dont-look-deaf/

Blind people don't need your help, they need better design
http://modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/blind-people-dont-need-your-help-they-need-better-design

Christian Deaf Leaders conference
http://www.umcd.org/newsnat/1610.html

Mental health and time changes
http://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2016/Turning-the-Clock-May-Turn-Your-Mood--


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
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Friday, October 21, 2016

News and notes from AMD - 10/21/16

NYT disability series: Inspiring
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/20/opinion/i-dont-want-to-be-inspiring.html

Ranks of ex-pastors grow
https://baptistnews.com/article/the-ranks-of-ex-pastors-grow-as-some-join-nones-and-dones/#.WAeZZeArLIX

Illness as metaphor: exploring the language of illness and its meaning
https://lisadiedrich.org/2016/10/02/illness-as-metaphor-2016/

Language changes to make your church mental health friendly
http://www.robert-vore.com/blog/2016/10/11/4-language-changes-to-make-your-church-more-mental-health-friendly

Assisted dying as shame relief
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/beware-of-assisted-dying-as-shame-relief-former-human-rights-commissioner-says

Advocacy: CRT wheelchair access
http://blog.ncart.us/crt-wheelchair-accessories-legislation-update/

Free webinar with Sharon McCart of DMC
http://www.prcli.org/event/free-webinar-becoming-a-barrier-free-congregation/?instance_id=18
--


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Friday, October 14, 2016

News and notes from AMD -- 10/14/16

October newsletter from Deaf and Hard-of-hearing ministries
http://www.umcdhm.org/news/index.html

UM Disability blog -- caring
http://umdisability.blogspot.com/2016/10/caring-isnt-weakness-diane-mettam.html

UCC inspiration porn article
http://newsacred.org/2016/08/inspiration-porn-what-it-is-and-why-it-hurts/

News team uses wheelchairs for a few hours
http://keyetv.com/news/local/cbs-austin-this-morning-team-and-archers-challenge

Sharon McCart, DMC chair, presents Pitzker Award to Naomi Mitchum (begins at 3:08). (uncaptioned) video
http://www.chapelwood.org/resources/messages/video-archives/the-spirit-of-a-christian-traditional/287/


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Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Caring isn't weakness -- Diane Mettam

“This is why I worry.”  My husband placed a memorial service bulletin in my lap and sat down.  I didn’t know what to say, but I soon found I was glad he’d opened the subject. 

The wife of one of his co-workers, a lovely young woman only 35 years of age, had passed away recently.  She had Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, and fibromyalgia, none of which are fatal.  But she was gone nonetheless. 

“Now you know why I check to see that you’re still breathing during the night,” my husband told me.  I had no idea.  Yes, I am a mess of disabling conditions and diseases, but I don’t think of them as fatal, or myself as dying.  Worse, I had never considered what my husband might be thinking or feeling. 

My dear husband travels a lot for work, and he confessed that he worries that when he comes home, he might find me deceased.  I had no idea.  How much fear he must carry with him!  I have resolved to make each homecoming a joyful experience for him, even when I’m not feeling well.  I told him I understood a bit of his fear, because he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and until it was well-controlled, I had fears of him having a stroke while he was driving.  

I wonder how may of us with chronic illnesses realize how much our partners and caregivers worry about us, or are fearful of finding us in dire situations?  Have we ever had “that” talk with them?  It isn’t easy, but I think it’s necessary.  We don’t know what unspoken fears they might be facing, and there might be strains on our relationships because of those fears.  Speaking our anxieties out loud, giving a name to them, makes them less frightening.  It might even bring us closer. 

It may be difficult getting your partner to open up about their fears concerning you.  No one likes to admit their vulnerability, and the people caring for you, in particular, don’t want you to think they are weak.  But caring isn’t weakness; loving isn’t frailty. 

I am grateful that God gave me such a loving, caring partner (we celebrate 40 years of marriage this weekend) and I resolve once again to take the best care of myself that I can.  This gift of life and love is precious, no matter what challenges I encounter along the way. 
cross at the top of a peaked roof on a church

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.  Psalm 28:7


Dear Father/Mother God,  Thank you for taking care of us, for providing us with friends and family to be your loving hands here on earth.  Help us to remember that sometimes they worry about us more than we do, and to do our best to reassure them through our smiles, through our words, through our actions.  They are your angels on earth.  Help us be deserving of their care, and let us be angels, too.  In your blessed Son’s name we pray.   Amen.  

Friday, October 7, 2016

News and announcements from UMAMD, 10/7/2016

 (TV): I attended a webinar by this author, it could provide useful strategies for many situations facing church leaders and in advocacy:
http://www.lflegal.com/book/

Politically incorrect (disability awareness sermon)
http://revjoshpawelek.org/are-your-politically-correct/

NYT disability series: worth living
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/05/opinion/a-disabled-life-is-a-life-worth-living.html

Disability positions of presidential candidates, compiled by Complex Child
http://complexchild.org/articles/2016-articles/october/2016-presidential-election/

Book by Laura Bratton, who presented at our last meeting:
http://www.ubiglobal.org/book/

Speechless (from Lawrence Carter-Long)
http://www.upworthy.com/how-abcs-speechless-is-changing-attitudes-about-disability?c=hpstream

Mental Illness: a UMC theological statement
http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/ministries-in-mental-illness

Advocacy, Wheel:Life, complex rehab technology funding
http://wheel-life.org/act-now-medicare-cuts-to-crt-will-impact-your-wheelchair-access/

Reminder: Disability Committee Ministries free newsletter signup
http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/join.html
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Monday, October 3, 2016

Supporting Those with Grief and Loss During the Holidays -- Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.



Supporting Those with Grief and Loss During the Holidays
By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

For many of us, October is the doorway to holiday season. Travel plans begin to be organized, Christmas shopping is begun, requests for time off from work during the holidays are made, and with holiday-related activities are planned by those looking forward to the festivities. However, for some, the holidays are a stark reminder of the loss of loved ones who will not be around to join festivities.
The holiday season, while celebrated by many, can result in a sense of dread by those who feel that the holidays remind them of being alone or what could have been (with the loved one still being around). The sad reality is grief is a part of life. The factors that affect one's grief, making it more intense or severe, can include, but are not limited to, (a) the type of loss (e.g., health or divorce), (b) the type of emotional attachment (e.g., a widow who was married for 50 years), (c) the type of death (e.g., Suicide), and (d) possible compounded loss (e.g., multiple losses near the same time). The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief.
Sometimes culture can play a part in how a person mourns, perhaps suppressing the grief, or cultural practices can be part of the reason people mask their grief from others. For example, in American culture, many men do not visibly express their grief. In Mexican culture, they remember and commemorate loved ones who have passed on November 1st. Mental health professionals are in agreement that processing the loss is healthy and needed.
Loss doesn't have to necessarily be that of a loved one. As loss can represent many things, such as a job, a home, financial stability, or the loss of a cherished dream, among other significant realities. It shouldn't be surprising that many people walk around with many losses, yet without acknowledging them. This happens, in part, because we have internalized social beliefs of "just shrug it off" and "pull up your boot straps and move on." This isn't a healthy attitude because we may not be grieving the loss. Suppressing loss or avoiding the grief can lead to physical ailments (e.g., hypertension), a decline in mental health (e.g., depression), and possible substance abuse.
Most churches celebrate the holidays, with good reason, as we recognize and welcome Christ into the world; moreover, Advent can put hope back into people's lives. At the same time, we need to be sensitive of those who have difficulties with the holidays, whatever their personal reasons are. There are some tangible activities churches can consider doing during the holiday season that can support those grieving. Suggestions are:
1. Include those grieving in your weekly prayers from the pulpit and/or prayer groups.
2. Hold a Blue Christmas service (a special service for those who have difficulties with the holidays), either at your church or by having a district wide service. Cokesbury has materials for this type of service.
3. Have a daily or weekly Advent devotional that includes the remembrance of people with loss. 
4. Host a seasonal volunteer type program that helps to alleviate some of the grief (e.g., having a church group partner with other organizations or churches for either holiday or non-holiday events). In AA and NA, they promote service work as it is a great way to "get out of your head."
5. Insert in the bulletin, newsletter, or e-news the importance of keeping people and neighbors in mind or in prayer who are experiencing loss during this time of year (it’s best NOT to specify names).
6. Host a special or holiday grief support group during the holiday season.
7. Invite those experiencing loss over for a meal or on the holiday itself. Even if they say no, it shows they are cared for. Even weekly get togethers over a cup of coffee or a cup of hot chocolate can be a sign of support.
8. Host a church potluck that invites those grieving to bring memorabilia to share. This helps to acknowledge their loss and shows the church can be a part of their support system.
9. Host a holiday book club that might include readings from Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul or other meaningful books. 
10. Reach out to them by phone or email on the holiday, just to say you are thinking of them and are glad for their friendship. Sending a “Thinking of You” card can be helpful too.
It's important to respect their wishes if they do not wish to engage in holiday-related activities. Grieving is a personal and highly individual experience.
The church can be and should be a source of strength and hope that shares love, mercy, and grace to its parishioners and surrounding community. After all, the church is an extension of Christ in the world and we can help shine the light of Christ during times of darkness.
A candle lighting up a stained glass window

*-Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. is a Deacon serving in the Baltimore Washington Conference, a licensed clinical professional counselor, specializes in Deaf ministry, and is the chairperson of the Commission on Disability Concerns in the Baltimore Washington Conference.
Reference
Smith, M. and Segal, J. (2016). “Coping with Grief and Loss.” Help Guide.org. Retrieved from
     www.helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm.

Friday, September 30, 2016

News and notes from UMAMD, 9/30/16

Here's what happens when churches ignore mental illness
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/09/26/my-pastor-told-me-it-was-a-sin-not-to-feel-joy-heres-what-happens-when-churches-ignore-mental-illness/

NYT series on disability: Deaf in Public Spaces
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/28/opinion/the-deaf-body-in-public-space.html?_r=1

Deaf influence on consumer technology
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lydia-l-callis/deaf-influence-on-consume_b_12123440.html

NBC News reports on assistive technology that makes a Deaf-owned pizza place "just another restaurant.... which is the way it should be."
http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/this-pizzeria-serves-up-pies-all-while-catering-to-the-deaf-767614019704

Mental Health Ministries newsletter
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/spotlights/index.html

Review of Disability Studies special issue: disability and aging
http://www.rds.hawaii.edu/ojs/index.php/journal

Free webinar from PRC: Barrier-Free Congregation, Oct. 25, led by DMC chair
https://www.facebook.com/events/1116191121756975/

Western Jurisdiction disaster planning to include people with disabilities
http://westernjurisdictionumc.org/dra2017/

Review that places "intelligence" in historical context
https://networks.h-net.org/node/4189/reviews/144326/mcdonagh-goodey-learning-disability-and-inclusion-phobia-past-present

Advocacy: adaptive design survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AdaptationExperience

Advocacy: Fund programs serving people with disabilities
http://capwiz.com/easterseals/issues/alert/?alertid=73932626&queueid=11308528326


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Friday, September 16, 2016

AMD news notes, 9/16/16

Building accessibility culture
https://modelviewculture.com/pieces/building-accessibility-culture

"Speechless"--thoughts about a new tv show
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-fall-preview-minnie-driver-speechless-20160827-snap-story.html
and thoughts from a person with a disability
http://toniasays.blogspot.com/2016/09/lets-talk-about-speechless-1x01-pilot.html

New York Times disability series, A vision
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/opinion/the-blind-guiding-the-blind.html?smid=fb-share&_r=1

The Julian Way (Dallas Morning News)
http://beta.dallasnews.com/life/life/2016/09/13/dallas-new-monasticism-living-intentionally-prayer-community-hospitality

A flyer (PDF) is now available to share about the ASL glossary project
http://www.umdeaf.org/download/aslglossary.pdf

A poem to hearing aids: and a question, do we consider where God is in design and technology?
http://hearinghealthmatters.org/betterhearingconsumer/2016/love-poem-hearing-aids/

Open letter from Ford Foundation on Power, Race, Disability
http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=3f89269c6132144b6f1c5ce78&id=d5a39099f5&e=1d5cd13105

Advocacy note from Not Dead Yet
http://notdeadyet.org/2016/09/face-to-face-challenging-the-better-dead-than-disabled-message.html

Advocacy: National Council on Disability on HR3765 (link is broken) (summary)
PAST and PRESENT LEADERSHIP of the National Council on Disability on H.R. 3765, the ADA Education and Reform Act: "No business should be given what essentially amounts to a pass to continue to violate a law that was established more than a quarter-century ago to end the pervasive discrimination against people with disabilities that prevented us from going to movies, eating in restaurants, shopping in stores, going to museums and sporting events, and simply being an active part of our communities."
http://go.usa.gov/xBgHd.


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Friday, September 9, 2016

News from UMAMD, 9/9/16

Another in the NYT series on disability:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/well/family/when-the-barriers-arent-just-physical.html

From the social principles: From the Social Principles: We claim all economic systems to be under the judgment of God no less than other facets of the created order. Therefore, we recognize the responsibility of governments to develop and implement sound fiscal and monetary policies that provide for the economic life of individuals and corporate entities and that ensure full employment and adequate incomes with a minimum of inflation.
Article about disability minimum wage:
https://www.thenation.com/article/people-with-disabilities-minimum-wage/

Rape culture and disability
https://psmag.com/rape-culture-and-disability-319e001ce3c2#.6kup6zkul

One of a series of blog posts about growing up disabled in church
http://toniasays.blogspot.com/2016/09/lets-talk-about-faith-part-14-mental.html

Take action to save the ADA
http://www.aapd.com/take-action-to-save-the-ada/
     

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Friday, September 2, 2016

News from UM Association of Ministers with Disabilities, 9/2/16

Prize for book about Dementia
http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5761/john-swintons-dementia-living-in-the-memories-of-god-wins-michael-ramsey-prize

Clergy Wellness Corner, Pacific Northwest Conference
http://www.pnwumc.org/news/clergy-wellness-six-things-i-learned-from-being-lousy-at-prayer/

Reading "Nothing without us"
https://stephenkuusisto.com/2016/08/28/why-nothing-about-us-without-us-should-be-required-reading-for-everyone-in-higher-education/

Why has Japan's massacre gone unnoticed?
https://theconversation.com/why-has-japans-massacre-of-disabled-gone-unnoticed-for-answers-look-to-the-past-64201

UM Disability blog: faith
http://umdisability.blogspot.com/2016/08/faith-light-in-darkness-diane-mettam.html

Coping with trauma and mass violence
http://blog.samhsa.gov/2016/08/29/coping-in-the-wake-of-incidents-of-mass-violence/

National Fire Protection Association Access newsletter
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/people-at-risk/people-with-disabilities/e-access-newsletter?order_src=C243


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
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This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Faith: light in the darkness -- Diane Mettam

I have a wonderful veterinarian who makes house calls, sort of like the doctor on “Royal Pains.”  Her office is her car.  It contains equipment, medications, everything she needs to visit and treat her patients.  She prefers running her practice this way because she can see her patients in their native habitats, so to speak.  She can take her time getting to know them, and understanding their situations.  And she gets to know their owners, too. 

Last week I called her because Sadie was out of her flea medication, and her rabies vaccination was coming due.  She came over that day and gave Sadie an exam (it turned out she had an ear infection), gave her her rabies vaccine, and ear drops as well as her flea and tick medication.  And we had time for a visit while she took care of Sadie. 

We talked about our sons.  Mine is a wildland firefighter, and although he has moved into management of the helitack base as he has grown older, he is still an active firefighter.  Each year the wildland fires seem to be worse, and last longer.  The vet’s son is a Marine, off to active duty in the Middle East.  How, I asked her, does she handle the stress?  She smiled at me and said, “Faith.”

a tall, single purple candle burning brightly in the darkI smiled because that is my answer, too.  I turned my son over to God many years ago (he has been doing this job for over twenty years).  Faith is the answer to so many problems and questions.  Faith is the answer when one loses a beloved pet for no apparent reason.  Faith is the answer when your town is surrounded by fire.  Faith is the answer when we are disabled by illness or injury, or our child is born less-than-perfect. 

We don’t know why these things happen, but we do know that faith will see us through.  We know that God doesn’t let us suffer needlessly.  There is a community of believers, a community of fellow wanderers on the path, a “cloud of witnesses” who have been there before us and who will follow us.  They are here now.  We are not alone unless we choose to be. 

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11


Dear God, We thank you that we are not alone, that we can depend on you, that you give us friends and family to remind us of your presence.  Help us to trust in you.  Amen

Friday, August 26, 2016

News from UMAMD, 8/26/2016

New York Times series on disability:
--1, pride
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/opinion/sunday/becoming-disabled.html
-- 2, Finding refuge with the skin I'm in
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/24/opinion/finding-refuge-with-the-skin-im-in.html

Report from Exclusion and Embrace conference
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/disability-justice-and-spirituality-focus-of-australia-conference

Guide for clergy leave
http://network.crcna.org/disability-concerns/guide-clergy-leave-absence-mental-health-reasons-toolkit

"Nothing to contribute"?
http://thegatheringplace.us/2016/05/19/1686/

A Bracelet's path for Deaf school uniforms
http://www.umdeaf.org/mission/bracelet.html

Disability Advocacy: Family Leave
https://blog.dol.gov/2016/08/18/caring-for-elderly-parents/

Disability Advocacy: Violence against people
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-e-heumann/violence-against-persons-disabilities-global-human-rights_b_11610252.html

Disability Advocacy: Report from Roll on Capitol Hill
http://wheel-life.org/hollister-supports-roll-on-capitol-hill-legislative-advocacy-efforts-for-wheelchair-users/

Disability Advocacy: Disability Integration Act
http://cqrcengage.com/cdrnys/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=238953

Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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Friday, August 19, 2016

AMD this week, 8/19/16

What do we really need healing of?
http://whydisabilitymatters.org/disability-and-healing/

Donna Fado Ivery presented at the joint DMC/AMD meeting in Dallas in 2015. Her new CD, Dancing Through the Pain, will be available on Sept. 1.
http://adventuresinhealing.com/store/#dvd

What do clergy need for positive mental health?
https://carducc.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/what-do-clergy-need-for-positive-mental-health/

Newsletter from Mental Health Ministries
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/spotlights/index.html

Mental health and poverty
http://www.newsweek.com/what-governments-can-do-help-mental-health-487144

UMCom: Breaking the taboo
http://www.umcom.org/learn/breaking-the-taboo-how-the-church-can-help-people-with-mental-illness

Pew Trust report: care for lifetime
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2016/08/10/what-happens-to-developmentally-disabled-as-parents-age-die

Understanding and support for trauma victims
http://network.crcna.org/safe-church/understanding-and-supporting-survivors-trauma

Advocacy Alerts
DREDF on ADA Education and Reform bill
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d8372142072c8ce7f2e90e349&id=70afd44c28

Disability advocacy: NAMI presents the platforms of the two major parties on mental health matters.
http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2016-Election-Platforms

Disability advocacy: MHA presents "vote with mental health in mind"
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/vote16

Group calls for universal health care. "The United Methodist Church therefore affirms in our Social Principles (¶ 162V) health care as a basic human right and affirms the duty of government to assure health care for all."
http://www.occupy.com/article/us-doctors-call-universal-healthcare-abolish-insurance-companies#sthash.nXn64lAk.dpbs  

Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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Friday, August 5, 2016

News from UMAMD, 8/5/16

Welcome as a Way of Life: a practical theology of Jean Vanier
http://wipfandstock.com/welcome-as-a-way-of-life.html

Disable Poverty initiative
http://disablepoverty.org/what-is-disable-poverty/#action

Process Theology and Disability Theology
http://www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/process-theology-and-disability-theology-finding-ways-to-do-things-differently.html

To Sign or not to sign
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/the-pulse/93692-to-sign-or-not-to-sign

Where (and by implication, what) do you learn about disability?
https://largertable.com/2016/08/03/where-do-you-learn-about-disability/

How "differently abled" marginalizes disabled people
http://www.autistichoya.com/2013/08/differently-abled.html

Parish accessibility (America Magazine)
http://americamagazine.org/issue/out-shadows

Advocacy: a thank you card to Senator Tom Harkin for his work on the ADA
(note that this is part of a political campaign, but the thank you appears to be forthright)
http://ia.monicavernonforcongress.com/page/s/commemorate-the-ada--


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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Friday, July 22, 2016

This Week's News from AMD -- 7/22/16


Disability Ministries Committee newsletter
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1104745249463&ca=64b521f4-66ba-4a15-9ff2-a9f239f58732

Ramp Ministries update and SAWS newsletter
http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/widen/ramp.html

Making a way: blind scholar creates tools
http://adnetonline.org/Blog/Pages/2016/Making-a-way.aspx

Newsletter from disability.gov
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USODEP/bulletins/1570a0c

Requesting an interpreter, video from Great Lakes ADA center
https://youtu.be/6cuXRgcq32g

UM Disability blog: full emptiness
http://umdisability.blogspot.com/2016/07/full-emptiness-diane-mettam.html

Event: Christ UMC of the Deaf Sign Choir at Smithsonian Museum of African Art
https://africa.si.edu/event/seeing-sound-deaf-sign-choir/--


Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Full emptiness -- Diane Mettam

It’s all been almost too much.  I can’t seem to shake this illness which affects different areas of my respiratory system.  Several friends have passed away in the last month or so.  Two more died this past week.  Another is fighting cancer and several serious diseases piled on top of each other.  A beloved teacher in my old hometown was murdered by her husband, who then took his own life.  My current wheelchair is not working so I’m using my old one, which has some problems but can get me around if I don’t press it too hard.  And I’ve started the painful process of requesting a new one from my physician and my insurance company.  I am fatigued beyond words. 

I say it has almost been too much.  But it has not.  I may be down, but I am not out.  God is with me.  Christ sustains me.  I can do this!

Saturday was the celebration of life service for one of the pillars of our church here in Eureka.  It was also the service for my dear friend in Bishop who went to be with the saints.  And it was the day another church member here in Eureka went home to God.  His wife called me early in the morning to let me know.  I consoled with her, and made arrangements to sit with her during the church service later that day, where we hugged each other and shared our grief.

I recently watched a film about Mother Teresa called The Letters.  In it I learned that Mother Teresa suffered from what she called emptiness; she didn’t feel the presence of God within her, she felt totally alone.

I, too, often feel empty (not that I am, or could ever, compare myself to Mother Teresa), and I wonder if that is what allows me to give to others with such joy.  I feel a connection to God when I am serving others.  Perhaps not feeling God within her allowed Mother Teresa to see the face of Jesus in others.  Perhaps feeling empty allows each of us to serve as conduits, to allow the mighty force of God’s love to flow through us.  If things are going too well, perhaps we don’t think of God as much, and we don’t feel the need to reach out to others.  And perhaps we don’t rely on God so much.  Maybe empty isn’t such a bad thing.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:37-39

And that love empowers us to do more than we could ever imagine doing on our own.  We can dream dreams so big we can change the world. 


Dear Lord, Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for empowering us to share your love and your message with others.  Thank you for giving us the desire to want to make things better, and the strength to see things through.  With your help, we know we can build your kingdom here on earth.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen
lilies floating in a pond, reflection of a chapel in the water

Friday, July 15, 2016

News from UMAMD, 7/15/16

UM Disability blog: the man born blind
http://umdisability.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-man-born-blind-chris-wylie.html

Deaf theology: late night thoughts:
http://signsunseen.com/?p=31

A previous announcement mentioned a document adopted by the WCC. "The Gift of Being" can now be read at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/a-vaere-menneske-er-a-vaere-sarbar.

What did we do before eyeglasses: a reminder of the role of social attitudes and technology in disability:
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/07/07/484835077/what-did-nearsighted-humans-do-before-glasses

Words matter: talking about mental health in church
http://themighty.com/2016/04/how-we-should-talk-about-mental-illness-in-the-church/

Hearing and Language overview
https://www.canaccess.org/accessibility/survey-overview/hearing-and-language-overview/

L'Arche lessons:
http://americamagazine.org/issue/larche-lessons

Advocacy and ministry:
http://www.doforone.org/

Advocacy: MHA survey for mental health caregivers on inclusion
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3BRRYPG

--

Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

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