UM Disability

Friday, November 30, 2018

News and notes from AMD, 30 November 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Church shouldn't be one of the challenges for disabled children
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/kids-with-disabilities-face-many-challenges-church-shouldnt-be-one-of-them/2018/11/15/2b324364-e83c-11e8-b8dc-66cca409c180_story.html
-
Hearing Loop, First UMC Red Wing MN
https://www.minnesotaumc.org/itworkeddetail/12395241
-
Taking a seat for inclusion
http://autismpastor.com/?p=2729
-
NYT Disability series: A clearer message on cochlear implants
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/21/opinion/deaf-cochlear-implants-sign-language.html
-
NYT opinion: Revelations in a wheelchair
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/opinion/sunday/photography-in-a-wheelchair.html
-
MHM: preparing for the journey
https://mhn-ucc.blogspot.com/2018/11/preparing-for-journey-by-rachael-keefe.html
-
National Geographic highlights Down syndrome
https://aleteia.org/2018/11/23/national-geographics-new-photo-campaign-highlights-people-with-down-syndrome
-
Supporting persons with disabilities through the holidays
https://clcnetwork.org/supporting-persons-with-disabilities-through-the-holidays-part-2
-
Stairs become lift
https://www.sesameaccess.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AllWheelChairStuff/videos/708987149467029/
-
We hear about seasonal depression; some disabilities are also effected
https://livingwithhearingloss.com/2018/11/13/does-your-tinnitus-worsen-in-the-winter/
-
Deafblind theatre
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2448783148481867&id=260161100677427&notif_id=1543500063325902
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Friday, November 16, 2018

News and Notes from AMD, 16 November 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Resisting ableism in the American church
https://sojo.net/articles/resisting-ableism-american-church
-
Financial abuse and disability
http://realeconomicimpact.tumblr.com/post/179859427070/we-all-deserve-safety-and-financial-security
-
MHM: out of the ashes
https://youtu.be/cngubLeFfBU
-
The good Samaritan church
http://disabledchristianity.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-good-samaritan-church.html
-
Is self-care in the job description?
https://oboedire.wordpress.com/2018/11/09/shepherds-care-time-with-god/
-
Sign language reveals hidden aspects
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2018/november/sign-language-reveals-the-hidden-logical-structure--and-limitati.html
-
Review: American Protestant responses to mental illness
https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showpdf.php?id=50948&
-
UMCD/DHM Northeast Jurisdiction Fall Retreat
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1811.html
-
How my daughter's speech delay has changed my preaching
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/first-person/how-my-daughter-s-speech-delay-has-changed-my-preaching
-
MHM Spotlight: Holidays
http://mentalhealthministries.net/spotlights/html_spotlights/2018/holiday2018.html
-
Mass gun violence and trauma
https://theconversation.com/what-mass-shootings-do-to-those-not-shot-social-consequences-of-mass-gun-violence-106677
-
Accessible design
https://webdesign.tutsplus.com/articles/designing-accessible-content-typography-font-styling-and-structure--cms-31934
-
Not Deaf but not hearing
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hard-of-hearing-not-deaf_us_5be20252e4b0769d24c61c87
-
Autistic pastor: when you look tired
https://themighty.com/2015/10/lamar-hardwick-autistic-adult-responds-to-you-look-tired/
-
Giving Tuesday, November 27
DMC: https://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/3021054
DHM: https://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/982562

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

This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church. There will probably not be an issue for November 23.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Friday, November 9, 2018

News and notes from UMAMD, 9 November 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
What would it mean to follow "we are all one?"
https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/170175
-
A local UMC provides safe space
http://www.advocatesc.org/2018/10/private-academy-at-stallsville-umc-provides-safe-learning-space-for-kids-with-autism-adhd/
-
Mission in a UMC that assists Deaf and others
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/10/31/springfield-deaf-woman-finds-home-safe-sleep/1742863002/
-
ADA and medical facilities
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/for-the-disabled-a-doctors-visit-can-be-literally-an-obstacle-course--and-the-laws-cant-help/2018/10/26/1917e04c-d628-11e8-aeb7-ddcad4a0a54e_story.html
-
EcumenAbility: Christian week of unity
https://www.facebook.com/ecumenability/posts/444179696110391
-
Summer Institute of Theology requests proposals
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNv_NfrVbD405xOGFiwod8qh6KplbVCQ4LTw8L-Sua-gC9mg/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2mm9Jqaab6Jgq33QzBn_yCGMmyIZXbpMZ4nzi1T2ALD0h_nXM-Ez5ypwU
-
UM woman reaches out to Deaf community
https://www.brownwoodnews.com/local-woman-reaching-out-to-deaf-community/
-
Slow down, you talk too fast
https://livingwithhearingloss.com/2018/10/30/slow-down-you-talk-too-fast
-
Accommodating aging web users
http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2018/10/12/the-elderly-and-web-accessibility-accommodating-aging-web-users/
-
UMNS: Zimbabwe
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodist-focuses-on-others-with-disabilities
-
MHM video: PTSD Healing and Hope
https://youtu.be/yP08jh6LK48
-
MHM Veteran's Day Bulletin Insert
http://mentalhealthministries.net/resources/bulletin_inserts/veterans_day/veteransday.pdf
-
Nov. 15 free webinar: Inclusive Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities
http://www.adainfo.org/training/Inclusive-Emergency-Preparedness
-
Giving Tuesday, November 27
DMC: https://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/3021054
DHM: https://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/982562

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

Friday, November 2, 2018

News and notes from AMD, 2 November 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Is being strong being open, or being a fortress?
https://www.redletterchristians.org/man-enough-to-ask-for-help/
-
Kintsugi Pastor: Tree of Life
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/
-
TEDx: captioning
https://youtu.be/ngKp9MqUGj8
-
Mosaic: Rejoicing Spirits newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/mosaicinfo/you-make-a-great-difference-thank-you-1050917
-
MHM at NAMI walk in San Diego (photos)
https://www.facebook.com/186943104662050/photos/a.212469705442723/389044841118541/?type=3&theater&comment_id=2056516851037990&force_theater=1&notif_t=photo_comment&notif_id=1540915068006595
-
The Impact of Professional Spiritual Care (Adobe book)
https://indd.adobe.com/view/2d555e8f-5d1a-47bf-ad94-760092053d0b
-
Giving Tuesday is November 27:

Disability Ministries Advance

Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Advance

-
Northeastern Jurisdiction Deaf Ministry Conference, November 9-10
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1811.html
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

Friday, October 26, 2018

News and notes from AMD, 26 October 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
AAPD statement on Public Charge Rule changes. The Arc and DREDF have issued a similar statement.
https://www.aapd.com/press-releases/the-american-association-of-people-with-disabilities-opposes-the-public-charge-rule/
-
Teaching about inclusion
https://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/2018/10/14/teaching-kids-to-be-allies-for-disability-inclusion.html
-
Mental illness is a church issue
https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/7938/mental-illness-is-a-church-issue
-
People with disabilities have often been overlooked in emergency and disaster planning--and it's likely to get worse if we don't speak up: as disasters strike, advocates worry FEMA policy changes put disability community at risk
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/as-disasters-strike-advocates-worry-fema-policy-changes-put-disability-community-at-risk
-
Review of the Routledge History of Disability. While probably priced out of reach for most, libraries may have it, and the review itself is informative.
https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=51553
-
Being an advocate in your church
https://includedbygrace.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/being-an-advocate-in-your-church/
-
"there are no small churches, but only 'small' pastors who view them as such"--a seminary professor reflects on Henri Nouwen with a view that also applies to disabilities
https://oboedire.wordpress.com/2018/10/19/shepherds-care-small-churches/
-
Laments: what do we lose, and how does it relate to disability?
https://www.redletterchristians.org/where-have-all-the-sad-songs-gone/
-
UM Church of the Resurrection - Sonflower Bakery
http://www.abilityministry.com/2018/10/24/the-sonflower-bakery-story/
-
Northeastern Jurisdiction Deaf Ministry Conference, November 9-10
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1811.html
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

Friday, October 19, 2018

News and notes from AMD, 19 October 2018

Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Broken and hopeful
https://mhn-ucc.blogspot.com/2018/10/broken-and-hopeful-by-bob-griggs.html
-
What inclusion really looks like
https://www.rootedinrights.org/what-does-inclusion-actually-look-like/
-
Helping children and youth who have trauma
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2036143279742014&id=186943104662050
-
Grant for accessibility at Colquitt UMC
https://www.sgaumc.org/advnewsdetail/grant-helps-colquitt-umc-become-handicap-accessible-12101797
-
Disability awareness sermon from CRC
https://network.crcna.org/disability-concerns/yes-i-can-sermon-october-21-2018-based-mark-1035-45
-
Deaf church plants seeds for Deaf ministries
https://umdisability.blogspot.com/2018/10/deaf-church-plants-seeds-for-deaf.html
-
Review of Disability Studies issue on dismantling ableism
https://www.rds.hawaii.edu/
-
Pastoral care for those who have been harmed
https://www.pnwumc.org/news/tidal-waves/
-
Northeastern Jurisdiction Deaf Ministry Conference, November 9-10
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1811.html
-
Summer Institute on Theology & Disability: May 20-23, 2019
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Deaf Church Plants Seeds for Deaf Ministries

By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

Magothy United Methodist Church of the Deaf in Pasadena, Maryland, a church in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, partnered with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries committee of the UMC’s General Board of Global Ministries to host a “Deaf Ministry: Boot Camp” workshop. The event was held on Saturday, October 13, 2018. The idea was put into action with assistance from Global Ministries through a grant the church received to support the workshop.

Participants were United Methodists, as well as from other denominations, some of whom came from the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference and the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual conference. Some were newcomers to Deaf ministry, while others were wanting to learn more and leave with new ideas.

The co-facilitator, Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., shared, “It’s important that churches be more accessible and empowering for Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deafblind persons and their families in the Church, no matter the denomination.” Referencing Luke 14:15-24, he continued, “we are all a part of the body of Christ and being accessible is what Christ calls us to do” as he spoke about welcoming persons with disabilities. By practicing welcoming, God’s house can be full. He went on, using Luke 1:62 to emphasize the inclusiveness of Zechariah’s friends who signed and gestured to him about naming his infant, whom we know as John (the Baptist). Darlene Koontz, a Deaf church leader expressed, “Its important that Deaf people have access to church, which means we need qualified interpreters, but being friendly and welcoming is just as important.” Having Deaf and hard of hearing people help lead the workshop showed their gifts for ministry, said Yates.

The “boot camp” opened with a devotional that highlighted Jesus’ words, “Ephphatha,” from Mark’s gospel, emphasizing “being open” to Deaf and hard of hearing persons and their language and culture (Mark 7:31-37). The typical interpretation shows the Deaf-mute was healed; however, the devotion showed that the community was healed because they were now open to this Deaf man. The workshop went on to orient participants to Deaf culture. This included an introduction to sign language, led by the church’s Deaf lay leader, Darlene Koontz. Then the empowerment of Deaf leadership was explained by the church’s Deaf Finance Committee chairperson, Alma Andrews. Following this, the inclusion of Deaf music worship was shared by one of the founders of the Deaf church, Flo Johnson. Considerations for an interpreting ministry, the implementation of a hard of hearing ministry, and a disability ministry were also covered in the workshop. In addition, overviews highlighting accessibility, mission opportunities, raising Deaf awareness and inclusion, various Deaf ministry models, how to promote the ministry, and best practices were presented by the workshop co-facilitators, Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. and Jeanne Maddox. The church’s pastor, Rev. Emily Hart, shared resources about Deaf Ministries in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants prayed with and encouraged each other in their endeavors to have their own ministry. Some already have such a ministry, most hope to expand their reach, based on new ideas such as adopting a Deaf group home or a group home with persons with disabilities during the holidays. Other ideas include hosting sign language classes for new parents and their infants (teaching baby signs while connecting new families to a faith community).