News and notes from AMD, 27 September 2019

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:
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AMD

• Random Acts of Expression: WIS.DOM.AIN
• Planet of the Blind: Bad Cripple 
  
• Brevity Magazine: seeking writers
• Random Acts of Expression: Compassion 
  
• Beckie writes: Monopoly and false gods
• Crip Pastor: Where will you store your treasure?
  

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DHM/UMCD

• September 23, International Day of Sign Languages (ASL video)
• Breaking Barriers (CRCNA) Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing ministries
• ADN: Praying for healing?
• UMNS: Zimbabwe Deaf ministry 
  
• DHM website, accessible worship: https://www.umdeaf.org/resource/cong.html
• Deaf Missions ASLV Deuteronomy
• Washington Post: Deaf Architecture 
  

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DMC

• Easterseals: Educating Outside the Lines
• UM News: Retired bishop serves memory care unit as chaplain 
  
• Duke Divinity School: Ministry with the forgotten
  
• Washington Post: Congregational ministries for dementia
• New Zimbabwe: Wheelchair donation 
  
• UM News: Disability ministry in Florida
• Neurotypical People Develop Empathy for Autistic People 
  
• Faith Inclusion Network: All Are Welcome
  

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MHM

• San Diego Union-Tribune: Lapses in mental health care in jail
  
• Caring
• October issue Spotlight
  

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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.

News and notes from AMD, 20 September 2019

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:

• October 5, 2019. Mental Health Symposium, Navigating the Path to Liberation and Healing, St. Luke "Community" UMC, Dallas TX.
  
• Blog: Seminary Students Learn Overdose Prevention
• Southwest ADA Center: ADA Impact 2020 Survey
  

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AMD

• Random Acts of Expression: Prayer for Peace
• Review: Sleep, Pray, Heal: A Path to Wholeness and Well-Being
• UM Insight: Pastors, Take Care of Yourselves
• Psychology Today: Religion and Mental Health 
  
• MWF: Mental Illness, My Thoughts
• Random Acts of Expression: Hildegard of Bingen
• Upper Room: Breaking the stigma 
  

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DHM/UMCD

• NAD: Dangerous Healthcare Changes
• HLAA tinnitus webinar
• Twenty Thousand Hertz: Deaf Gain 
  
• NPR: Untreated Hearing Loss and Isolation
• You Tube (captioned): Woman blamed for Deaf children starts ministry
• DHM website: workplace and ADA resources
• Hearing Health: Emotions and hearing loss
  

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DMC

• UMCOR in Zimbabwe
• Backbones: SCI burnout 
  
• NCCJ: Ableism
• Life of a blind girl: Explaining disability to children
• Jewish Journal: If Moses could lobby Pharaoh... 
  

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MHM

• Brochure from Mental Health Ministries: Addiction: How Congregations Can Respond
• Press-Enterprise Interview with Susan Schroeder: Harvest Ministries pastor's suicide
•  Video: FAITH LEADERS' GUIDE TO SELF-CARE AFTER A SUICIDE
  

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.

Seminary Students Learn Overdose Prevention for Future Ministry

Seminary Students Learn Overdose Prevention for Future Ministry

By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

"How long do you have to wait before you can administer a second dose?" and "Does it hurt them if it wasn't an overdose?" are just a couple of many questions asked by students from Wesley Theological Seminary in the Pastoral Care and Counseling course, Addiction Recovery Ministry. Most of us have heard about opioid overdoses and the results. This class provided instruction for pastors and similar caregivers on how to handle such situations. Students heard personal stories of opioid addiction and about parents' worries about teen or family members overdose problems. 

[Two students drafting a relapse prevention plan]

Students also learned how to prepare for such occurrences. "Every church should have Narcan (a nasal spray that can counteract an overdose), because it can save lives if administered in time." This need is part of the community context for many clergy, as pastoral care is often given for church members and those who are served by the ministry programs at some churches.

Narcan can also be given to the parents who express concern about their family member's drug use, or at least be given a coupon to take to a pharmacy in order to purchase the medication. Students learned that some local health departments carry the life-saving medication and that referrals can be shared with the parents. In some states, Naloxone, the generic version, is sometimes available through the mail, for free. Contact Naloxoneforall.org for information. Also, check here for a list of states that permit distribution by mail. 

Students also received instruction about what signs to look for when it comes to opioid overdose, such as eyes rolling back, bluish lips or fingernails (due to the lack of oxygen), and being sedated (sleepy). In addition, when calling 911 for a suspected overdose, it is sometimes best to state that the person is unresponsive rather than assuming that they are having a possible overdose. Church leaders, particularly those who lead Bible studies or youth groups, who oversee food pantries, and the like, along with others are encouraged to participate in annual or bi-annual trainings, which can be as simple as overdose prevention education that explains what opioid emergencies look like.

[Students listing signs of addiction]

While some people receive Narcan or Naloxone in time, the unfortunate reality is many do not.  83% of opioid-related deaths are accidental. According to the makers of Narcan, mainstream America is at risk, as 60 million Americans received an opioid prescription in 2016. Click here to read more recent overdose statistics by state.

Another aspect to opioid, heroin, or fentanyl overdoses (deaths) is the grief and loss that occurs. With this in mind, a funeral director addressed the class as a guest speaker to share insights about funerals related to overdoses. Pastoral and congregational care was emphasized in class discussions. Students also practiced pastoral care skills in mock scenarios. Along with these, overdose aftercare (for overdose survivors) and having raw conversations are needed (e.g. do not use alone or behind locked doors). These may involve the survivor directly, as well as parents or other family members.

[Two students discussing an assignment]

Encouraging faith communities to become recovery churches sometimes begins with the pastor or minister. These seminary students are learning this through their in-class conversations, their studies, and their class paper. While August 31st is International Overdose Prevention Day and September is National Recovery Month, these needs can be observed any day of the year and done often. 

[Image Description: Students and their professor posing for a class selfie.]

Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., LCPC 

Consultant, Global Ministries United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries

Secretary, Council of Bishops DisAbility Ministries Committee

Secretary, Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists
Associate Pastor, Emmanuel United Methodist Church

News and notes from AMD, 13 September 2019

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 2020 Summer Internships
  

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AMD

• Review: A Week in the Life
• Wisdom
• NDY: Choice of no care or death 
  
• Ableism and disability prejudice
• Straighten up and fly right
  
• EDAN seeks papers on disability and change 
  
• Wabi sabi teacups
• NYT Disability: The Dignity of Disabled Lives 
  

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DHM/UMCD

• New series, "Life and Deaf"
• ASL at Minnesota State Fair
• Hearing Less, Understanding More
• ALDA seeking nominations: 2019 Volunteer/Organization Awards
• ASL praise at Lovers Lane
• Dinner and Disaster
• It was a beautiful blue sky that morning
  

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DMC

• Improved mobility, a gift that transforms lives (UMCOR)
• Ohio UMC employment training
• Giving permission to be you
• Dear Church, People with Disabilities Matter 
  
• NPR, Writers on Disability
• Ability Ministry: We can do better! 
  

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MHM

• Mental Health Ministries Video: Suicide: Healing After the Death of a Loved One
• Suicide Prevention Week
  
• National Recovery Month
• World Suicide Prevention Day
• Never Lose Hope
  

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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.

News and notes from AMD, 6 Sept 2019

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:
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AMD

• Stress relief: https://religionnews.com/2018/01/16/stressed-out-anglican-priests-turn-to-trade-unions-for-support
• Love is justice embodied: https://www.ucc.org/commentary_love_is_justice_embodied_082919
• Friend-wise: https://randomactsofexpression.blogspot.com/2019/09/friend-wise.html
• When Jesus shows up: https://beckiewrites.com/2019/09/05/everythingchanges/
• Chronic pain: https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/09/05/the-chronic-pain-of-chronic-pain

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DHM/UMCD

• Interpreter licensing: https://www.nad.org/2019/08/31/interpreter-licensure/
• Inviting Deaf and HOH people to church: https://umdisability.blogspot.com/2019/09/inviting-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing.html
• ASL and arts: https://www.opb.org/radio/programs/thinkoutloud/segment/american-sign-language-in-the-arts

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DMC

• Friendship House in Indiana: https://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/house-first-of-its-kind-in-indiana/article_fa9b9cfd-1bb6-5f1e-9743-98c35084c19e.html
• Adventures in medical land: https://www.missionalwisdom.com/julian360/2019/8/27/adventures-in-medical-land
• Mental illness and violence: https://umcdmc.org/2019/09/04/mental-illness-is-not-a-factor-in-violence
• Using technology: https://umcdmc.org/resources/accessibility-and-united-methodist-churches/technology

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MHM

• Stop the stigma: https://www.facebook.com/186943104662050/photos/a.212469705442723/2529743867048617/?type=3&theater
• Suicide and faith communities: http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/resources/brochures/suicide/suicide_hope_healing.pdf

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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.

Inviting Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to Church - Deaf Awareness Week

Inviting Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to Church - Deaf Awareness Week

By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.

Deaf Awareness Week is soon approaching, and United Methodist churches should extend their hand of welcome to Deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons in their community. This week is observed during the last week of September (in 2019, the 23-29th), beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday. Deaf Awareness Week originated in Rome, Italy in 1958 through the efforts of The World Federation of the Deaf. Deaf communities around the world began adopting this international observance as a way to honor the history and heritage of Deaf and hard of hearing people, affirm diversity, to educate society about deafness, and celebrate Deaf culture. 

Historically, Deaf ministries have been an extension of their Deaf community, in part, due to their support of Deaf education and mission. For instance, during the mid-nineteenth century, The Episcopal Church ordained its first Deaf deacon in the U.S. The Methodist Church was the fourth denomination to have a Deaf pastor to serve a Deaf congregation in Chicago, which was close to the turn of the 20th century. Click here for a brief outline of Deaf Christian history and click here for a more comprehensive account. 

Communication barriers and cultural differences often exclude Deaf and hard of hearing persons from the life of the church. For example, when this writer's Deaf parents moved from Maryland to Virginia, the fourth church that was contacted agreed to provide a sign language interpreter. Recently, a Deaf couple in the Southeastern Jurisdiction shared they are only able to worship twice a month because their church is unable to afford a sign language interpreter on a weekly basis. In most cases, there is a cost for sign language interpreters. While it's the church's responsibility to hire and pay for interpreters, most Deaf and hard-of-hearing people donate to their congregation, and thus support the cost indirectly (click here for a brief guide about interpreters). One Deaf ministry holds an annual fundraiser to support their interpreting ministry. Certainly, budgeting and prioritizing the Deaf ministry is vital to sustaining it. So is awareness; a cultural difference can be seen during a Christmas Eve service when lights are dimmed and candles used. This makes it challenging to see a sign language interpreter.

The Apostle Paul emphasized to the church in Corinth (and us) that the body of Christ needs all of its members (1 Cor 12:12-31). Like other denominations, The United Methodist Church recognizes the need for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind individuals to be better represented in the life of the church. General Conference continues to support funding for Deaf ministries. This funding is overseen by Global Ministries, which includes small grants to support new Deaf ministries.

Deaf Awareness Week is a strong reminder for churches to be accessible and inviting for Deaf and hard of hearing people. For example, offer captioning (display it on a TV screen or project it with PowerPoint), have all-encompassing bulletins (Scriptures, prayers, announcements, music), use multimedia (Deaf people can't hold hymnals while signing), ensure adequate lighting, and consistently use a sound system during worship: all of these are inexpensive ways to improve accessibility. Click here for more ideas. After all, 1 in 3 persons over 65 have some degree of hearing loss and improving communication access in worship and in the life of the church can support hard-of-hearing and late-deafened people to remain active, some of whom are the bigger givers.

So, how can your church observe Deaf Awareness Week?

• Emphasize accessibility
• Become familiar with our guidebook, Breaking the Sound Barrier. Complete the communication access audit that begins on page 12; then discuss any findings in the next church council meeting
• Have Deaf and hard of hearing people help lead worship (e.g. sign the Lord's Prayer, be greeters, ushers, sign a hymn, or read Scripture)
• Include bulletin inserts all month long
• Host a Deaf Awareness Sunday (be sure to promote it)
• Become familiar with the book, Deaf Ministry: A Comprehensive Overview of Ministry Models, (3rd ed). Become bold and implement a Deaf ministry committee (read on p. 330 for ideas) and explore the possibilities. 

As a part of its Disability Ministries, Emmanuel UMC in Laurel, MD, is observing Deaf awareness by offering a month-long sign language class, has a sign language interpreter on most Sundays, uses multimedia, and will include Deaf awareness in its announcements. For activities and ideas, check out the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee's Deaf Awareness Week web page. For general information about Deaf Awareness Week, click here. For a series of brief guides and congregational resources, click here. 

Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. is the consultant for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries Committee. He can be contacted at leoyjr@gmail.com if your church wishes to explore beginning a Deaf ministry and/or wish to subscribe to the committee’s monthly Deaf ministry e-news. Churches will receive a free book, Deaf Ministry: An Introduction to Ministry Models during September.