The following are suggested resources for you and your congregation to use:

National Organization on Disability, The NOD promotes full and equal participation in all aspects of life, of 54 million American with physical, sensory or mental disabilities.

Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, National Christian Resource Center, Their Mission: To teach and share Christ's love while providing supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.

Rejoicing Spirits Ministry Corporate, A worship experience that includes ALL God's Children.

The Elizabeth Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, Promotes self-determination and full participation of people with disabilities, their families in all aspects of community life.

Friendship Ministries, Sharing God's Love with People who have Cognitive Impairments and to enable them to become an active part of God's family.

Deaf Missions, Helping deaf people SEE Jesus Chrsit, so they may accept Jesus as Savior and grow in Jesus.

Aquarius Health Care Media, Aquarius is about healing....it is about growth and change.  Aquarius Health Care Videos is about making a difference in what we do and how we live our lives.  Each day our feelings and perceptions influence the way we view the world.  We have the power within ourselves to make changes.

Kupenda for the Children, (Swahili for "to love") for the children" is a 501 (c)(3)tax-exempt Christian charity that meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of handicapped children in the developing world. Currently the focus of Kupenda is on the coast of Kenya but is expanding to other countries.

RRTCADD, The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities promotes the successful aging of adults with intellectual (mental retardation) and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in response to physical, cognitive, and environmental changes.  This website is designed to provide information on the latest research, model programs, and policy issues pertaining to this population.

Interfaith Caregivers, Neighbors helping neighbors remain independent.  This is a coalition of religious congregations and community organizations working together to help seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes and stay independent.  Interfaith Caregivers was founded by the Trenton Ecumenical Area Ministry (TEAM) in 1994, with a Faith in Action seed grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  ICT is an independent non-profit organization.

Suggested Reading Material

"Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities" - by: Erik W. Carter, Ph.D.  Brooks Publishing Co. www.brookespublishing.com  A guide for Service Providers, Families, and Congregations.

"Building a Developmental Disability Ministry"  and "Teaching Spiritual Truths to People with Developmental Disabilities" These resources may be obtained through Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services.  Follow the link above to their website.

"That All May Worship", "From Barriers to Bridges", and "Loving Justice, The ADA and the Religious Community."  These books may be obtained from the National Organization on Disability.  Follow the link above to their website.

"Journeying With Joshua" - by Dr. Lois Spitzer.  Reflections on Raising and Autistic Child for Parents, Teachers and Friends. ***More Information***