Care and Support, Church Support, Mental Health, Mental Health Ministry, podcast, #DATC2024, Advocacy, Catherine Boyle, Hidden Disabilities, Resources
Catherine Boyle
Beyond the Clinical Hour: An Interview with Dr. ...

Recently, Catherine had a conversation with Dr. Jim and Heather Sells, authors of the new book “Beyond the Clinical Hour: How Counselors Can Partner with the Church to Address the Mental Health Crisis.” Jim, Heather and their co-author Dr. Amy Trout offer a valuable resource to both mental health professionals and ministry leaders as a way to meet the heartfelt mental health needs impacting both churches and our culture. Take a listen to this thought-provoking conversation.

Beyond the Clinical Hour: An Interview with Dr. Jim and Heather Sells: Podcast Episode 097
#DATC2024, Care and Support, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Hidden Disabilities, Hope, Key Ministry, Special Needs Ministry
Joanna French
Internalized Ableism

“I am disabled. For years that was so hard to admit. I couldn’t mention out loud my neurodivergence. I whispered about my post-traumatic stress disorder, insisting ‘I’m better now.’ I was a champion for the disabled who didn’t want to talk about her own disabilities. It was disingenuous, but I didn’t know how to come to terms with the fact that I was disabled. I was still scared that admitting my disability publicly would convince people I was not able to do anything.” Joanna French writes on her experience with disability.

Internalized Ableism
#DATC2024, Care and Support, Culture of Life, Disability Ministry, Event, Families, Hope, Key Ministry, podcast, Worship
Beth Golik
A Conversation with Marie Kuck from Nathaniel’s ...

Beth sits down with the always delightful Marie Kuck, who has a special invitation for our listeners for a behind-the-scenes tour of Make ‘m Smile in Orlando. 

A Conversation with Marie Kuck from Nathaniel’s Hope: Podcast Episode 096
#DATC2024, Care and Support, Disability Ministry, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Leadership, Resources, Sandra Peoples, Special Needs Ministry, Strategies
Sandra Peoples
Inclusive and Engaging Teaching Models: Podcast ...

In today's episode, Sandra chats with Tracy McElhattan, PhD about how to apply universal design for learning principles to our children's ministry classes so everyone is included and engaged!

Inclusive and Engaging Teaching Models: Podcast Epsiode 095 with Sandra Peoples Tracy McElhatten
Key Ministry
Casting All Your Cares

Mary Underwood writes about her experience in the Philippines, and trusting God with all of your cares.

Casting All Your Cares

special education

, , , , , , ,

Organic Friendships

, , , , , , ,
Organic Friendships

After all my years of teaching middle school special education, specifically a significant disabilities/autism class, you’d think I would have learned by now that some of my best-laid plans were the last things my students needed…especially when it came to making friends. I personally believe that many of the social skills activities I’ve done with my students and my own children have been a great benefit. Our kids need the training and support we provide through role-playing, social stories, and other activities, but at what point do we take our hands off and give control of those friendships to our kids?  Letting go of that control can be scary.

, , ,

No Place Too Small: Special Needs Ministry in a Small Church

, , ,
No Place Too Small: Special Needs Ministry in a Small Church

I could talk about a multitude of things: our amazing lead pastor, our creative genius of a children’s pastor, team building and volunteer training, or leading a special needs ministry. But it makes much more sense to tell you why any church can do this special needs ministry “thing.” Because we did with a newbie ministry leader, a little bit of grit, a tiny budget, and a whole lot of prayer. If we can do it, so can you.

, , ,

To My Child's Teacher

, , ,
To My Child's Teacher

Brenda and I were talking about how difficult it is for a teacher to stretch beyond their “success” style and the challenge that the special needs student offers. She asked me to help her with encouraging her teachers on why its important to keep the big picture in mind when working with special needs students. The ideas turned into a letter from a parent to their child’s teachers.