SharePoint
Sign In
Help
ADN logo

Becoming More Inclusive
 

  • Home
NavigationSearch
  • Home
    • About
      • Our Mission and Vision
      • Our History
      • Who Are Anabaptists?
      • Our Staff
      • Field Associates
      • Board of Directors
      • Annual Reports
      • Staff Openings
    • Get Involved
      • Congregational Advocates
      • Partner Congregations
      • Accessibility in all aspects of church life
      • Barrier-Free Grant
    • NewsletterCurrently selected
      • Latest issue
      • Previous issues
      • Subscribe
    • Blog
      • Latest Posts
      • Subscribe
      • All Posts
    • Resources
      • Accessibility and Awareness
        • Accessibility
        • Accessibility Audits
        • Awareness
        • Changing Attitudes
        • Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
      • MC USA Accessibility Resolution and Study Guide
      • ADN Books
      • ADN Disability Language Guide
      • Barrier-Free Grant
      • Book and Media Recommendations
      • Caregivers
        • Circles of Care
        • Families
        • Support Groups
      • Congregational Assessment Survey
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • Disability Topics
        • ADHD
        • Autism spectrum
        • Disabilities of Aging
        • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
        • For the Deaf
        • Hearing Loss
        • Hidden disabilities
        • Intellectual disabilities
        • Mobility Impairment
        • Vision Disabilities
      • Faith Formation & Worship
        • Children
        • Classroom Accessibility
        • For Church leaders
        • Book Reviews
        • Our Speakers
        • Youth
      • From Other Faith Traditions
      • On Mental Health
        • Children and Youth
        • Depression and Anxiety
        • Healthy Boundaries
        • Mental Health Education
        • Mental Health Resource for Congregations
        • Mental Illnesses
        • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • Suicide
      • Speakers and Trainers
      • Webinars
      • All Resources
    • Donate
      • Support ADN: Donate Now
      • Legacy Giving
      • Honor And Memorial Gifts
      • Building the Future Partners
    • Contact Us
Left Menu
  • Pictures
  • Lists
  • Libraries
  • Recent
  • NewsletterCurrently selected
    • Latest issue
    • Previous issues
    • Subscribe

Becoming More Inclusive

Kathy Nofziger Yeakey
Page Image
Image Caption
 


Opening paragraph
​This fall I visited with a pastor at Marion Mennonite Church in LaGrange County, Indiana. Only forty minutes away from Elkhart by car, the trip reminded me of traveling back in time or to another country as I carefully maneuvered around the Amish buggies sharing the roads.
Page Content

​
Kathy Nofziger Yeakey is Executive Director for Anabaptist Disabilities Network.

The pastor first took me on a tour of the ongoing remodeling project and facilities addition designed to make the church building more accessible to persons with disabilities. Soon, anyone using a wheelchair will be able to freely access classrooms, the worship space, the fellowship hall and more. Thanks be to God!

As we talked, she shared with me that people living in LaGrange County sometimes feel geographically and socially isolated. Persons who attempt suicide or have other acute mental health needs have not had ready access to inpatient mental health services or needed social services. But she shared with me recent developments that will provide greater access to emergency mental health services for people in the area. Thanks be to God!

Just today I spoke by telephone with a pastor on the east coast who feels God leading him to make changes in his church’s youth ministry to better meet the needs of youth with disabilities. This pastor realizes that the existing youth ministries seem to have difficulty connecting with youth with disabilities, and he feels called to do something about it. Praise be to God!

Anabaptist Disabilities Network offers resources and connection to congregations like these as they seek to become ever more inclusive of persons touched by disabilities. Won’t you join us in this mission by contributing to our work in 2016?

 In this issue

  • Light in the Dark
    The birth of a daughter with Down syndrome inspires Norma Vazquez Maldonado to reach out to support other families coming to terms with a child's disability.
  • We Are Able Workcamp
    We Are Able Workcamp offers a service opportunity in the summer of 2016 for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities and other young adult volunteers.
  • Teachers of the Soul
    Book review of Teachers of the Soul: The Heart of God Revealed through People with Disabilities, by David J. Gullman (Westbow, 2015). Reviewed by Christine Guth.
  • Faith in Action Transcends Disability
    Joshua Dean finds a warm welcome and tangible expressions of the gospel in a new church home at Slate Hill Mennonite Church.
  • ADN Updates February 2016
    ​Recent posts on the Opening Doors Blog, progress on the new website, and why you should visit our Facebook page
  • Safety for Vulnerable Populations
    Steps that churches can take to ensure the safety of all vulnerable persons, including children and adults with disabilities.
  • Special Needs Parenting
    Review of Special Needs Parenting: From Coping to Thriving, by Lorna Bradley (Huff Publishing Associates, 2015). Reviewed by Christine Guth.
  • Open Roof Award
    Cedar Lake and Staunton congregations were honored with the Church of the Brethren Open Roof Award for 2015.
 

Contact us

P: 877-214-9838 (Toll Free)
P: 574-343-1362
3145 Benham Avenue
Suite 5
Elkhart, IN 46517-1970
Visit the Anabaptist Disabilities Network on Facebook!

Support ADN

Use your credit card to contribute online:

Donate Now Through Network for Good

Donate Now Through PayPal

    Resources

  • Staff
  • About
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Donate
  • Employment
  • Sign In
  • © Anabaptist Disabilities Network 2019