Publications
The Connections newsletter and Opening Doors blog are written by ADN staff and field associates, as well as guest writers. The stories and reflections of individuals with disabilities illuminate their rich faith life and their lived experience. Contributions from faith communities dedicated to fostering inclusion encourage other congregations to embrace diversity and nurture spaces of belonging. Together, these stories underscore the importance of accessibility, empathy, and education in creating faith communities where everyone can fully participate and thrive.
Connections Newsletter
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Faith Formation for Students with Disabilities
Tracey Lehman is a member of Columbus Mennonite Church (OH) and the mother of two young adult sons with Down syndrome. Communications Director Sarah Werner recently sat down with her to talk about her experience with the religious education programs her sons participated in when they were growing up.
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Accessible Bible Translations
Peter Goerzen, professor of biblical studies at Bethel College, discusses the wide variety of accessible Bible translations that are available.
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Cripping Youth Ministry
Sarah Werner reviews the book Cripping Youth Ministry, edited by Justin Forbes and Erin Raffety.
Opening Doors Blog
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Creating a Safe and Accessible Worship Space
In this week’s edition of the Opening Doors blog, Pastors Charlene Smalls and Angela Moyer Walter reflect on the work that Ripple Church has done in the past year to make worship a safe and accessible place for everyone in their congregation.
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A Couch for Miriam, A Couch for All of Us
Joanne Juhnke shares about how the addition of a couch to the sanctuary space at Madison Mennonite Church made a big different to accessibility for one of their members.
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Shifting Towards Inclusive Worship at Kern Road
Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend, Indiana is part of the All In project, and we have used our participation in the program to build on the momentum that began two years earlier as we sought better ways to include worshipers with diverse needs.
Going Deeper
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Creating Inclusive Spaces
Often disability inclusion is simple. When we are attentive to the relationships with people in our congregation, we can make accommodations that do not require a committee nor a lot of money.
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Disability, Safeguarding, and Inclusion in Cambodia
Charles Conklin reflects on his time with MCC in Cambodia where he worked on safeguarding policies for people with disabilities.
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Built for Everybody
Camp Friedenswald, a Mennonite camp in southern Michigan, has worked hard to make their camp a place that is accessible and welcoming for people of all abilities.
Media Reviews
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Resource Review: Believing and Belonging
Field Associate Sarah Werner reviews the anabaptist baptism & membership curriculum for adults with intellectual disabilities.
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Book Review: Dancing with Elephants
Mindfulness Training for Those Living with Dementia, Chronic Illness, or an Aging Brain.
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Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Hannah Thompson and Peter Graber offer their honest reviews of this Sundance film.
