“Many families of children with disabilities seek support from a faith community more than anything else in their community. Their priority in seeking a church is not always a place where they feel they can grow spiritually, but rather a place that will accept their child.” –Dr. Rebekah Dyer

As regions of the United States begin lifting social distancing restrictions, we all have an opportunity to rethink how we connect with one another. Are we really offering an inclusive environment at our churches and in the classroom? 

On the podcast this week, Crystal has invited Dr. Rebekah Dyer back for another conversation about inclusion for families impacted by disability. As a professor at Grand Canyon University with 18 years of experience in special education, Dr. Dyer has seen the barriers that school and church classrooms face when trying to open their doors to children and adults with disabilities. Listen as she shares her passion for integrating kids with disabilities at school and church, and the different models of inclusion that she has observed at various churches. She’s also sharing about the education model that she uses at Grand Canyon University to give her students a vision for inclusion. Hear how she is moving students beyond the classroom and partnering with churches to provide hands-on special needs education. 

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]

Would you like to learn more about integrating individuals with disabilities, adapting curriculum, or developing a hybrid model for inclusion? Joni and Friends offers free church training resources that include practical guides and hands-on tools for special needs ministry. 

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*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. For more than 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 180,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.

www.joniandfriends.org*

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.