Participation in religious practices can be complicated for people with special needs and their families, but that doesn’t mean that their need for spirituality is any less. A religious practice for people with special needs is important for many. Since today marks the beginning of Passover, the Easter celebration, and we are still in the midst of Ramadan, this is a fitting time to reflect on your family’s religious needs and the religious needs of your child with special needs.
Many mosques, synagogues and churches have strong and thriving special needs ministries and organizations. While not all congregations are as welcoming for people with different abilities, progress has been made and each faith has resources for congregations interested in doing a better job of reaching people with disabilities and their families.
Below are links to just a few articles and sites that may be of interest. If you are searching for a spiritual home for you or your family a websearch for “special needs (your town) (your religion)” will get you started.
If you have other websites or articles to suggest as resources, drop them in the comments.
Spirituality information
***** Spirituality and Disability: Implications for Special Education “address issues related to disability and spirituality, consider the impact of spirituality on children with disabilities, and suggest some practical strategies teachers can use to help foster the spiritual development of students with disabilities” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45718875_Spirituality_and_Disabilities_Implications_for_Special_Education
******The Friendship Circle “The core of the Rebbe’s teachings is that none of us is complete unless all of us are included. It is this concept that motivates the Friendship Circle.” https://www.friendshipcircle.com/
*******Muslims whose disabilities complicate fasting, praying find alternative ways to practice Ramadan rituals: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-ramadan-disabled-muslims-alternative-practices-20190501-story.html
Parker Counsel Legal Services is a special needs law firm providing estate planning, special needs trusts, guardianship, and more to families with children who have developmental disabilities. Offices in Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey. To see how we can help your family prepare for the future, schedule a short phone call here, or call 833-Red-BOOT (833-733-2668) or email at legal@parkercounsel.com.
