Disability
Have you tried reading a book blindfolded? How about enjoying a presentation without being able to hear the music or words or walking up a long flight up stairs on only one leg? Each person has their own challenges, and each challenge requires a unique approach in making sure the challenges are met and cared for.
In the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Disability Ministries provides support and resources for those providing services for the disabled across the Southern Union with the goal of Strengthening the Church: Making Disciples of All People.
"Ministry to People with Disabilities" became an official part of the Seventh-day Adventist church in 1995 as a direct result of efforts to evangelize and include our nation's 50 + million people with physical and mental disabilities into the mainstream of church life.
Since Seventh-day Adventist Christians are serious about the Lord's commission to "go…into all the world and preach the gospel…" (Mark 16:15) we enthusiastically address this large population of people with disabilities. At first glance the question might be asked, "Why is this a concern?" Further examination reveals that there are many issues involved in effectively ministering to individuals with physical or mental differences.
A "person with a disability" means an individual who has limited mobility in an extremity, is deaf or hard of hearing, is blind or has low vision, experiences mental, emotional, or cognitive deficits, or is an individual that has medical issues that cannot be recognized by casual observance (i.e. diabetes, Lupus, heart problems, epilepsy, etc.).
People with disabilities must have been close to the heart of the Son of God since He spent so much of His time with them. We know that disabilities are a temporary state of being, but, for now, we continue to adhere to our Lord's commission to share the good news of a crucified and risen Savior to all who will hear.
Additional Resources
What Could You Do brochure
