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Practical Workshops
Disability and Belonging in the ChurchJasmine Duckworth
Each person is loved by God and deserves to belong, so how do we ensure that our spaces and communities are welcoming to all, including people with disabilities?
In this workshop we will establish definitions and foundational knowledge about disability, introduce some concepts from disability theology, and look to the example of Jesus for three practical ways to nurture communities of belonging for all.
Jasmine Duckworth has been serving with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) since 2004 and has been disabled herself since 2015. As part of her role as Community Development Manager she often speaks with churches and community groups about disability, accessibility, and ableism. She works closely with self-advocates as they work to improve Karis Disability Services, the developmental services sector, and the broader community. She is a mom, wife, and obsessive knitter. She can be reached at jduckworth@karis.org.
Disability Ministry 101 – Ministering with Families with DisabilitiesCindy Kwan
This is an interactive workshop for sharing tips, ideas, and considerations that I’ve learned over the years of working with students living with disabilities, serving in Village Eulogia, and with churches and communities that welcome people with disabilities.
Cindy is a child of God redeemed by Jesus. She’s a wife, mother of two, special education teacher, and servant of God. Her calling is to work with autistic children and other disabilities. She’s also had the privilege of growing and serving with Village Eulogia (a ministry that supports families with disability) for over 13 years.
Building a Christian Lifestyle, The JourneyLynne & Elizabeth Leyland
This presentation will follow Elizabeth’s life, detailing the paths, the people, the challenges, the plans, the acceptance Elizabeth has received, and the continued need for adjustments in churches and in society so people with disabilities can embrace their faith, feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment and follow the lifeplan the Lord has prepared for them.
Lynne has been a parent and family advocate for 20+ years, including running an autism support group and being engaged by charities as a guest speaker.She is a career volunteer, a lifelong Christian, a wife, and is mom to Elizabeth (who is also her best friend). Lynne now works part time for Village Eulogia, where she began as a family seeking a place where faith was a part of disability discussions. The Lord has always been a strength to Lynne as she sought to understand Elizabeth’s abilities, wishes and needs for an engaging and fulfilling Christian lifestyle.
Elizabeth has compassion and empathy and loves to help others. She is a Christian (confirmed in 2018), and an active member of Dunbarton Fairport United church. Elizabeth loves worship music, being outdoors and staying active. Elizabeth enjoys being engaged as a community volunteer. She is involved in a variety of roles with various agencies and charities. Elizabeth is proud of what she has accomplished and likes that people see her for her abilities and contributions rather than for her disabilities.
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Table Discussion
Neil CudneyIt’s been almost 30 years since the publication of Nancy Eiesland’s seminal work “The Disable God”. This work inspired so much of what was to follow in the academic and practical research and conversation regarding Disability, Theology and the Church. Whether you agree or disagree with her conclusions, the questions she asked and her attempt to form a working theology of disability were catalytic. Neil Cudney will facilitate a reflective community conversation on where we are 30 years after Disabled God’s publication and what yet needs to be achieved.
Neil Cudney (D.Min) has been a part of the theology and disability conversation for over two decades. He served Karis Disability Services (Christian Horizons) for 25 years during which he was an organizing member of the International Institue on Theology and Disability, Spirituality and Religion Division President with the AAIDD, Chair of the Ontario Faith and Inclusion Network and a founding member of the Canadian Symposium on Theology and Disability, now Deeper Communion. He has taught and spoken frequently in Churches, Colleges and various events on Creating Communities of Belonging for persons with disabilities and their families.
