Profiles in Catholicism
Jun 28, 201810 min
Updated: Apr 21
General Disability Issues
Prayers
Prayer for Inclusion
Creator God, we are your people. We look to the future with optimism and with faith in you, As we pursue our call to provide justice and fullness of life. For all people with mental illness. We pray that every man, woman and child May develop their potential And meet you In themselves and in one another. May we enjoy a totally welcoming community, With you as our center, Joined hand in hand with our sisters and brothers. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Based on the Pastoral Statement of US Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities – NCPD Council (National Catholic Partnership on Disability)
Interviews
Book Reviews and Commentaries
I Believe in You: Wisdom from community with persons with disabilities on believing in ourselves and the other
by Luca Badetti
Reviewed by Father Matthew P. Schneider, LC Patheos
Growing up Disabled in Australia
Edited by Carly Findlay OAM
Reviewed by Fr Justin Glyn SJ Australian Jesuits
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Champions
Reviewed Susan Ciancio The Catholic World Report
I Didn't See You There
Reviewed by Matt Zoller Seitz Rodger Ebert.com
Theater Reviews
Disability without sentimentality: a stage actor's journey
by Gregg Mozgala America
Cost of Living = Disability without sentimentality: a stage actor's journey
by Gregg Mozgala America
Music Reviews/Commentaries
Adonai S’fatai
Commentary by TC Jewfolk
Resources
General Challenges Articles/Commentaries
Disabled, yes, and unwilling to die for society's easy comfort
by Charlie Camosy The Tablet
Canada MAID decision 'blatant devaluing of persons with disabilities,' says activist
by Gina Christian Our Sunday Visitor/The Pilot
Down syndrome advocates call for Catholics to help parents embrace 'dreams, not fears'
by Our Sunday Visitor
Student With Disability Helps St. Francis College With ADA Accessibility
by Jessica Easthope Net-TV
Meet the Jewish activist fighting for the rights of people with disabilities
by Larry Luxner Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Catholics, socialists and disability advocates all have concerns about Ireland’s proposed family amendments
by Kevin Hargaden America
Family advocates for hidden capabilities of those with disabilities
by Katie Yoder Our Sunday Visitor
A Short Primer on Disability
by Mark Bradford Word on Fire
Pope: Places, mentalities must be more receptive to people with disabilities
by Carol Glatz The Pilot
Why it’s important to welcome kids with disabilities at Catholic schools
by Katie Yoder Our Sunday Visitor
A new pastoral statement on Persons with Disabilities
by Michael Bradford Word on Fire
“Zika Babies Reveal Our Society’s Deep, Dangerous Prejudice against Disabilities”
by Martina Shabram, Quartz
Police appeal after disabled pensioner's cash for cancer recovery celebration is stolen
by Gerard Donaghy Irish Post
Mercy nun serving disabled children wins American Catholic honor
by John Lavenburg Crux
Experts see hope, challenges for pastoral inclusion of Catholics with disabilities
by Gina Christian Aleteia
Massachusetts Democrat official faces backlash for comments about disabled children, abortion
by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Japanese service provider ‘mandated’ sterilisation for people with disabilities
by CathNews
Kenya’s deaf choir changes minds about ‘burdens’ of disabilities
by Fredrick Nzwili Religion News Service
Big grant to support caregivers raising children with disabilities
by CathNews
The Minyan: Jews With Disabilities
by Abigail Pogrebin Tablet
Missouri Allows Some Disabled Workers to Earn Less Than $1 an Hour. The State Says It’s Fine If That Never Changes.
by Madison Hopkins The Kansas City Beacon
Disability and Discipleship: The “Able-Bodied” Body of Christ
by Andrew Barron, PhD and Katie Evensen, MA Everyday Bioethics
Standardized Tests and Students With Disabilities: How the SAT, LSAT, and Bar Discriminate
by Haley Moss Teen Vogue
People with disability twice as likely to experience violence
by Independent Catholic News
Jennifer Natalya Fink’s Disabilities
by Cristina Nehring Tablet
‘We’ not ‘they’ — disability in the life of the church
by Cardinal Blase Cupich Chicago Catholic
A Disabled Young Patient Was Sent to Get Treatment. He Was Abused Instead. And He Wasn’t the Last.
by Beth Hunsdorfer and Molly Parker ProPublica
Inquiry hears of homelessness among people with disability
by CathNews
Transporting Wheelchairs into Ukraine
by Nancy McNally ICMC
Combatting ableism in worship spaces
by Religion News Service
‘Pressure is really on’ to find disability workers
by CathNews
Experts on disability say Church making good strides, more to be done
by Elise Ann Allen Crux
Catholics with disabilities share their vision of a synodal church
by Catholic News Service/Crux
Vatican hosts synod listening session with disabled Catholics
by Courtney Mares Catholic News Agency
IndiGo: Anger after India airline removes disabled teenager
by BBC
Pope Francis advocates for inclusion of people with disabilities in society
by Courtney Mares Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Ministering to the Disabled on the Counsel of Trent Podcast
by Matthew SchneiderPatheos
‘We’ not ‘they’ — disability in the life of the church
by Cardinal Blase Cupich Chicago Catholic
Former priest who ran agency for disabled accused of taking explicit pics of unconscious men
by Michelle Hunter New Orleans Advocate
Australian Bishops Want Us to Include Those with Disabilities
by Father Matthew P. Schneider, LC Patheos
No one can deny the Sacraments to people with disabilities
by Vatican News
Vatican launches #IamChurch campaign for people with disabilities
by Independent Catholic News
Australian Bishops encourage parishes to welcome people with disability
by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
Vatican launches #IamChurch campaign for persons with disabilities
by Benedict Mayaki, SJ Vatican News
Pope Francis to disabled people: The Church needs you
by Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency
How to Create a Wheelchair Accessible Home
by Jackie Benardout Best Mobility Aids
A Jesuit, papal connection from the past in pope’s gift from Washington
by Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service
A girl asked an archbishop why God allows disabilities. Here’s his response
by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Pope Francis thanks Christian disability group for witnessing to ‘the heart of the Gospel’
by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Disability Support Pension applicants ‘forced into poverty’
by CathNews
12-year-old won’t let his disability stop him from fulfilling his farming dream
by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia
Catholic Social Services Australia expresses concern over disability support
by Francesca Merlo Vatican News
For a disabled person, becoming a Paralympian isn’t just about ‘trying harder’
by Lucy Webster The Guardian
Why it’s time to end TV’s deplorable prejudice against disabled people
by Jack Thorne The Guardian
Amputee wins better prosthetics funding in Wales
by Matt Lloyd BBC News
Disabled Korean Catholic lives faith, feeds the hungry
by UCA News
To Get a Shot at Justice, They Were Forced to Prove Their Disabled Daughter’s Intelligence
by Carol Marbin Miller and Daniel Chang Miami Herald/ProPublica
People with disabilities faced more barriers during pandemic, academy says
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
Pontifical Academy for life on disability and friendship
by Vatican News
Pro-Life & Disability Rights: Often on the Same Side but Not Always
by Matthew Schneider Patheos
Asha Bhavan is a home away from home for girls with disabilities
by Shanti Pulickal The Global Sisters Report
Catholic charity throws lifeline to disabled in Singapore.
by UCA News
Beyond welfare law, South Korea's disabled need more supportDespite strong legislation, many disabled people remain isolated and excluded from mainstream society
by Rock Ronald Rozario UCA News
To foster inclusiveness, Nigerian nuns mainstream pupils with disabilities
by Valentine Iwenwanne Catholic News Service
I am a lifelong wheelchair user and I don't feel welcome in the church
by Erin Murphy National Catholic Reporter
In Pakistan, coronavirus challenges nuns serving the disabled
by Kamran Chaudhry Global Sisters Report
Teenagers develop 3D-printed bionic arm 30 times cheaper than existing prosthetics
by Generation Unlimited
Colorado medical practice to offer specialized care to adults with Down syndrome
by Catholic News Agency
Deaf mute Korean priest charged with molesting disabled people
by Daily Gazette
Overcoming discrimination against persons with a disability
by Stephan Uttom UCA News
Global disabilities map visualizes the strength and power of millions of athletes around the world
by Sarah Hillyer and Carolyn Spellings The Conversation
Inclusive prayer service for people with disabilities marks 30th anniversary of the A.D.A.
by Erika RasmussenAmerica
Sisters bring inclusive education to children with and without disabilities
by Kelechukwu Iruoma Global Sisters Report
Computational Propaganda and the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election: Antisemitic and Anti-Black Content on Facebook and Telegram
by Anti-Defamation League
Screen out: Disabled actors are still waiting for their place on the national stage
by Magda Romanska The Conversation
Q & A with Sr. Meena Dias, serving children with disabilities in Goa for three decades
by Lissy Maruthanakuz Global Sisters Report
Catholic Disability Group: Linden Cameron Shooting ‘Devastating’
by JD Flynn CNA/National Catholic Register
Video Shows the Need to Train Priests on Disability
by Fr. Matthew P. Schneider, LC Patheos
Holy See advocates for rights of Internally Displaced Persons with disabilities .The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations,Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, calls for protection of the rights of people with disabilities in situations of forced displacement.
by Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ Vatican News
When Disabled Children Can’t Get Visas, Parents Face a Heartbreaking Decision
by US Holocaust Museum
Guernsey legislature rejects efforts to prevent disability discrimination in abortion
by Catholic News Agency/Angelus
A Scientist's Pink Cast Leads To Discovery About How The Brain Responds To Disability
by Jon Hamilton National Public Radio
This Kenyan nun runs a program for girls with disabilities
by CNA Daily News/The Catholic World Report
Bishops: Elderly and Disabled Have Same Right to Treatment as Others Amid Coronavirus
byCatholic News Agency/National Catholic Register
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability released a resource called “Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Medical Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
by Catholic CharitiesUSA
Ventilators limited for the disabled? Rationing plans are slammed amid coronavirus crisis
by Minyvonne BurkeNBD News
Prevent healthcare rationing on basis of disability, Congressmen tell HHS
by Matt Hadro Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Asha Deepam kindles light of hope in Indian children with disabilities
by Philip Mathew Global Sisters Report
Meet the young teen who competes in triathlons with his younger disabled brother
by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia
Empowering Children and Youth with Disabilities in Jordan
by International Catholic Migration Commission
On Day of the Disabled, pope calls for ‘full integration’ in society
by Inés San Martín Crux
Pennsylvania Politicians Divided Over Aborting the Disabled
by Fr. Matthew Schneider Patheos
Report outlines 'dangers, harms' assisted suicide laws pose to disabled
by Julie Hasher CNS/Nation/The Pilot
Nuns offer hope to disabled people in Sumatra
by Ryan Dagur La Croix International
Missionary Priests Creates Wheelchair Tricycles for Disabled in Ghana Hope for the ‘last among the last’
by Zenit Staff Zenit
New therapeutic riding program serves adults with disabilities
by Theresa Laurence’ Catholic News Service/Crux
Mother of French quadriplegic brings appeal to keep him alive to U.N.
by Reuters
‘Delightfully Chaotic, Yet Peaceful’: A Special Mass for Those with Special Needs
by Deacon Greg Kandra Patheos
French court orders severely disabled man be disconnected from food, water
by Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Wildflour Cafe imparts culinary skills to workers with special needs
by George Goss The Arlington Catholic Herald
Jean Vanier is gone, but his Christian model for living alongside the disabled takes root
by Yonat Shimron Religion News Service/National Catholic Reporter
The Vanier model for living with the disabled takes root
by Yonat Shimron Religion News Service/America
Disability but not despair: Myanmar nuns save lost kids
by John Zaw La Croix International
Jean Vanier, ‘living saint’ who ministered to people with disabilities, dies at 90
by Colleen Dulle America
House of Charity in Mumbai provides family to those with disabilities
by Sr. Lissy Maruthanakuzhy Global Sisters Report
Wheelchair ministry in Vietnam frees people to earn a living
by Joachim Pham Global Sisters Report
Nuns offer people without use of limbs a means of livelihood
by Joachim Pham National Catholic Reporter
Sri Lankan nun's teaching centers a blessing for disabled kids
by Niranjani Roland and Quintus Colombage UCANews.com
Catholic comedian Jeremy McLellan on finding God by welcoming the disabled
by Jeremy McLellan America
Minimum wage shouldn't be something you work your way up to, even if you have disabilities
by Rabbi Ruti Regan Think
How can parishes be more welcoming to those with disabilities?
by Perry Wesr Catholic News Agency
How banning plastic straws could impact the disabled
by Christine Rousselle Catholic News Agency
Q & A with Sr. Mary Tran Le Trinh, caring for children with disabilities
by Joachim Pham Global Sisters Report
Need for Catholic health care has never been greater, says cardinal
by Tim Puet Catholic Herald
A national survey on violence and discrimination among people with disabilities.
by Dammeyer J, Chapman M. BMC Public Health
Persons with Disabilities are Gifts to be Celebrated
by Matthew Pinto
Eli the Evangelizer; Children with special needs can be super evangelizers.
by Joseph Pronechen National Catholic Register
Free-Lancing: A Boy with Influence The continuing saga of Eli Judice
by Trent Angers Acadiana Profile
Parents of children with disabilities now have a resource
by Jennifer Brinker St Louis Review
Revised Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
by USCCB Effective June 15, 2017
Charlie Gard: a story of disability bias
by Jana Bennett America
What some pro-lifers have overlooked in the case of Charlie Gard
by Michael Redinger America
Disability not an impediment to full communion
by Michelle Martin Chicago Catholic
How disabilities can promote a true culture of life
by Katie Bahr US Catholic
Meeting the Needs of People With Disabilities Within the Church
by Christina M.H. Powell The Enrichment Journal
Study: Special Needs Are Accommodated at U.S. Parishes
Parishes where people with disabilities serve in ministerial or leadership roles tend to be the most accommodating. by Judy Roberts National Catholic Register
Out of the Shadows Making room in your parish for people with disabilities by Kevin Clarke America
The Struggles and Unexpected Blessings of Special-Needs Kids
by Jim Graves The Catholic World Report
The story of a father who runs marathons with his disabled son
by Blanca Ruiz CNA
“I Am Equally Human” Discrimination and Lack of Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Iran
by Human Rights Watch
“They Stay until They Die” A Lifetime of Isolation and Neglect in Institutions for People with Disabilities in Brazil by Human Rights Watch
Invisible Victims of Sexual Violence: Access to Justice for Women and Girls with Disabilities in India by Human Rights Watch
“I Needed Help, Instead I Was Punished”: Abuse and Neglect of Prisoners with Disabilities in Australia by Human Rights Watch
Events
Art exhibition demonstrates talents of people with learning disabilities
by Louise Cookl Independent Catholic News
Articles
Don't Become Blind to the Blind by Wayne Smith National Catholic Register
Awards and Honors
We are extremely proud to announce that our Senior Inclusion Advisor Yetnebersh Nigussie wins the Right Livelihood Award 2017. Find out more about the blind disability activist and inspiring person from Ethiopia
by Light for the World
Specific Disabilities
Resources