Disability Issues, Challenges, and Advocacy
- Profiles in Catholicism
- Jun 28, 2018
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 13
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 and 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 and Commentaries
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 and Commentaries
Adonai S’fatai Commentary by TC Jewfolk
Resources
General Challenges Articles and Commentaries
Ex-Catholic priest who served in 2 Louisiana governors’ admins accused of raping physically disabled, autistic child by Caitlin McCormack New York Post
8 disabled saints who worked for justice by Ellyn Sann U.S. Catholic
Meet the pilgrims from the Jubilee of People with Disabilities by Courtney Mares Catholic News Service/The Catholic World Report
In the past five years, over 570 people with disabilities have been murdered by their parents, relatives or caregivers by 2024 Anti-Filicide Toolkit
OPINION: We don’t need a special day to help our learning disabled community thrive by Richard Franklin Jewish News
In the past five years, over 570 people with disabilities have been murdered by their parents, relatives or caregivers by 2024 Anti-Filicide Toolkit
Assisi: G7 for disability seeks to foster societal inclusion by Benedetta Capelli and Michele Raviart Vatican News
Children With Disabilities and Authentic Communities by Human Life Matters
Educators say special needs, developmental disabilities on rise, blame screen time, pandemic by CathNews New Zealand
Moving testimony from journalist, father on promoting inclusivity for disabled children in Catholic schools by Catholic Vote
Meet Israel’s Paralympians who’ll be led into Paris Games by a survivor of 7/10 by Jenni Frazer Jewish News
Student With Disability Helps St. Francis College With ADA Accessibility by Jessica Easthope Net-TV
Catholic disability ministry is personal to me. Here’s where it's thriving today—and where it still needs to grow. by Delaney Coyne America
Individual, unrepeatable, and valuable’: How Edith Stein served people with disabilities by Luke Coppen The Pillar
Malta lends famed property to center for disabled children by Elise Ann Allen Crux
The Americans with Disabilities Act is still doing its work. Churches should join in. by Russ Ewell Religion News Service
Safeguarding & Disability Conference: Injustice affects all by Vatican News
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