Inclusion for Individuals with Special Needs

By |Published On: May 28, 2020|Categories: Podcast|

“Many families of children with disabilities seek support from a faith community more than anything else in their community. Their priority in seeking a church is not always a place where they feel they can grow spiritually, but rather a place that will accept their child.” 

–Dr. Rebekah Dyer

As regions of the United States begin lifting social distancing restrictions, we all have an opportunity to rethink how we connect with one another. Are we really offering an inclusive environment at our churches and in the classroom?

On the podcast this week, Crystal has invited Dr. Rebekah Dyer back for another conversation about inclusion for families impacted by disability. As a professor at Grand Canyon University with 18 years of experience in special education, Dr. Dyer has seen the barriers that school and church classrooms face when trying to open their doors to children and adults with disabilities. Listen as she shares her passion for integrating kids with disabilities at school and church, and the different models of inclusion that she has observed at various churches. She’s also sharing about the education model that she uses at Grand Canyon University to give her students a vision for inclusion. Hear how she is moving students beyond the classroom and partnering with churches to provide hands-on special needs education. 


Subscribe to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

                                       

Church Training Resources

Would you like to learn more about integrating individuals with disabilities, adapting curriculum, or developing a hybrid model for inclusion? Joni and Friends offers free church training resources that include practical guides and hands-on tools for special needs ministry.

Learn More

Hear More from Dr. Dyer

For many families impacted by autism, the loneliness and lack of routine resulting from the pandemic has presented new challenges. Listen as Dr. Dyer shares creative ideas for reaching out to special needs families feeling the weight of isolation.

Listen Now

Recent Posts