 Faith in Action Workbook: Advocating with People of All Abilities Laura Lee Wright Director of Christian Partnerships Bethesda Ministries

Who am I?  follower of Jesus  have a disability  have worked in the field of disability the last 30 years, the last 15 years in Faith and Disability  on staff of a mega-church  Ministry Consultant for Bethesda Ministries  Director of Ministry Partnerships, Bethesda Ministries

Where are We Going?  History  ARC/AAIDD Statement of Faith  CQL  Models of Spiritual Assessment  My Faith in Action Workbook

History Bethesda has invested in the spiritual well-being of people supported since it’s inception. We have not always gotten it right. Spiritual background information has historically been collected but not always utilized. Human and Civil Rights training has been minimal.

ARC/AAIDD Statement of Faith People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the right to choose their own expressions of spirituality, to practice those beliefs and expressions and to participate in the faith community of their choice or other spiritual activities. They also have a right to choose not to participate in religious or spiritual activity.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports Spirituality, spiritual growth and religious expression that respect a person’s history, tradition and current preferences are rights that must be honored by service systems and faith-based communities, as should the choice not to participate.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports Spirituality is an important part of the human experience that may be expressed both through religious practice and through other spiritual activities which carry personal meaning and reflect the person’s values.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports  Supports and accommodations, such as transportation and easy-to- read materials, must be provided as needed to facilitate the individual’s full participation in spiritual or religious activities of her/his choice.  Supports and programs should be age-appropriate and inclusive.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports Faith communities should be encouraged to build their capacity to support and welcome individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families, and should be assisted in such efforts.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports Self-advocates, families, advocacy organizations, service providers, and faith communities should work together to develop training and other resources on the inclusion and support of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

ARC/AAIDD Statements on Faith Supports People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities bring their own unique spiritual gifts and benefits to spiritual and religious communities, just as people without disabilities do.

Council on Quality Leadership(CQL) CQL is dedicated to the definition, measurement and improvement of personal quality of life for people receiving human services and supports.

Personal Outcome Measures  Personal -- One’s own view of life  Outcomes -- Define what is important to the person  Measures -- Determine if people are receiving what is important to them

Three Key Factors Myself My WorldMy Dreams 21 Outcomes Bethesda has a 22 nd outcome People choose & express their religious and spiritual beliefs

Bethesda’s Perspective on Faith  As a faith-based organization, Bethesda follows the teachings of Lutheran theology. Christianity is its cornerstone.  However, as advocates for equality and inclusion, Bethesda believes people have the right to follow their own spiritual journey and pursue their own personal beliefs.  A variety of faith-based activities are offered in our programs; people choose if they wish to participate.

Models for Spiritual Assessment FICA Faith, Influence, Community, Address HOPE H meaning comfort, peace, comfort Organized Religion Personal Practice and Spirituality Effects on the type of Care

Models for Spiritual Assessment  7 X7 Model for Spiritual Care (holistic approach)  Belief and meaning  Vocation and consequences  Experiences and emotions  Courage and growth  Ritual and practice  Community  Authority and guidance

My Faith in Action Workbook  The workbook is in early stages of implementation  A tool created to assist people with disabilities to advocate for their own spiritual needs and wants.  Assists with the spiritual outcomes/goals, Individual Support Plan  Interactive and adaptable --- someone interviews, one writes for themselves or a combination can occur  Person supported keeps the book in their own personal possession.

Questions and Discussion

Contact Information  Laura Lee Wright  

References  statements/spirituality#.VWKEMtJ0xy0 statements/spirituality#.VWKEMtJ0xy0   ncy_today_online/volume_28_number_1/28_1laroccapitts.pdf ncy_today_online/volume_28_number_1/28_1laroccapitts.pdf  bheader=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobnocache=true&bl obtable=document&blobwhere= &ssbinary=true