This page focuses on Christian education resources for and about children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some resources here are also appropriate for adults with intellectual disabilities. We invite your for additional Christian Education resources, particularly those intended for adults. Skip to Resource List.

A variety of approaches are open to congregations that make an effort to include individuals with disabilities in their Sunday School or Christian education setting. Most options fall into one of two broad categories. In any case, a basic understanding of the child's disability is important.

• Special settings.  A separate classroom for children with disabilities is comparable to a "special education" classroom in the public school.  In other words, children with disabilities learn in a class that is set apart for their own learning abilities. For a large church with a significant number of children with disabilities at a similar age and intellectual level, this may provide Christian education that is especially well-suited to their needs.  The disadvantage, even for a church that can manage this, is that segregation limits the social and educational interactions between children with and without disabilities,
• Integrated settings.  In this option, children with disabilities participate in Sunday School classrooms with other children at or near their age level.  This enables all of the children to interact with those who may be very different from them.  Integrated settings may require an extra teacher or aide who helps the whole class, but pays particular attention to the needs of the child with disabilities. See the August 2009 issue of ADNotes for a discussion of the advantages of inclusion, along with suggested strategies.

Christy Weems, 2008-09 ADNet Student Associate, has compiled books and websites for building understanding of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting Sunday school teachers in both special and integrated settings. Download complete list.

Recommended books

Helpful books for Christian Education leaders are on a list available as a download in PDF format.

Recommended websites

CCFH Ministries (Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped)
Online educational program uses video segments, interactive exercises, and other resources to give subscribing churches tools to create and implement a comprehensive disability ministry. CCFH offers an online 12 credit hour certificate in Disabilities Ministry through Johnson Bible College. Online store offers educational brochures, books, DVDs, workbooks, lesson materials, etc. Founded by Dr. Jim Pierson, author of numerous books about disabilities ministry.

CLC Network (Christian Learning Center)
CLC Network professional staff provide services in homes, schools and churches throughout North America, offering resources from a Christian perspective to benefit people who have disabilities, unique learning challenges or exceptional academic gifts. The CLC Network is committed to building inclusive communities by empowering others. They offer books, DVDs, training opportunities, consultation, and more.

Friendship Ministries  
Interdenominational curricula and training materials for Friendship groups. These groups aim to share God’s love with people who have cognitive impairments and enable them to become an active part of God’s family. Friendship groups include both persons with intellectual disabilities and their friends who do not have disabilities. Resources for both youth and adults are available.

Lifeway Christian Resources
A wealth of resources from the Southern Baptist Convention--Special Needs Ministry. They offer:

• Adapted Sunday school curriculum with teaching guide, picture sets, Bible stories, and learner activity pages
• Special Friends edition of Bible school curricula
• Bible studies for adults with intellectual disabilities
• Library of articles about teaching individuals with disabilities and behavior differences
• Bulletin inserts
• Downloadable teacher aids such as picture word cards and adaptation tips.

Outside the Box: Helping Misunderstood Kids
Resources from a Christian perspective for parenting and teaching misunderstood kids who thrive "Outside the Box" -- children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and related learning differences. "How to Help Children With Special Needs in the Sunday School Classroom" offers advice from experienced Sunday School teachers.

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Regional resources:

Bridge Ministries
Washington state. Bridge supports churches in their efforts to involve and build relationships with persons with disabilities through Circles of Friends, Sunday Evening Celebrations, etc. 

FKO (For Kids Only)
Southern California. Training workshops to equip for children's ministry. Online bookstore includes selection of books about ministry with children with disabilities. 

Sunday School Inclusion is the topic of the August 2009 issue of ADNotes.

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