ADNet offers many written resources on various topics through electronic publishing.  This allows us to get these resources to you quickly and inexpensively. Watch these pages for and increasing number of documents, articles, fact sheets, guides, and much more.

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Overcoming Stigma

One of the greatest barriers to inclusion in church and society is the stigma that comes with certain disabling conditions.  This is particularly the case for mental illness.  Ruth Detweiler has both written and collected resources dealing with this issue.  

See also the August 2005 edition of ADNotes.

My Journey with Depression
Ruth Detweiler shares about her own journey with depression and offers tips for overcoming stigma and building relationships with persons with mental illness.

Dandelions and Stigma
Ruth Detweiler shares some thoughts about the stigma of mental illness based on her observations of a field of dandelions.  Paper also includes definitions of "mental health" and "mental illness."

Empowering Families in Crisis

The following papers were used at the Mennonite Health Assembly workshop led by Sherry Wenger and Paul Leichty on March 11, 2005.  The workshop was designed for persons who work with families where there is a family member with disabilities and/or mental illness. 

Please contact the ADNet Office if you would like to have this workshop in your location.  The following papers may be of general benefit and are offered here. 

Bibliography

Questionnaire Helps Church Meet Needs of Parents from CCPD

Pastoral Care for People with Disabilities and Their Families by Bill Gaventa

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ADNotes

ADNotes is a periodic resource for churches and other organizations created by the staff of ADNet. It is available by subscribing via email or by going to the ADNotes page.

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Child and Youth Resource Information Page

A questionnaire designed to be used in the Christian education setting to discern the special needs of children and youth. Download in either Microsoft Word 97 format (easier to modify) or in Personal Document Format (PDF).

Word 97 format

PDF File (Adobe Reader)

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A Drama of Love

Subtitled "A Christian Educator's Guide to Creating Classes Where Everyone Belongs" this 16 page paper contains a wealth of ideas and helpful hints for Sunday school teachers who want to include children and youth with disabilities in their Sunday school classes.

Word format

PDF File (Adobe Reader)

From Exile to Inclusion: A Community for Everyone
by Paul D. Leichty is an important article to help churches think about the issues of including persons with disabilities and mental illness and their families into the life of the congregation. A Discussion Guide is also available.

This article along with an article entitled "The Lord is my strength: Toward an Anabaptist disability theology" by Erick Sawatzky, appeared in the February 18, 2003 issue of The Mennonite.

Download a copy of the entire issue in PDF format.