Tuesday, September 30, 2008 — For the first time in Central Florida, individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers and friends, along with representatives from faith-based and non-profit organizations, are being brought under one roof to learn together.
More than 150 people are expected to attend Through the Roof: A Conference on Faith & Disability, October 3-4 at Northland Church in Longwood.
This much-needed conference is being hosted by Northland’s Access Ministries in partnership with Joni and Friends, the groundbreaking ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1979 to equip churches worldwide to connect more effectively with individuals with disabilities.
“This conference will provide inspiration and support to churches wanting to learn more about welcoming people with disabilities,” explains Laura Lee Wright, Northland’s Access Ministries team leader. “This truly is a unique opportunity.”
Participants will hear a two-part keynote address by Pastor Joel Sonnenberg, associate pastor of Calvary Church in Fort Lauderdale. When he was only 22 months old, Joel was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with burns on more than 85 percent of his body. He was badly disfigured—without any toes, without any fingers, and without one hand.
He says that somehow God has used the inexpressible pain, both physical and emotional, the torture of more than 45 surgeries … even the continual stares from strangers and the occasional cruel comments like “Take off your mask”?
“I’ve never enjoyed the way I look, and I don’t like to look at myself in the mirror all that much,” he explains. “As I’ve gotten older, I was shown by the Lord that it’s a true gift to be different. … That’s my purpose, to show God is good.”
An internationally known speaker, Joel has seen tremendous growth and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families at Calvary Church. He will talk about what the faith community can and should be doing to connect to those with disabilities and their families.
In addition to hearing from Joel Sonnenberg, participants will attend practical and informative workshops geared toward people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and friends; along with those who serve at churches and community organizations. A second track will focus on equipping staff and lay people from faith-based and community organizations to be more welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities.
Northland, started by 11 people in 1972 in the “north land” of Orlando, is a congregation of 12,000 that worships at several physical sites throughout Central Florida and at hundreds of “virtual” sites around the world via the church’s innovative Webstream Worship application. Visit www.northlandchurch.net to learn more.
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 3, 2008
5 p.m. Registration and Exhibits Open
6:30 p.m. Opening General Session Keynote Address: Part One
Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
8 p.m. Workshops — Session 1
9 p.m. Adjournment for the Evening
Saturday, October 4, 2008
8 a.m. Registration and Exhibits open – Continental breakfast snacks available
9 a.m. Opening General Session
Conference Welcome: Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland-A Church Distributed
Keynote Address: Part Two Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
10:15 a.m. Workshops — Session 2
11:30 a.m. Workshops — Session 3
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Workshop Seminars
3:30 p.m. Conference Adjournment
5 p.m. Saturday evening services at Northland Church—Dr. Joel C. Hunter
WELCOME TO THROUGH THE ROOF:
A CONFERENCE ON FAITH AN DISABILITY
.
Because — at the conference:
You will hear an unforgettable, two-part keynote address by Pastor Joel Sonnenberg of
Calvary Church in Fort Lauderdale – a passionate leader in the field of ministry that
works to include those with disabilities.
You will learn about a variety of disability-related issues.
You will gain information on ways to start or build upon ministry goals on including
people with disability.
You will have opportunities to visit with disability-related vendors.
You will connect with others who have like-minded goals and challenges.
You will receive a conference packet, refreshments and full lunch during the event.
You will leave armed with new ideas, helpful information, and up-to-date resources on a
variety of topics.
WHO should attend?
This conference is specifically designed to provide inspiration and support for all during the
opening general sessions, as well as during the two tracks of practical workshops geared for:
Persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and friends
Churches and faith-based and community organizations — religious leaders, program staff,
and volunteers.
For more information: http://events.northlandchurch.net
Conference Workshops
Please read over the workshops descriptions below and choose the three workshop sessions and
one seminar session you would like to attend on your registration form. Although workshops are
designated within either the Family/Caregiver Track or the Church/Community Track,
you may choose to attend any session in either track. Session choices will be confirmed at the
conference.
Family/Caregiver Track
Disability Law
Are you aware of the current legal information regarding guardianship issues, wills and trusts for
persons with disabilities? Are you challenged by the swirl of information regarding governmentbased
benefits? This workshop will discuss these topics and provide helpful guidance on other
legal areas as related to disability concerns. At this informative session, you’ll learn when, where
and how to start planning for the legal needs of your family.
Mark Nation, Founder, The Nation Law Firm, Greater Orlando area
Theology of Disability
Churches need people with disabilities within their congregation. In fact, we are given the
responsibility to help carry out His mandate in the Bible — that we go and bring persons with
disabilities into the body of Christ. This insightful session will lead people with disabilities, their
families, and those who work alongside people with disabilities through a thoughtful discussion
that looks at theology behind the question of “why?”. Why do I have a disability? Why does our
child have to suffer? Why must the church actively pursue and include those with disabilities
within the congregation? The answers aren’t always clear, but there is wisdom and comfort
within the word of God to help.
Rev. Mike S. Beates, D. Min., Adjunct Professor, Belhaven College in Orlando, Teacher at the
Geneva School and Parent of seven children, three of whom have significant disability challenges
Marriage and Family
Being married is tough. Raising children is rough, having a child or a spouse who lives the life of
disability can be rough and tough. In this session you will learn techniques in developing a health
family life in the midst of living with disability.
Dr. David Carson, Professor of Counseling, Palm Beach Atlantic University – Orlando, and
Director of LIFT Counseling Center, Orlando
Estate Planning
During this session presented by experts in the field of special needs financial planning, learn
how to best plan for your child’s future security. You will be given specific information developing
a special needs trust, so that your child’s future benefits will not be jeopardized.
Tom Nurse and Kevin Manning, Financial Advisors and e tDESK Specialists with
MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids at New England Financial - A MetLife
Company, Tampa, FL Office
Disability Recreation Opportunities
In this session, you will be reminded life is not all about IEP’s and therapy appointments. Leisure
is fun! Many activities can be adapted for individual and family enjoyment – so get off the couch
and go outside!
Doug Goddard, Director, Joni and Friends – South Florida
A Conference on Faith and Disability
Autism and the Family
This is a session for anyone whose life has been touched by autism. Dr. James Coffield will lead
an informative and personal discussion regarding the dynamics of family life with autism in the
midst. He will also provide strategies for living a positive family life even with the challenges
families must navigate through on a daily basis.
Dr. James Coffield, Professor of Counseling, Reformed Theological Seminary – Oviedo, and
Parent of a Child with Autism
Building Skills and Providing Joy Through Animal Therapy
Find out how the various kinds of animal therapy programs can provide many positive gains and
great joy for a person with disabilities. Learn about Central Florida’s Freedom Ride program
about the many benefits of hippotherapy and how to get involved. Ross Feezel of the Angel
Therapy Dog Ministry will tell what they do and how to connect with their program, or perhaps
start your own! Finally, information will given out on a special Dolphin Therapy program offered in
the Key West, FL area.
Jeannie Forthuber, Freedom Ride, Orlando
Ross Feezel, Angel Therapy Dog Ministry, Greater Orlando Area
Advocacy and You: Learning to Self-Advocate or Advocate for You Loved One
In almost all aspects of life, persons with disabilities may encounter barriers of one kind or
another – architectural/physical barriers, communication barriers, and attitudinal barriers. So how
does one navigate life, or help another in that navigation with so many challenges ahead? By
learning how to advocate for yourself and others! This workshop will provide practical help in
thinking through advocacy across the span of life. From medical, educational, recreational,
community, and religious advocacy, the same basic strategies can apply. This workshop will
encourage you to speak up in a positive and proactive way when you see a barrier coming your
way!
Jonathan Giza, Student, Seminole Co. Schools
Jeannie Forthuber, Family Community Liaison, The Toni Jennings Center Exceptional Education
Institute at the University of Central Florida
Partnering with Your Primary Physician: The Medical Home Model
Now more than ever medical advances allow for more people with significant medical issues to
live at home and in the community. However, it is also more important than ever that families and
their primary physician collaborate and coordinate together to provide the best care plan possible
for a loved one requiring a high degree of medical oversight. The Medical Home Model provides
a structure and guidance as to how families and physicians can work together in the coordination
of working with other medical specialists, therapists, nursing care, the school system, and
insurance.
Henry P. Dumas, M.D., Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care, Florida Children’s Hospital, Orlando
Linda Starnes, Parent of Two Children with Disabilities/Significant Medical Issues
Keeping Your Child’s Emotional Tank Full
A nationally popular speaker, author and parent of five children will share how meeting the
emotional needs of your child through love, understanding and discipline will determine their
basic attitude toward life. Based on information taken from Dr. Ross Campbell’s “How to Really
Love Your Child”, this session will help parents and caregivers understand how to keep children’s
“emotional/love tank” full while caring for both children with special needs and typically developing
children.
Nina Fuller, Founder, Living Proof Testimonies and S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, Newburgh, IN
Seminar - Disability Resources: A Panel of Experts
Where do you start to find services when disability enters into daily life? How do you research for
further information as the path of life changes and transition needs arise? From federal to state,
regional to local, agency to non-profit, community to faith-based organizations – this is the place
to learn about the network of resources across the country and in the community available to
those with disabilities and their families.
Linda Starnes, Co-Chair, President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
And Parent of Two Children with Disabilities, Longwood, FL
Laura Lee Wright, Team Leader for Access Ministry, Northland Church
Final Panelist - Confirmation Pending
Seminar - Wheels for the World
This is an exciting opportunity to have a direct impact on people affected by disabilities
internationally while fellowshipping with other believers in a teambuilding environment. Those
attending will build and/or refurbish a number of wheelchairs with supervision of wheelchair
mechanics and seating specialist. These items will then be shipped overseas and given to an
individual affected by a disability who has need of a wheelchair as part of the Joni and Friends
Wheels for the World program. Each individual who receives a wheelchair also receives a bible
and is presented with the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — so come be a part of this
life changing exercise.
Doug Goddard, Area Director, Joni and Friends South Florida
Church/Community Track
Access Ministry 101
Now is the time and the place to start proactive plans for including people with disability at your
place of worship! If your church is at the starting point of developing such plans – or needs to be
– this is the session for you. Learn from two individuals who have been involved from the
“mustard seed” moment through the growth of two outstanding ministries. This is a must attend
session for anyone who wants to plant a mustard seed at their own church so that all are
welcomed into the House of God – from parents and volunteers to religious teachers and leaders.
Jackie Mills-Fernald, Director, Access Ministry of McLean Bible Church, McLean, VA
Linda Starnes, Co-Chair, President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
And Parent of Two Children with Disabilities, Longwood, FL
Developing an Inclusive Children’s Ministry
How do you best serve and teach all children who come to your place of worship? What
groundwork needs to be laid for a safe and welcoming environment for all students in the
preschool and Sunday school setting? Want to learn how to kick-start or build upon the inclusion
of children with disabilities into the activities of your Children’s Ministry? These are some of the
questions to be answered in this helpful session by two people who have answered such
questions as they developed the growing Children’s Ministry program at Northland Church.
Debbie Blahnik, Director of Children’s Ministry, Northland Church
Laura Lee Wright, Team Leader for Access Ministry, Northland Church
Teaching the Teacher
A Parent’s Top Ten List: What I Want My Special Needs Child’s Teachers to Know . . . including
Sunday school teachers! Nina Fuller presents this session each semester as a guest lecturer to
elementary and special education majors in a 300 level course at University of Southern Indiana.
Nina Fuller, Founder, Living Proof Testimonies and S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, Newburgh, IN
Including Adults with Disabilities in Worship, Discipling, and Service
Everyone should be welcomed and included at their chosen place of worship, and able to
participate fully in the life of the church. This session provides information and strategies for
including adults with disabilities within the body of the church. You will be provided ideas for
removing barriers, welcoming all to worship, discipling programs for adults with intellectual
disabilities, and how to weave people with disabilities into the service activities of your church.
Nils Swanson, Executive Director, Covenant Support Services of Sanford, FL
Training and Retaining Volunteers
Attend this informative session and walk away with a “toolkit” for equipping others to volunteer
within your disability ministry. Learn how to build and implement a training program volunteer.
Gain strategies for maintaining and retaining your volunteer pool over time. Many of the ideas in
this session lend themselves to other volunteer groups across your place of worship, but it is
specifically focused on serving alongside those with disabilities. This workshop will be presented
by Dr. Dick Wynn, an expert in leadership development, having worked previous to Northland
Church with Crown Ministries, EQUIP, Emerging Young Leaders, and Youth for Christ.
Dr. Dick Wynn, Chief of Staff, Northland Church
Seminar - Starting a Respite Care Program at Your Church
One of the most common concerns faced by parents of a child with disability that regularly tops
the list is finding appropriate, safe childcare. Most families do not have the provisions to pay for
skilled care that may be needed and they share the responsibility alone. Providing safe respite
care is one of the greatest gifts a congregation can give a family! Come find out about the
partnering program offered by Nathaniel’s Hope, a faith-based non-profit devoted to serving “VIP”
kids and their families. By partnering with this organization, churches receive training and
support in building a respite care program. This is a great opportunity to see the partnering
program in action at Northland during the conference, as well as learn about respite care from the
co-founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, Marie Kuck.
Marie Kuck, Executive Director, Nathaniel’s Hope, Orlando FL
Seminar - Risk Management for Disability Ministries
This exciting and expanded workshop from one of the national leaders in disability ministry will
help you prepare for the management a disability ministry at your place of worship. This is a
chance to learn first-hand from the director of one of the largest disability ministries in the country.
Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church began with a small pool of passionate volunteers
serving a class of five children with significant disabilities. Today it has a myriad of activities
across the life of the church and the community at large, which includes all ages and all types of
people with disabilities. The church outreach across the entire Northern Virginia/Washington, DC
metro area serves over a thousand people each year, and does so successfully because of
appropriate management planning.
Jackie Mills-Fernald, Director, Access Ministry of McLean Bible Church, McLean, VA
Conference Schedule
Friday October 3rd, 2008
5:00 PM Registration and Exhibits Open
6:30 PM Opening General Session
Keynote Address: Part One
Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
8:00 PM Workshops — Session 1
9:00 PM Adjournment for the Evening
Saturday October 4th, 2008
8:00 AM Registration and Exhibits open – Continental breakfast snacks available
9:00 AM Opening General Session
Conference Welcome:
Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland-A Church Distributed
Keynote Address: Part Two
Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
10:15 AM Workshops — Session 2
!1:30 AM Workshops — Session 3
!2:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM Workshop Seminars
3:30 PM Conference Adjournment
5:00 PM Saturday evening services at Northland Church – Pastor Joel Hunter
(We encourage you to stay and attend the services at Northland, as the conference will be
highlighted during this church service.)
I can’t believe that the ADA is 18 years old. The ADA is the American’s with Disabilities Act signed in to law under the first President Bush. This act was to ensure Americans who have disabilities would have equal access to education, transportation, jobs ECT. Many people felt liberated when the act was signed into law. There thought was things surely would have to get better if you had a disability. As a person, with a disability, I was out of college and working. My friends in wheelchairs were experiencing great success. So for me I wondered what the big deal was!
As the ADA turns 18, I am reflecting on the law. My friend who use wheelchairs say the law has helped just in terms of environment. Restaurants they once could not patronize they can now go and enjoy a meal and within the neighborhoods they can now stroll as there are now curb cuts in most neighborhoods.
I am an idealist, I long for the day when I do not have to think in terms of the ADA. I long for a time when we do not put a price tag on accessibility and the removal of barriers for everyone to be included. I long for the day when we can celebrate the many talents and gifts people bring to the table.
Happy 18th Birthday!
Census Bureau Facts for Features: Americans with Disabilities Act: July
26, 2008
Americans with Disabilities Act: July 26
On this day in 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), guaranteeing equal opportunity
for
people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial
facilities,
employment, transportation, state and local
government services, and telecommunications.
Population Distribution
41.3 million
Number of people who have some level of disability. They represent 15
percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population 5 and older.
By age -
– 6 percent of children 5 to 15 have disabilities.
– 12 percent of people 16 to 64 have disabilities.
– 41 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
Source: 2006 American Community Survey
16%
Percentage of females with a disability, compared with 14 percent of
males.
Source: 2006 American Community Survey
Using or Needing Assistance
10.7 million
Number of disabled people 6 and older who need personal assistance with
one
or more activities of daily living (such as taking a bath or shower) or
instrumental activities of daily living (such as using the telephone).
This
group amounts to 4 percent of people in this age category.
2.7 million
Number of people 15 and older who use a wheelchair. Another 9.1 million
use
an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches or walker.
Specific Disabilities
1.8 million
Number of people 15 and older who report being unable to see.
1 million
Number of people 15 and older who report being unable to hear.
2.6 million
Number of people 15 and older who have some difficulty having their
speech
understood by others. Of this number, 610,000 were unable to have their
speech understood at all.
14.3 million
Number of people with limitations in cognitive functioning, or who have
a
mental or emotional illness that interferes with daily activities,
including those with Alzheimer’s disease and mental retardation. This
group
comprises 6 percent of the population 15 and older.
On the Job
11.8 million
Number of 16- to 64-year-olds who reported a medical condition that
makes
it difficult to find a job or remain employed. They comprise 6 percent
of
the population this age.
56%
Percentage of people 21 to 64 having some type of disability who were
employed in the past year. The rate ranged from 82 percent of those with
a
nonsevere disability to 43 percent with a severe disability. For those
without a disability, the employment rate is 88 percent for the same
period.
44%
Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability who work full time,
year-round. This compares with 53 percent without a disability and 13
percent with a severe disability.
Perceived Health Status
33%
Percentage of people 25 to 64 who have a nonsevere disability and report
their health as being “very good” or “excellent.” This compares with 13
percent of those with a severe disability and 73 percent of those
without a
disability.
Income and Poverty
$22,000
Median earnings for people with a nonsevere disability. This compares
with
$25,000 for those with no disability and $12,800 for those with a severe
disability.
18%
Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability with household incomes
of
$80,000 or more. By comparison, 26 percent of people without a
disability
had household incomes of $80,000 or more, with the same being true of 9
percent of those with a severe one.
11%
The poverty rate for people 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability. This
compares with
26 percent for those with a severe disability and 8 percent of those
without a disability.
Living Arrangements
60%
Percentage of people 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability who live in
married-couple families. The corresponding rates are 68 percent for
those
without disabilities and 50 percent for people with severe disabilities.
23%
Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability who live alone or with
nonrelatives. This compares with 28 percent of those with a severe
disability and 19 percent without a disability.
Education
33%
The percentage of people 25 to 64 who had a nonsevere disability and
were
college graduates. This compares with 43 percent with no disability and
22
percent with a severe disability.
2.2 million
The number of undergraduates with a disability, as of the 2003-04 school
year. These students represented 11 percent of all undergrads.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 279
.
Plugged in to the Net …
36% and 29%
Percentages of people 15 to 64 with a severe disability who use a
computer
and the Internet at home, respectively. The respective figures for those
without a disability are 61 percent and
51 percent.
Serving Our Nation
2.7 million
Number of veterans who received compensation totaling $26.6 billion for
service-connected disabilities in 2006.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 508 and
Table 509 at .
Accommodations
96.5%
Percent of transit buses that were ADA lift- or ramp-equipped, as of
2005.
This represents an increase from 61.7 percent in 1995.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 1083 at .
Unless otherwise indicated, all the data are from the Americans with
Disabilities:
2002 report at
.
The first month of hurricane season 2008 has passed. Bertha is out in open waters and is NOTexpected to make land fall here in Florida. This is just your friendly reminder to be prepared if you have any special needs! Here are a few tips:
Remember: The Hurricane Season Is Into Its 4th Week with Activity in the Tropics Increasing…Be Prepared
• Preparedness begins with the individual and is a personal responsibility. Be prepared year-round.
• Personal responsibility extends to the individual person’s capabilities…personal and financial.
• Register with the Special Needs Registry if you feel you are eligible for Special Needs Sheltering and Transportation.
• Create your own emergency plan and test your plan. Exchange your information with friends and family.
• Sheltering at home is best, unless your home is unsafe or should it be located in direct line with a pending storm.
• Have an evacuation plan ready and evacuate your home to a safer place when needed.
• Public shelters should be the last option as shelters are crowded, noisy, hot and uncomfortable…not all of your needs will be met at shelters.
• Public shelters are open for a limited period of time before and after the emergency event. Be prepared to return home after the storm has passed.
• Don’t be part of the problem….be part of the solution by being prepared!
I am so glad to serve a God who is about fun! We saw Jesus socializing all the time through His public ministry. He loved food and fellowship. In his parables he talked about the importance of inclusion, For example look at Luke 14:13-14.“When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you
We are all about inviting people to the party here @ Northland. If you are an adult with special needs or you know someone invite them on Thursday night July 10th!
Come Celebrate Summer with Food, Fun and Games on Thursday July 10th
Come on over to Northland A Church Distributed
530 Dog Track Road in Longwood
for food, games and FUN!
What Time? 6:30-8:30pm
What will it cost? Only $3.00
Interested?
Call Laura Lee at 407-937-0549 or
E-mail lauralee.wright@northlandchurch.net
to RSVP so we know how much food to bring…
Praying with Lior
So often we live life within a vacuum. This happens within our spiritual lives too! Sometimes we don’t think about the rites of passage. I grew up as a catholic; I took my first communion, went to confession and later was confirmed making me an official member of my church community. There is a population which often is overlooked or it is assumed they do not understand what is taking place because of intellectual disabilities. Often our kids and our adults make professions of faith and we don’t teach or include them in the next steps! The Documentary Praying with Lior is about a young man who is of the Jewish faith being welcomed into his faith community. Enjoy the clip and let’s dialog about how we can help people Access all parts of their faith.
It’s June, a month typically known for celebrations and transition for people. Children graduate kindergarten, 8th grade, 12th and receive college degrees. Around each of these events so often there are parties and large celebrations. Young brides and grooms get married more often than any other month during the year.
For parents whose children have significant disabilities often this is a reminder their child may not celebrate the way you and I do! Children don’t move to traditional first grades or 18 may not graduate from high school or even marry. For some parents June is just another reminder of a lost dream for their children.
Instead, parents celebrate new skills, like learning to sit up at the age of 4 or learning to feed themselves at 7. I long to see us celebrate these milestones with our parents.
Kids are now transitioning successfully from our early childhood to our grade school. We celebrate these transitions!
Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that encourages people with disabilities and their families to worship, serve and fellowship; everywhere, every day!
It is our desire to develop communities that will help people draw closer to Jesus.
In the United States 20 percent of people are affected by some type disability. Divorce rates in families that include special needs individuals are soaring toward 80 percent. Access Ministries desires to be a support to these families.
Northland’s facilities are accessible to those who may use a wheelchair and any other assistive device. There is a large parking area designated in front of the worship center for those who have special needs, as well as family restrooms for personal needs.
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