This ministry strives to support physical, spiritual, social, and formational growth for all across the age span who have any kind of special needs. Whether it be disability rooted in genetics, developmental delay, age-related, or from accident, we want to be sure all are welcomed fully into parish life and know they have a valued place here at Divine Mercy. The statistical prevalence of disability is quite high ( 30% of all families in the US have a family member with a disability; 85% of disability occurs through accident or illness), so if you look around and do not see anyone with disability it is likely for one of two reasons; the disability is one that is not as visibly noticeable as others (ie: ADHD, High Functioning Autism, Language Disorder, Specific Learning Disability, Seizure Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Hearing Loss, or Dimentia) or individuals with disabilities are not attending and/or participating in parish life for one reason or another. Our goal is to ensure access for all to encounter Christ through the sacraments as well as to discover and embrace every individual to fully enrich the parish.
Hello! My name is Jeana Reid. I began my journey working with those with special needs when I was in college and was hired as a respite care provider for an 11 month old with Down Syndrome. It was love at first sight and I was blessed to continue to work with Jackson for the next 7 years while completing my degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Special Education. I have spent the last 20 years as a special education teacher working with students and families in both the public and private education setting. I truly feel I learn more from each unique individual and family than they learn from me. I am happy to serve as a Parish Advocate for Divine Mercy.
This ministry is in its infancy and has a need for more volunteers in order to help it grow to its full potential. Disability touches most everyone’s life at some point or another either personally, through a loved one, friend, neighbor, or colleague. If you are someone who thrives with helping others, is compassionate, and would like to help others shine, please consider joining this committee.
iCare (Inclusive Catholic Activities and Religious Experiences) is Special Needs Ministry of God’s love for all people with special needs and their families. You will be welcomed with smiles, acceptance and safe adaptive activities. Please join us and be rejuvenated in your personal life with God’s amazing love for all.
Promoting the Meaningful Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society
Following the example of Jesus, The National Catholic Partnership on Disability works with dioceses, parishes, ministers, and laity to promote the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.
The Audio-Reader Network fosters independence by providing access to information and the arts for people who have difficulty reading standard print due to vision loss, physical or learning disability, mobility challenges, and age.
The mission of Hear2Help is to provide financial assistance and grow awareness so children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing have the opportunities to hear similar to their hearing peers. The hope is that by giving them a strong foundation they will reach their full potential in life. Hear2Help announces that they are opening up an assistance program area to include the Kansas City metro as well as all of Kansas. If you know of a child who needs and may benefit from hearing aids, please contact.
Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or brain injuries. Our team was created so we can provide answers and all types of assistance needed to help improve the quality of life for loved ones and family members with cerebral palsy.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.