Supporting Families
Marina 6
Keys to Faith Community Inclusion and Belonging
Target Audience: Self-Advocates|Professionals
Shelly Christensen
CEO/Founder
Inclusion Innovations Consulting
Minneapolis, Minnesota- EH
Elaine Hall
Founder, Director
Inclusion from WithIn and The Miracle Project
Santa Monica, California 
Stephen Shore
Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
Lead Presenter(s)
Co-Presenter(s)
Participation in one's community of faith is a hallmark of a good life for people with disabilities and those who love them. This session provides context and strategies for chapters of The Arc to take a leadership role in developing partnerships with diverse faith communities. We will discuss why faith community participation is important to the well-being of people with disabilities, why barriers to participation and the current movement toward inclusion has made this a relevant issue. Participants will learn and discuss how their chapter can be actively engaged in supporting people with disabilities to advocate for participation in the faith community of their choice, and to elevate the importance of inclusion in faith communities. We will discuss how The Arc, as a community leader and expert, can convene diverse faith communities to address inclusion through culture shift, a person-centered approach to supporting individuals, and engaging congregations to initiate inclusive practices and strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand why participation in one's faith community contributes to the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
- Learn why and how The Arc can play a role in convening faith communities to understand the value and importance of an inclusive culture that welcomes and supports people with disabilities.
- Develop strategies that support people with disabilities and family members through advocacy so that they may engage in meaningful participation in the faith community of choice.