Search

This paper discusses the current attempts of persons with disabilities to reclaim disability narratives and experiences farther away from various researchers and scholars who advocate social and medical models of disability because Adults with Developmental Disabilities (ADDs) claim these models do not represent them. Recently, scholars in disability studies are adopting different models to theorize disability. This paper reflects, seeks, and explores possible models of disability and their application in church pastoral ministry: The emancipatory model of disability, the partnership model of disability, and the equality model of disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can a congregation better develop the potential for ministry that the presence of persons with developmental disabilities offers? This article responds to this question by following the story of one particular family and their son, Walter. It describes the family's entry into the congregation, corresponding changes in worship life and administrative structure of First Reformed Church, and the development and use of an individually designed confirmation curriculum for Walter. The article concludes with a short review of the impact of this ministry on other ministries of the church. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]