June’s Village – YouTube, Art, & Autism
Welcome! You can call me Junes...I’m Autistic and Catholic! I want to share my faith and village with you!
The Good (Disabled) Shepherd
The Chosen pilot episode conveys the truth that the presence of wounds or a disability does not preclude gaining godly wisdom. Rejection from a religious establishment or faith community does not preclude you from becoming close with Jesus. In fact, such hardships might just put you in the right place at the right time for a much more intimate encounter with the Lord.
Our Doors are Open: an Accessible Welcome for People with Disabilities in Churches
How can Canadian churches “build back better,” or—more accurately—create a “new normal” after COVID that’s healthier than the old? I would simply, and strongly, recommend one strategy that works for us at the IDRC: just ask, just listen.
Spiritual Practices in a Time of Crisis and Solitude
During the time of COVID-19, many of us are experiencing solitude or the loss of communal, in-person worship in new ways. For some, this might bring on existential questions and struggles with doubt. I hope that these spiritual practices will help others in the ways that they have helped me.
Seeking out the Prophetic Voices of People with Disabilities
In my time of fear and isolation I found great comfort in the stories told by, and the communities formed by disabled people. Now that we are all traversing the land usually reserved for people with disabilities my hope is that these voices can be a comfort and a light to guide the way for the general public.
You Are Not Alone – Join a Group that “Gets It!”
As my husband, Jonathan, and I have talked with other parents of kids with disabilities or special needs, we’ve learned that I was definitely not alone with my questions and struggles. Questions and struggles not only in relation to God, but also in relation to how to navigate this life as a parent with a child who has additional needs. But, who do we go to with our questions? Who do we go to for support on days when life is overwhelming and often others just don’t “get it”? Hope Anew is launching an online community for parents of kids with disabilities or special needs. A laugh together, cry together, pray together community.
Introducing EcumenAbility© (Guest Post)
The long-term goal of my project EcumenAbility© is nothing more than to raise the profile of inclusion of people with disabilities to the same level as other social justice issues. Churches and congregations can thus take a leading role in improving the lives of people with disabilities in their present life and give a positive example to the general society.
Introducing Jesus, Let’s Talk: A Prayer Tool for Children with Disabilities (Guest Post)
Carly is the youngest of our three adult children. She is now 21 years old and has Angelman Syndrome. Carly’s life has grown my faith and provided inspiration for much of my writing. Jesus, Let’s Talk explores the very personal and natural ways we express ourselves with God, no matter what our abilities are to communicate.
Inclusive Holidays
It's that time of the year again! For some, the Christmas season is a time of joy, peace, and celebration. For others, it's a time of managing expectations, sensory overload, and hectic schedules. For most of us, it's a mix of all of the above! Today on the blog we feature some helpful resources for churches and families navigating the holidays.
Five-Minute Vacations: 5 ways to refresh your care in 5 minutes!
For many families who experience disabilities, getting away for rest and relaxation might seem like an inconceivable goal - especially if parents are hoping to take a break without the kids. At the Inclusion Fusion Live! conference in Cleveland this spring, Jonathan McGuire from Hope Anew shared 5 simple ways to take "Five-minute vacations" to help refresh your care.