On Saturday, we went to Kitchener to meet up with Logan and Abby for lunch. It … A Birthday LunchRead more
Disability and Faith Blog
The Neurodiversity and Faith Series
One of the best websites that I can point people to when it comes to autism … The Neurodiversity and Faith SeriesRead more
Assisted Communication: Another Perspective
If you do a search for Assisted Communication of Facilitated Communication, you will find mainly negative … Assisted Communication: Another PerspectiveRead more
The NumiNous Institute for Faith and Neurodiversity
I’m always excited to find a new resource in the area of neurodiversity and faith. Today, … The NumiNous Institute for Faith and NeurodiversityRead more
5 Ways Many Churches Are Not Accessible
Are churches today accessible? Many would say yes. It is common to have lifts, ramps, and … 5 Ways Many Churches Are Not AccessibleRead more
Formed Together – Review
What does it mean to be a Christian caregiver? What does it mean to be a … Formed Together – ReviewRead more
Why Might an Autistic Person Hide “In the Closet”?
Autism is a wide spectrum (yes, I’m aware that some people do not like the spectrum … Why Might an Autistic Person Hide “In the Closet”?Read more
Farewell to the Autism Pastor
I found out today that Lamar Hardwick, also known as the Autism Pastor, has died. He … Farewell to the Autism PastorRead more
Preparing For the Banquet
This is the talk that I gave at the recent Banquet of Belonging conference put on … Preparing For the BanquetRead more
Stigma about Autism and Discrimination against Autistics
I am thankful to be able to be a part of the editorial board of the … Stigma about Autism and Discrimination against AutisticsRead more
The Spiritual Experiences and Expressions of Non-or Minimally Speaking Autistic People
One of the biggest challenges for people seeking to interact with autistic people is when they … The Spiritual Experiences and Expressions of Non-or Minimally Speaking Autistic PeopleRead more
Is Autism Good or Bad?
I find that there are two tendencies when it comes to autism. Some see autism as … Is Autism Good or Bad?Read more
The State of Autism Today
We have come a long way when it comes to autism awareness from where we were … The State of Autism TodayRead more
What Happened to Disability Comes to Church?
For some time I had a blog called Disability Comes to Church that was found at … What Happened to Disability Comes to Church?Read more
Apologetics, Autism, and Important Lessons
Two of my greatest interests are autism and apologetics. When both topics come together, I’m in … Apologetics, Autism, and Important LessonsRead more
The Disability Comes to Church Podcast
One of the areas that is most important to me is the intersection of faith and … The Disability Comes to Church PodcastRead more
Good News: Autism is Okay
Autism has been a part of our lives almost from the beginning of our married life. … Good News: Autism is OkayRead more
Person-First or Identity-First Language?
When we talk about disabilities, should we use person-first or identity-first language? That is, should we … Person-First or Identity-First Language?Read more
What is the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness?
We often use the terms mental health and mental illness interchangeably but they are not exactly … What is the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness?Read more
Good News: Opportunities to Share
In recent years, there has been a shift in my interests more to the area of … Good News: Opportunities to ShareRead more
Disability Ministry and Theology of Worship
In this episode of the podcast, we look at how our theology of worship affects the … Disability Ministry and Theology of WorshipRead more
Should Pastors Care About Disability Ministry?
As a pastor, I know that there are many demands and different voices calling for attention. … Should Pastors Care About Disability Ministry?Read more
Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?
A number of major Christian figures such as Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Bill Hybels and others … Should We Still Read Books by Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier, Etc.?Read more
Disability and the Church Blog
This is (probably) the last post in the Disability and Faith category on this website. Is … Disability and the Church BlogRead more
3 Theological Steps to Becoming a Disability-Friendly Church
I hear from many pastors about how to become a disability-friendly church. Usually they are thinking … 3 Theological Steps to Becoming a Disability-Friendly ChurchRead more
What to Do When You See a Service Dog in Public
You are out in a grocery store or a restaurant and you see a person with … What to Do When You See a Service Dog in PublicRead more
How Big Does a Congregation Need to Be to Have a Disability Ministry?
That all depends on how you define “disability ministry.” If you mean hiring a person on … How Big Does a Congregation Need to Be to Have a Disability Ministry?Read more
Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes Accountable
I always write these posts with much fear and trembling. Ravi Zacharias is highly respected among … Ravi Zacharias, Jean Vanier and Holding Our Heroes AccountableRead more
Should Disability Theologians Still Quote Jean Vanier?
One of the most influential individuals in disability theology and disability ministry was Jean Vanier. He … Should Disability Theologians Still Quote Jean Vanier?Read more
Why Should Your Church Be Disability Friendly?
I’m in the process of working on some resources to help churches become more disability friendly. … Why Should Your Church Be Disability Friendly?Read more
Good News: A New Way to Communicate
One of the most difficult things about having nonverbal children with autism is the limits those … Good News: A New Way to CommunicateRead more
John Swinton on Theology and Disability
One of my favourite disability theologians is John Swinton. I strongly recommend reading anything he writes. … John Swinton on Theology and DisabilityRead more
Uta Frith, Theory of Mind and Autism
One of the most influential scholars in the area of autism. Part of her research has … Uta Frith, Theory of Mind and AutismRead more
Should You Pray For Healing For a Person With a Disability?
I am doing research on the experience of people with disabilities in the church. There are … Should You Pray For Healing For a Person With a Disability?Read more
Good News: The Kids and Church
For many people, this pandemic has been really difficult in terms of church. People would rather … Good News: The Kids and ChurchRead more
What Kind of Ship is the Church?
A number of people have used nautical images for the Church. The starting point is usually … What Kind of Ship is the Church?Read more
The Other Anti-Discrimination Fight That Needs to Be Fought
Some of the biggest news in recent times is the fight for the rights of people … The Other Anti-Discrimination Fight That Needs to Be FoughtRead more
Negotiating the Disabled Body – Review
I have been researching how biblical texts portray disabilities and this has brought me to Negotiating … Negotiating the Disabled Body – ReviewRead more
Autism and the Church
Is the church welcoming and embracing people of autism? It depends on what congregation and what … Autism and the ChurchRead more
Eyes Opened by the Blind
Our church has a Zoom after church fellowship during this time of only online services. It … Eyes Opened by the BlindRead more
Good News: She Feels Happy
With yesterday being Mother’s Day, it was important for us to be able to talk to … Good News: She Feels HappyRead more
The Relationship Between Disability Theology and Disability Ministry
Some churches want to jump right into Disability Ministry. Start programs, promote accessibility, invite people with … The Relationship Between Disability Theology and Disability MinistryRead more
Crip Camp – Review
I recently watched the documentary Crip Camp on Netflix. As a person interested in disabilities, I … Crip Camp – ReviewRead more
Why Autism Awareness is Important to Me
April 2 is Autism Awareness Day and all of April is Autism Awareness Month. Why do … Why Autism Awareness is Important to MeRead more
COVID-19 and Autism
For many of us, the COVID-19 is a radical change in our routine. We have children … COVID-19 and AutismRead more
Why I Recently Bought a Book by Jean Vanier
The Christian and disability world was recently rocked by the revelations that Jean Vanier sexually abused … Why I Recently Bought a Book by Jean VanierRead more
Jean Vanier and the Fall of a Hero
Over the past year, I have been reading quite a few books by Jean Vanier. He … Jean Vanier and the Fall of a HeroRead more
Loop – Pixar Short About Autism
Pixar has been very good, not just with their movies, but with their shorts. One of … Loop – Pixar Short About AutismRead more
Raging With Compassion – Review
One of the areas of apologetics that none of us can avoid concerns the problem of … Raging With Compassion – ReviewRead more
Theology and Down Syndrome – Review
I love theology and I love thoughtful reflections on disabilities. One of the best that I … Theology and Down Syndrome – ReviewRead more
Hope inexpressible, Love unconditional (An Autism Poem)
The doctor enters the room with tissuesParents listening, ignorant of the issuesHope inexpressibleLove unconditionale Will the … Hope inexpressible, Love unconditional (An Autism Poem)Read more
A Christmas Miracle
A miracle may be a bit of an exaggeration but please hear me out. We had … A Christmas MiracleRead more
Nazis and the Killing of the Disabled
Two of my main interests are the history of the Second World War and disabilities. The … Nazis and the Killing of the DisabledRead more
Disability, Providence, and Ethics – Review
One of the most prominent disability theologians is Hans Reinders. I recently read his book, Disability, … Disability, Providence, and Ethics – ReviewRead more
Receiving the Gift of Friendship – Review
One of the theologians that I have been reading in my research into disability theology is … Receiving the Gift of Friendship – ReviewRead more
Good News: Love and Family
People wonder what it is like to have children who are considered non-verbal. Non-verbal doesn’t mean … Good News: Love and FamilyRead more
Jean Vanier: Essential Writings – Review
Essential Writings is a collection of writings by Jean Vanier that was edited by Carolyn Whitney-Brown. … Jean Vanier: Essential Writings – ReviewRead more
Disabilities and Religious Needs
Today I met with the group home where our children with autism live. It was a … Disabilities and Religious NeedsRead more
Fragile Bones – Review
My daughter brought home a number of books from her school library and I was pleased … Fragile Bones – ReviewRead more
The Bible and Disability: A Commentary – Review
I’m currently doing research into what the Bible says about disabilities. This led me naturally to … The Bible and Disability: A Commentary – ReviewRead more
Autism and Faith
Someone recently asked me about people with Asperger’s Syndrome and the challenges of Christian faith. Asperger’s … Autism and FaithRead more
The Challenge of Having a Nonverbal Child
Our two children with autism are considered nonverbal. That doesn’t mean they have no words, just … The Challenge of Having a Nonverbal ChildRead more
Chronic Pain and Invisible Disabilities
When people think about disabilities, probably they think of someone with Down Syndrome or a person … Chronic Pain and Invisible DisabilitiesRead more
Disability in the Hebrew Bible – Review
Two of the biggest interests for me are the Bible and disabilities. When those two things … Disability in the Hebrew Bible – ReviewRead more
Becoming Friends of Time – Review
Advocating for people with disabilities is very important to me. However, I have caught myself getting … Becoming Friends of Time – ReviewRead more
Disabilities and Healing
One of my favourite podcasts is Unbelievable? hosted by Justin Brierley. Usually they scratch my apologetics … Disabilities and HealingRead more
Should Parents Call Themselves Autism Moms and Dads?
I have recently come across comments by people on the Autism Spectrum Disorder who find the … Should Parents Call Themselves Autism Moms and Dads?Read more
Disability and the Way of Jesus – Review
Two of the biggest interests in my life are biblical studies and disability theology. Disability and … Disability and the Way of Jesus – ReviewRead more
The Sounds of Autism
I recently mentioned that we had a great service at our church this past Sunday. One … The Sounds of AutismRead more
Animated Explanation of Autism
There has been much work done on autism awareness but there is still a long way … Animated Explanation of AutismRead more
Did Disabilities Win the Game of Thrones?
I found the final episode of Game of Thrones interesting on a number of levels. One … Did Disabilities Win the Game of Thrones?Read more
Reflections on a Recent Funeral
I recently did a funeral for a member of our church named Dianne. I didn’t know … Reflections on a Recent FuneralRead more
Should You Wear Blue on World Autism Awareness Day?
Many people, especially those with friends or family with autism, wear blue on World Autism Awareness … Should You Wear Blue on World Autism Awareness Day?Read more
Including People With Disabilities in Faith Communities – Review
One of the most important issues for me is to make sure that people with disabilities … Including People With Disabilities in Faith Communities – ReviewRead more
What Churches Need to Know About People With Disabilities
Yesterday, we had a town hall meeting at our church. This was to look at, among … What Churches Need to Know About People With DisabilitiesRead more
Christ on the Psych Ward – Review
One of the most important conversations needed in the church is that of mental illness. There … Christ on the Psych Ward – ReviewRead more
Uniquely Human – Review
I have read many books on autism but Uniquely Human is one of the best. As … Uniquely Human – ReviewRead more
The Reality of Welcoming People With Developmental Disabilities
I am committed to welcoming people with disabilities, both physical and developmental, into the church. But … The Reality of Welcoming People With Developmental DisabilitiesRead more
Redefining Perfect – Review
When a couple begins to have children, at least in the back of their mind, they … Redefining Perfect – ReviewRead more
Good News: A Pastor Who Cares
Our son Logan has started attending a church in the city where his group home is. … Good News: A Pastor Who CaresRead more
The Paradox of Disability – Review
One of the first times that I heard about the intersection of faith and disability was … The Paradox of Disability – ReviewRead more
Is it Wrong to Label People With Autism?
I recently had a discussion about using labels when describing people on the autism spectrum. Some … Is it Wrong to Label People With Autism?Read more
Disabling Mission, Enabling Witness – Review
I recently read Enabling Mission, Enabling Witness by Benjamin T. Conner and I absolutely loved it. … Disabling Mission, Enabling Witness – ReviewRead more
Disabilities and Disabilities
I’m thankful that more people are talking about disabilities these days. But what do we mean … Disabilities and DisabilitiesRead more
Top Five Things I Wish People Knew About Autism
As I approach my fiftieth birthday, I’m writing a number of top five lists. Since autism … Top Five Things I Wish People Knew About AutismRead more
Autism and the Double Meltdown
We went to visit our two children who have autism and who live in a group … Autism and the Double MeltdownRead more
An Autistic Thanksgiving
I suspect that most families have unexpected situations and uncontrollable factors when it comes to family … An Autistic ThanksgivingRead more
People With Autism Become Adults
I have been doing some informal research into how many people with autism are in churches. … People With Autism Become AdultsRead more
How Apologetics Intersects With My Interest in Disabilities
Two of the areas that I write on the most are Christian apologetics and disabilities. This … How Apologetics Intersects With My Interest in DisabilitiesRead more
What Our Church Does For Disability Ministry
When people find out that I’m interested in disabilities, I often get asked what we do … What Our Church Does For Disability MinistryRead more
Autism and the First Day of School
Like many parents, we sent our children off today for their first day of school for … Autism and the First Day of SchoolRead more
Good News: “Go Away!”
How many parents think it is good news when their teenage daughter tells them to go … Good News: “Go Away!”Read more
First Thoughts on The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor is a medical drama that airs on ABC and which features a doctor … First Thoughts on The Good DoctorRead more
Bedard on Discipleship
I have been podcasting for quite a few years and I do enjoy it. Although my … Bedard on DiscipleshipRead more
Today is a Hard Day
Today is eight years since our daughter Abby moved into a group home. She was only … Today is a Hard DayRead more
Disability Stereotypes in Movies
One of the pet peeves of many people in the disability community is how people with … Disability Stereotypes in MoviesRead more
Why I Don’t Talk Much About Ableism
For years we have heard about sexism (discrimination against a gender, usually females) and racism (discrimination … Why I Don’t Talk Much About AbleismRead more
What is a Disability?
I recently asked a question on a couple of Facebook groups that I belonged to. One … What is a Disability?Read more
Asperger’s From the Inside Out – Review
Before there was just an Autism Spectrum Disorder, there was also an Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). The … Asperger’s From the Inside Out – ReviewRead more
Inspiration Porn
This past week, I was at the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability. There was so … Inspiration PornRead more