DE053-612 - Children and young people with disability and neurodivergence

  • 2,853 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 6
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • Developmental and Educational Ministry Unit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Developing knowledge and understanding of a Christian perspective on the inclusion and participation of children and young people with disability and neurodivergence.

B. Be able to

1. Identify biblical and theological perspectives on disability, neurodivergence and inclusion as they Relate to working with children and young people.

2. Reflect Critically on strategies to overcome the barriers that prevent participation and inclusion for children and young people with disability and neurodivergence.

3. Present Analytical evidence-based perspectives on inclusive practices for children and young people with disability and neurodivergence in a range of social and ministry contexts.

 

 

C. Be in a position to

Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Children and young people with disability and neurodivergence’ to contemporary Christian context(s).

Content

1. Frameworks for understanding and responding to disability and neurodivergence including the medical, social, and human rights models of disability.

2. The history and context of disability in Australia.

3. Theological frameworks for understanding and responding to disability and inclusion, identifying particular scriptures and theological concepts including the image of God, healing, salvation, the Body of Christ and the resurrection.

4. Methods for facilitating participation and belonging for children and young people with disability and neurodivergence. Students will be invited to reflect critically on their own practice and perspectives.

5. Universal design for learning techniques to create more inclusive ministries with children and young people.

6. Practical methods for identifying barriers (including physical, social, and attitudinal) and the solutions to overcoming those barriers to create programs that ensure the active participation of children and young people with disability and neurodivergence.

7. Practical methods for engaging and supporting the families, siblings, and parents of children and young people with disability in relevant church, school and societal contexts.

Set Readings

Required

Hardwick, L. Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion. Downers Grove: IVP, 2021.

 

Hubach, S.O. Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability. Second Edition. Phillipsburg: P & R Publishing, 2020.

 

Recommended

Brock, B. Disability: Living into the Diversity of Christ’s Body. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021.

Burchard, M.S. “Perspectives and Practical Strategies for Disability-Related Behavior Challenges in Ministries to Children and Youth.” Journal of the Christian Institute on Disability 10.1 (2022): 39-54.

Carter, E.W. Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: A Guide for Service Providers, Families, and Congregations. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes, 2007. Carter, E.W. “The Absence of Asterisks: The Inclusive Church and Children with Disabilities” Journal of Catholic Education 23.2 (2020): 168-188. https://doi.org/10.15365/joce.2302142020

Carter, E.W., E.E. Biggs, and T. Boehm. “Being present versus having a presence: Dimensions of Belonging for Young People with Disabilities and their Families.” Christian Education Journal 13.1 (2016): 127-146.

Conner, B.T. “Affirming Presence: Spiritual Life and Friendship with Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities.” International Journal of Children’s Spirituality 15.4 (2010): 331–339.

Conner, B.T. Amplifying our Witness: Giving Voice to Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012.

Ellis, W., and Langford, M. (eds). Embodying Youth: Exploring Youth Ministry and Disability. London: Routledge, 2020.

Gosbell, L. “For Families Living with Disability, Churches Mustn’t Go ‘Back to Normal’ after Covid-19.” ABC Religion and Ethics 2020. https://www.abc.net.au/religion/for-those-with-disability-church-must-not-go-back- to-normal/12948602

Gosbell, L. “Everyone Welcome: Accessible Church for All.” https://www.sds.asn.au/sites/default/files/Everyone%20Welcome_Accessible%20c hurch%20for%20all.pdf?doc_id=NDg2MzY=

Hurley, K. Take Heart: For Families Living with Disability. Sydney South: Bluebottle Books, 2008.

Ladau, E. Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 2021.

Langford, M.D. “Abusing Youth: Theologically Understanding Youth Through Misunderstanding Disability” Journal of Disability & Religion 22.4 (2018): 426-451. https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521.2018.1540959

Newman, B. Helping Kids include Kids with Disabilities. 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Faith Alive, 2012.

Wetherbee, K., and J. Philo. Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for including Kids with Special Needs. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2018

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