WHAT IS DISABILITY?

Many of us hear the word “disability” and think immediately of mobility needs, like wheelchairs. Or we hear the term “special needs,” and think specifically of school age children who receive special educational support. Both of those assumptions are correct! But disability is more far-reaching and is sometimes less visible. Disability encompasses mental illnesses, including common conditions such as depression. It includes life changes that can come with aging, like decreased mobility or the onset of Alzheimer’s. It Includes anxiety disorders that make involvement in the life of the church difficult. Because the limitations and needs of those affected by disability are so varied, a ministry to those with such struggles is never one-dimensional. Our desire is to be aware of these varied needs in order to make the gospel available to everyone in our church.