Abstract:
Representatives of a nationally widespread social ministry were surveyed to determine if such an effort had an impact on the social inclusion of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). All the 730 contacts for the BeFriender Ministry program in 25 U.S. states were sent surveys. The intention was to gather information about congregation members’ perspectives on social inclusion of individuals with disabilities and to identify barriers. The personal, relational nature of the BeFriender Ministry resulted in some significant emotional ties between the BeFrienders and the individuals with I/DD, with many benefits reported that reflected loving attitudes.
Author(s): Angela Novak Amado, Christina Boice, Megan Degrande & Shannon Hutcheson
Journal: Religion, Disability & Health
Date: 2013
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-26
DOI: 10.1080/15228967.2013.752926
Databased: Yes
Disabilities: Developmental Disability, Intellectual Disability
Categories: Congregations