Resources for Persons with Special Needs

“There is no doubt that in revealing the fundamental frailty of the human condition, the disabled person becomes an expression of the tragedy of pain. In this world of ours that approves hedonism and is charmed by ephemeral and deceptive beauty, the difficulties of the disabled are often perceived as a shame or a provocation and their problems as burdens to be removed or resolved as quickly as possible. Disabled people are, instead, living icons of the crucified Son. They reveal the mysterious beauty of the One who emptied himself for our sake and made himself obedient unto death. They show us, over and above all appearances, that the ultimate foundation of human existence is Jesus Christ. It is said, justifiably so, that disabled people are humanity's privileged witnesses. They can teach everyone about the love that saves us; they can become heralds of a new world, no longer dominated by force, violence and aggression, but by love, solidarity and acceptance, a new world transfigured by the light of Christ, the Son of God who became incarnate, who was crucified and rose for us.”
St. John Paul II , On the occasion of the International Symposium on the Dignity and Rights of the Mentally Disabled Person, 2004

Saint Pope John Paul II

2004 Dignity and Rights of Persons with Mental Disability

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Pastoral Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on people with Disabilities

Welcome & Justice for Persons with Disabilities: A Framework of Access and Inclusion (PDF)

Guidelines for the Celebration of Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities

Resources

NCPD - National Catholic Partnership on Disability

Accepting the Gift

SPRED Ministries

Rising Above Ministries

Stephen Ministries

With Ministries

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College Resources for Students with Disabilities

A team of experts at BestColleges.com has published a guide for students with disabilities outlining their legal rights, where to find assistance on campus, and an extensive list of websites, apps and software resources designed for students’ specific needs.

Affordable Colleges Online has an extensive list of resources for students with disabilities.