To help members with disabilities and their families participate more fully in Church meetings and activities, a new Disability Resources section has recently been launched at Disabilities.lds.org.
The Web pages on disabilities provide
- A resource for priesthood and auxiliary leaders, teachers, families, and caregivers of those with mental and physical disabilities.
- An understanding of the challenges and difficulties faced by those with disabilities.
- Sections on specific disabilities and answers to frequently asked questions.
- Comfort to members with disabilities and their families through scriptures, quotes, and support links.
- Inclusion of members with disabilities and their families, through listings of available materials, as they strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve in the Church.
New Book
Parents of Children with Disabilities
A survival guide for Fathers and Mothers
For over five years, Gena and I facilitated a large support group for families dealing with disabilities. Our single largest frustration was a lack of resources to help parents cope with their challenging and difficult world – having a child (of any age) with a disability. After much searching and prayer, we were encouraged by the support group to write a book for parents.
We are parents of an adult son with Asperger Syndrome. Gena’s doctoral work was in Asperger Syndrome and autism. She now teaches special education courses and coordinates the Autism Certificate Program at Lynchburg College.
Our book is an easy to read, resource for parents who have a child with special needs and are struggling with their personal issues and emotions. We included a number of interesting illustrations in the book for the visual learner. We are thrilled that Liberty University Press agreed to publish our book.
Some of the key topics we cover include understanding the different roles played by the father and the mother, dealing with friendships, coping with marital strains, playing Mr. Fix It, and re-defining the meaning of success. There are also three wonderful true stories by parents of children with various disabilities being successful despite their difficult situations.
On Amazon.com you can see the table of contents, the intro and first chapter of the book, the back cover, etc.
We would ask you to consider this resource for the families in your area that are struggling with children, youth and adults with special needs. The book is available through amazon.com, bn.com, Ingram and other major distributors.
Blessings,
Press Barnhill, D.B.A.
Gena Barnhill, Ph.D.
3520 Gregory Lane; Lynchbrug, VA 24503 (434) 384-8170 cell (434) 258-4186 pressb10@yahoo.com
PS: Could you pass this email on to any other leaders in your community that are supporting families with special needs?