These links are provided solely for the information of users of this Web site to address a range of their possible interests in disabilities. The ELCA encourages users of this site to evaluate and use these links with their own good judgment. Beyond the ELCA and its affiliated institutions and members of Lutheran Services in America, the ELCA neither endorses nor disapproves of the organizations to which this page is linked. Also, the ELCA expresses neither approval nor disapproval of their aims, programs, methods, Web sites, resources or publications.
The Congregational Accessibility NetworkThe Congregational Accessibility Network (CAN) provides a set of tools to help congregations with improving the accessibility of its facilities, fellowship, and programs to people with disabilities. The tools include instruments for accessibility audits of various kinds, as well as other resources.
Rejoicing SpiritsRejoicing Spirits is a ministry which reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends and supportive community members with inclusive worship and fellowship. It works with host congregations from Lutheran and other Christian traditions to lower attitudinal barriers and to help these congregations to become accepting of developmentally disabled people and more informed about them.
Lutheran Services in America Disability NetworkThe Lutheran Services in America Disability Network (LSA-DN) is a nationwide association of Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations serving the needs of people with developmental disabilities and related conditions, and providing a ministry of support responsive to their needs. The Disability Network is part of Lutheran Services in America, an organization of over 300 health and human service organizations which are affiliated with either the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
The Lutheran Services in America Disability Network has passed a resolution supporting "the critical dialogue taking place within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America concerning people with disabilities." It offered "the collective experience of member organizations" of the Disability Network in support of that dialogue and invited the ELCA "to actively partner with LSA-DN in the development of a written position concerning people with disabilities."
Developmental Disabilities Resources for Congregations 
A select listing of resources for congregations compiled jointly by the
Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, The Center on Services for the Autism Community (now called
Autism New Jersey), and the
Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation NetworkGood Shepherd Rehabilitation Network provides a continuum of care for people with physical and cognitive disabilities and specializes in assistive and rehabilitation services. Good Shepherd is a member organization of Lutheran Services in America.
ELCA Disability MinistriesELCA Disability and Deaf Ministry provides resources and ministry networks for people who are deaf, have visual impairments or are blind, or have mental illness or brain disorders. Resources are available for congregations wanting to become more accessible to people with disabilities. This site also has a link to information, photos and video from the 2009 Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE) at the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
Definitely Abled Advisory Committee—Lutheran Youth OrganizationScroll down the listing of leaders from the churchwide Lutheran Youth Organization to learn about the Definitely Abled Advisory Committee, an advisory body to the national board of the Lutheran Youth Organization which consists of young people with disabilities.
American Association of People with Disabilities Interfaith InitiativeThe purpose of the Interfaith Initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities is to support people with disabilities and their families as they seek spiritual and religious access, and to bring the powerful and prophetic voice of the faith community to the 21st Century disability agenda.
ELCA Disability Mentor NetworkThe ELCA Disability Mentor Network is a network of ELCA rostered leaders with disabilities who offer services to candidates for ministry who have disability and educational challenges regarding physical mobility and sensory and learning issues.
Association of Theological Schools Policy Statement on Disability and
Theological Education The Association of Theological Schools has a model policy for seminaries and other theological schools about disability and theological education. Members of the Association are encouraged to model their own disability policies and actions upon this ATS policy statement.