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History
In 1996, the Virlina District established a steering committee to develop a ministry for persons with developmental
disabilities and their family members. The appointed members have since begun developing educational and outreach
programs for families and churches in the Virlina District.
Mission
- Encourage spiritual and emotional support of persons with developmental disabilities and their families in
our congregations.
- Study the possibilities for long-term care to serve the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and
their families. The ministry is designed to respond to the difficult question of parents: "What will happen
to my son or daughter when I am no longer able to provide care?"
Programs & Services
The Virlina District Developmental Disabilities Ministries (DDM) committee has developed a video with the assistance
of Virlina District Churches and the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC). This video provides an awareness
of the spiritual and social needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. This video is available through
ABC or the Virlina District DDM committee. Members of the DDM committee are also available for presentations to
area churches and can serve as a resource for family members seeking information on developmental disabilities.
Members of DDM may also provide valuable information to congregations on incorporating individuals with a developmental
disability into the life of the church.
With insight and support from the DDM committee, families and churches realize that they are not alone in efforts
to serve all of God's family.
Resources
The DDM Committee invites congregations to check-out these new resources and learn how better to work with persons
with disabilities. Below is a list of books available at the District Office for check-out.
You & Your A.D.D. Child by Paul Warren, MD, Jody Capehart, M.Ed., Thomas Nelson Publishers.
How to Understand and Help Kids with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Adult ADD by Thomas A. Whitman, Ph.D., Michele Novotni, Ph.D., Pinon Press. A reader-friendly
Guide to Identifying, Understanding, and Treating Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss, Taylor Publishing Company. Practical
Help for Sufferers and Their Spouses.
Disability and the Family by H. Rutherford Turnbull, II, Ann P. Turnbull, G.J. Bronicki, Jan
Ann Summers, Constance Roeder-Gordon, Paul Brooks Publishing Co. A guide to Decisions for Adulthood.
Different Members One Body edited by Sharon Kutz-Mellem, Witherspoon Press. Welcoming the
Diversity of Abilities in God's Family (handbook & cassettes).
His Name Is Joel by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, Bridge Resources. Ministry with Families of Children
with Disabilities.
A Place Called Acceptance by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, Bridge Resources. Ministry with Families
of Children with Disabilities.
Exceptional Teaching by Jim Pierson, Standard Publishing. A comprehensive Guide for Including
Students with Disabilities.
What Christians Believe by G. C. Anderson & Briarwood Task Force for Handicapped Ministries,
Bridge. Confirmation Studies for Persons with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities by Barbara J. Newman, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
Feed All My Sheep by Doris C. Clark, Music by Kinley Lange, Geneva Press. A Guide and Curriculum
for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
With Heart and Hands and Voices compiled and edited by Debra Tyree, Abingdon Press. Songs
with Sign Language for Sunday School, Choir and Worship.
Contact Information
Virlina District Office
330 Hershberger Road, NW
Roanoke, VA 24012
540-362-1816, 800-VIRLINA
Ask for the phone number of the DDM Committee Chairman
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