Welcome to Disability Resources
Including those with disabilities can help us worship together and find joy in the journey. Attitudes of acceptance and support foster increased activity, opportunities for growth, and the peaceful feelings extended through the Savior’s love that is offered to all of God’s children.
This Web page and the related content material and supporting links have been prepared to help members of the Church more fully understand the challenges of our brothers and sisters of all ages who may have disabilities of body or mind. Members who have a better understanding of disabilities, in general, will be better able to lift, instill hope, and provide comfort to those who seek support, and will find that they themselves will be blessed in the service.
Church leaders, members, and extended family members may have a variety of questions that are common to those who want to help but are not sure how to do so. Questions may include: “What is the problem?”, “How do I address it in my area of responsibility?” and “How do I help the individuals and/or caregivers recognize hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ?”
Among the many questions that are posed by parents when they discover that they have a child with a disability are “Why did this happen to me?”, “Where do I turn for hope and peace?”, and “What do I do now?”
This Web section on disabilities has been created to offer support, comfort, and an increased level of acceptance toward those with disabilities. Individuals who live with a disability, their caregivers, as well as leaders, teachers, and members may find within this site additional understanding of specific disabilities and some of the difficulties faced by those involved.
What Do I Do Now?
This section of LDS.org provides resources to leaders, teachers, families, and individuals to help you answer this question. It is essential to keep in mind that striving to live the gospel will provide the foundation for successfully coping with life’s challenges. Prayer, fasting, and pondering the scriptures prepare one to receive the direction and comfort needed. The suggestions and information on this site should be considered in the light of one’s circumstances and personal inspiration.
The Savior during His earthly ministry invited all to take upon them His yoke to lighten their burdens. Because we have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who knows us and loves us all, our burdens become easier to bear. Because the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, a promise of joy in life’s journey is offered to all regardless of circumstances. The gospel provides hope to those who live faithful, obedient lives.
Modern-day prophets and apostles have consistently taught the refining nature and blessings of sacrifice and consecration. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught that by yielding oneself to God, “then our performances will, in turn, be fully consecrated for the lasting welfare of our souls” (April 2002 general conference).
Sometimes, in the case of disabilities, individuals may react unintentionally with fear, rejection, or discomfort. Most often these emotional reactions are due to inadequate information or inexperience. Appropriate training improves understanding, acceptance, valued support, and help for those with disabilities. In addition, charity, the “pure love of Christ,” is magnified. All can experience, as Paul taught, the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).