The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, teaches us about how the body of Christ, the church, is made up of many parts. Many parts that combine to make one body, baptized by one Holy Spirit… He goes on to describe the various parts, firstly through metaphor (foot, hand, eye, ear, head etc.) and then … Continue reading What Part Of The Body Of The Church Is A Child With Additional Needs?
I was sat in church a few Sunday mornings ago, a brief oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic and unpredictable week of additional needs ministry and additional needs parenting. The service was great, which was helpful, as I was tired and in serious danger of dropping off to sleep otherwise… there could have been … Continue reading Posh Brands, Designer Labels, and Additional Needs Parenting
One in five children and young people have an additional need or disability of some kind, and for many their additional needs or disabilities are lifelong and so continue into their adult life. It is easy for children’s, youth and families workers, as well as church leaders, to be uncertain about how to appropriately support … Continue reading Accessible Jesus: Modelling Inclusion
James, my 15-year old autistic son, gets cold feet… Sometimes this is because he often prefers to go barefoot, sometimes this is because his blood circulation isn’t as good as it might be, or maybe it’s a combination of the two. He likes to have his feet rubbed, to warm them up, but recently he … Continue reading Washing My Autistic Son’s Feet
The word ‘Battle’ has been at the forefront of my mind this week; it has been a key part of my week in several ways, through experiences and as a place. The three reasons that this word has been key for me this week are linked, personal, ministry and place, and so come together into … Continue reading The Additional Needs Battle
That blog title caught your attention, didn’t it? A controversial topic to grapple with in this blog post, but one that is so important for us all to understand and to communicate effectively… Some 2000 years ago, Jesus was asked that very question, as recorded here from John 9:1-3 “As he went along, he saw … Continue reading Are Parents To Blame For Their Child’s Disability?
In a few weeks time for many, a new academic year will start; in some parts of the country, it starts this week. The start of the new academic year is often the time that church children’s and youth clubs start up again, although of course some have continued during the summer, or have run … Continue reading The State Of The Nation – Additional Needs & Disability In The UK
Prayer is an essential element in inclusive children’s and youth work… seems an obvious thing to say doesn’t it? Yet it still surprises me how many times we overlook including God in what we are doing… Take the ‘phone call I received once as an example of this… In the role that I have, I … Continue reading Prayer – Essential In Inclusive Children’s & Youth Work
As I was sat in church last Sunday morning, enjoying the opportunity to relax and be in the congregation for a change, we reached the part of the service that is included every week, a part that is so well known that we don’t really need the words to be provided; the Lord’s Prayer… There … Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer & Additional/Special Needs Parenting
Fiddle toys... are they a useful aid to focus and concentration for children? Can they help relieve stress? Are they a distraction for them and others? There has been much discussion about this, some very good and informed input provided (including from my good friend Miriam Gwynne, well worth reading her thoughts on this on her … Continue reading Fidgets, Fiddles, Focus and Fun!
Delightful Handmade Dog Products and Gifts
An additional needs Dad and Son baking adventure...
Special Education Teaching Resources, Sensory Stories and SEND Information
The Additional Needs Blogfather 