Seminaries, Faith Based Organizations, and Advocacy Networks

1
Seminaries, Faith Based Organizations, and
Advocacy Networks

• UCEDD-Based Collaborations to Enhance Spiritual
  Supports and Congregational Leadership

2
Boggs Center Initiatives

• Congregational Survey (DD Council Funded) becomes
  New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Ministries,
  moving to 501c3
• Clinical Pastoral Education Program. Only
  accredited CPE program at a UCEDD. Agency and UCE
  funded.
• Guest lecturer seminary courses. Develop and
  teach courses. Seminary funded.
• Pastoral supports with people with brain injury.
  Resource Guide. BIANJ funded.
• Pastoral supports with people with autism and
  their families. Resource guide. In process.
  Foundation funded.

3
Areas for Consideration

• Preservice training. Links to seminaries and CPE
  programs.
• Inclusion in community training initiatives by
  UCEDD
• Coordination of conferences
• Dissemination
• Training and TA to faith networks
• Interdisciplinary assessments in clinical
  services
• Research and writing

4
Key Assets of UCEDDs for Faith Communities and
Networks

• Interdisciplinary
• Neutral point for interfaith initiatives
• Importance of scientific blessing
• Research

5
Key New Resources

• Books. Eg. Carter book by Brookes
• Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health
• Potential summer institutes
• AATS initiatives

6
Communication and Dissemination

• Data base and mailing list Are they included?
• Library resources
• AAIDD Religion and Spirituality Division
  membership, newsletter, etc.
• Videos for use by congregations
• Resources for families. Lots going on. People do
  not know.

7
Training

• Affiliations with CPE programs
• Inservice for UCE staff and trainees on spiritual
  supports
• Seminary nearby? Explore collaboration,
  including courses, field education
• Host interfaith, interagency conference
• Collaboration between hospice networks and DD
  networks
• Use UCE for meetings, etc.

8
Direct Services

• Address spirituality in assessments and planning

9
Research

• Spiritual supports in DD Where are the
  researchers? They are there in health.

10
Collaboration

• DD Councils funding initiatives
• Protection and Advocacy? Religious freedom,
  civil rights issue?
• UCEDD Network of People Involvedgive email to
  Bill Gaventa, or email at bill.gaventa_at_umdnj.edu
• Thank You!