Shannon Dingle: Common Misperceptions in Special Needs Ministry (inclusion Fusion 2011)

As more churches engage in special needs ministry, we need to take time to dispel some of the more common myths. In this session, Shannon will discuss common misconceptions and half-truths about special needs ministry, and participants will leave with practical tools and tips to use at their churches. Myths to be discussed include (1) disability ministry is a children's ministry endeavor, (2) you don't need to bother until you have someone with special needs come to your church, (3) you must use one particular model, (4) you need a special education professional to run it, (5) it's just too hard (or, the flipside, "it's easy"), (6) it's just another program, (7) it's all about ministering to people with disabilities, and (8) it's optional.