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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Inclusion Series Webinar #4: Social Inclusion in Faith Communities


Inclusion Series Webinar #4: Social Inclusion in Faith Communities
May 14 , 2012
4pm Eastern
Registration: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/685411730
Here is the event page on our website which you can direct people to which includes a registration link, overview, and speaker bios: http://www.aaidd.org/content_7587.cfm

Overview:
Although the AAIDD has a compelling position statement addressing the importance of supporting well the spirituality and religious participation of people with disabilities intellectual or developmental disabilities,  many faith communities are uncertain about how to welcome people with disabilities and their families well into the life of their congregation. This webinar will focus on policies and practices for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate and contribute in meaningful ways within the  faith community of their choice. Erik and Bill will share best practices for supporting clergy,  congregations, and service providers to move towards inclusive faith supports. New resources and initiatives will be also be shared.

Presenters:               
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Dr. Erik Carter, Vanderbilt University        
Erik Carter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. He completed his graduate work in the area of severe disabilities at Vanderbilt University and his undergraduate work at Wheaton College. His research and teaching focuses on strategies for supporting meaningful school inclusion and promoting valued roles in school, work, and community settings for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has co-authored four books, one of which is Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: A Guide for Service

William Gaventa, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Bill Gaventa serves as Director of Community and Congregational Supports at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, and Associate Professor, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, UMDNJ. In his role at The Boggs Center, Bill works on community supports, training for community services staff, spiritual supports, training of seminarians and clergy, aging and end of life/grief issues, and cultural competence. Information and resources from these projects can be found on The Boggs Center website.  He has been a frequent speaker, trainer, and workshop leader in these areas. As a writer and editor, he has edited newsletters and several book, written articles and chapters, and served as the Editor of the Journal of Religion, Disability and Health for 14 years, now as an Associate Editor. Bill has a wife, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, a Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, and a son and daughter-in-law and a new grandson.                 







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