Disability Ministry

Our goal is for all children and students to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. We include all kids in our Sunday morning worship services, our Sunday evening student ministry, our Tuesday evening preteen ministry, and more!

Based on each child’s individual needs, we provide:

• One-on-one buddies
• Coordination with staff and small group leaders
• Accommodations (visual schedules, fidgets, etc.)
• Sensory room and quiet spaces
• Supportive Learning classrooms 

Questions?
We'd love to connect with you and see how we can help. Reach out to Chris Rechsteiner, Disability Minister to connect and ask questions. 

Sundays Mornings 
We request a weekly RSVP a few days before Sunday's class.  Please fill out our Getting to Know You form before your first visit. 

During the 9:00am Service

• Supportive Learning Classroom
• Elementary Schoolers — Meet in our Sensory Room 
• Middle Schoolers — Meet in Room 3 A/B
• Buddies for GS Kids are available 

During the 10:45am Service

• Supportive Learning Classroom
• Middle School — Adults Meet in Room 3 A/B - before splitting into individualized groups. 
• Buddies for GS Kids are available 

Help people of all abilities belong and families fully engage in the body of Christ. There are many ways to serve in Fusion Disability Ministry, and most roles require no prior experience.
Just a heart to serve.

Start with a shadow visit and meet our team. Together, we’ll help you discover a role that fits.
Explore Meaningful Roles

Ready to get started?
Take the Volunteer Survey

Our Disability Ministry is fused into every area of ministry at Good Shepherd. We also offer special events designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Upcoming Events:
 
Family Meet and Greet 8/28
All Abilities Vendor Fair 9/12

Visit the Event tab and we will help find the
supports you need to participate.

Buddy Break is a monthly, respite opportunity for children with disabilities and their siblings provided at no charge.

At Buddy Break, all children are intentionally paired up one-on-one with a trained buddy.

We play games, do projects, play in the gym, and have a lot of fun! While parents and caregivers get a well-deserved break.

Email the Disability Ministry to receive a registration link.

Sept 14 |Faith At Home
Chris Rechsteiner, our Disability Minister, shares ideas on sharing the faith at home and how we use our curriculum to connect to each unique learning style in our programming. 

Sept 28 | Mom's Group

Oct 12 |Navigating the Illinois Disability System
Robert Farley, Attorney at Law, walks us through topics like PUNS, Waiting List, Emergency Funding, SSI, Guardianship, and Special Needs Trust. 

Oct 26 | Mom's Group

Nov 9 | Natural Supports and Self-Directed Strength-Based Lives. Sharon Costabile & Team from Engage Illinois will walk us through their journey of working with the state and on helping individuals live self-directed, strength-based lives in their home communities.  Find encouragement on how to prepare not only for adult children but for the future of your younger children.

Nov 30 | Mom's Group

Dec 14 |Spiritual Direction for Families with Disabilities.  Sam Rauh is a sibling of a brother with cognitive and physical disabilities and mom of a daughter who has Down Syndrome. Sam realized her calling to sit with people with disabilities, their siblings, parents, and caregivers through Spiritual Direction, coaching, and helping give a voice for others. 

Register through Capernaum - A Good Shepherd team member will be part of the night as a familiar face!

Child Care: Ages 6 weeks - 5th Grade.  

Adult and Student Hang-Outs: A separate area for Middle school and adult (23 +)-age participants will be available for socialization, games, or time to relax. 

Weekly RSVP required by the previous Thursday for the above option. Initial sign-up is available through Parent Group Sign Up.