Disability and Spirituality

Rev. Bill Gaventa is Chair of the National Collaborative on Faith and Disability and Director of the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability. He is past Editor of the Journal of Disability and Religion and served as President of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).

Preface Introduction Part I. Disability and Spirituality: Each Leads to the Other 1. Naming and Defining Disability: A Brief History 2. Disability: From Definition, Diagnosis, and Assessment to Meaning 3. Spirituality: From Meaning to Disability Part II. Spirituality in the Lives of Individuals with Disabilities 4. Spirituality in the Lives of Individuals with Disabilities 5. Spiritual Development and Formation: From Child to Adult 6. Spirituality and the Transition to Adulthood 7. Spirituality, Aging, and End of Life: A Paradox of Loss and Celebration Part III. Spirituality and Families 8. Spirituality and Families: Beginnings and Journeys 9. Respite Care: A Sabbath for (and from) Caregivers: Part IV. Spirituality and Professionals 10. Integrating Spirituality in Professional Services and Roles 11. Spirituality, Care, and Commitment Part V. All of Us: Friendships, Relationships, and Community 12. Gift and Call: Recovering the Spiritual Dimensions of Friendship 13. Relationships Are Not Easy: Challenging Behaviors, Positive Behavior Supports, and Spirituality 14. Spirituality, Diversity, and Community: Moving toward Belonging Conclusion: Restoring Wholeness It Is about All of Us

Disability and Spirituality is not a textbook, a thesis-driven argument, or even a manifesto of disability theory. It is a holistic practical theology, written through the lens of pastoral care, for those with physical and intellectual disabilities that should be required reading for pastors, chaplains, spiritual care-givers, and pastoral theologians. -- Brandon L. Morgan -- Reading Religion In Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness William C. Gaventa distills a lifetime of work in care institutions and churches to foster better ways of meeting people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Gaventaas passion is to support people with disabilities and their families while pressing service organizations to address spirituality and to take more seriously the supporting roles faith communities might play. -- Brian Brock -- Scottish Journal of Theology William Gaventa's Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness is a compelling blend of interdisciplinary engagement, robust scholarship and insightful pastoral commentary. Having spent his life in chaplaincy and advocacy roles with disabled people, their families and support workers, Gaventa's book reflects his commitment to building understanding across the health and human services and navigating fresh ways of reflecting on the lived experience of disabled persons -- Coralie Bridle -- Pacific Journal of Theological Research