Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – SMILES

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SMILES is a worship model which integrates special needs individuals and their families or caregivers into the fabric of a local congregation.

SMILES provides opportunities for participants to interact with the entire congregation. This is the great appeal of this plan of worship and fellowship. For this reason, SMILES should be offered in conjunction with a regular worship service.

Access Video Resources

 

Welcome to SMILES

This video is intended to give an overview of the SMILES program.

SMILES Margo Schmidt Testimonial

Hear from Margo Schmidt, who created the SMILES program with her husband, Rev. Steven Schmidt.

 

Love in Action

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WELS Special Ministries
Showing God’s love to those with special needs or in special circumstances

In these pages, you’ll learn about the eight areas of WELS Special Ministries:

  • Visually Impaired
  • Care for Called Workers
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Mental Health
  • Health and Wellness
  • Prison Ministry
  • Military Services

Funding for the programs you’ll learn about in these pages comes from people like you, who have a heart to share Christ’s love with those who may face hurdles in worship and in life. Our special ministries are primarily supported by special offerings from individuals and groups.

 

To order FREE copies of the Love in Action booklet, e-mail WELS Special Ministries at [email protected].

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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Resources for ministry to those with Special Education needs.

Confirming and Communing those with Special Needs: Examine the first page of a resource that provides guidance on the process of instructing a person who has developmental disabilities with the goal of preparing them to receive communion. The full document is available from the director of Special Ministries, Pastor Joel Gaertner,  [email protected].

Your Piece of the Autism Puzzle: Read the paper by Pastor Thomas Gumm to learn about working with members that have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“He Cares, We Care” Mailing program: Many Christians who have developmental disabilities appreciate receiving letters and cards in the mail.  Use our online referral to enroll your loved one in a ministry-by-mail program which provides Christ-centered, simplified messages for those who are developmentally disabled.

What I Want and Need for My Child: Read a letter describing what parents want from a service provider here.

Guidelines for Establishing a Special Needs Parents Network: Learn about setting up a support network for parents of special needs children.