Why do I have this section on this ministry site?
I (the webmaster) am disabled and am a Christian. I have noticed a lack of Christian resources for people with disabilities and am providing this link index, hopefully as a help and inspiration. While I am not an advocate for the disabled and do not focus on my disability as being my main reason for being on the net, it does play a large part in my daily life. Being handicapped should not deter us from following Jesus and being active in our faith by the power of the Holy Spirit working in our daily lives. While disability issues are not the main focus of this website, as I am disabled I provide the following, hoping it may be of service to others. I have also added a large section of general disability resources that are not faith-based but will be of help to you and your loved ones.
A Little About The Webmaster's Disability
I was born with a neuro-muscular disorder, that finally, through genetic testing, has been diagnosed as Charcot Marie Tooth, (CMT) Type 1A. After living most of my life without a clear definition of this disorder, it has been a relief, to finally have a firm diagnosis of CMT. I walk with a cane, wear orthopedic boots, and have poor eyesight. CMT is a slowly progressive disorder, affecting my hands, feet, lower legs and lower arms and facial muscle tone, but doctors do not think that I will ever be completely wheelchair bound. I also live with very poor eyesight, doctors are not sure if this is related to the CMT at this point, although it seems to pass along the same genetic line as the CMT. My balance and co-ordination are also effected to some degree. I also have some swallowing and digestion difficulties. I zoom around town in a scooter for the disabled. I have had several surgeries to correct foot deformities but other than that there is not a lot that can be done as far as treatment goes for this disorder.
If you are from North America, I would gather you know about the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. The Muscular Dystrophy Association does not just fund research into Muscular Dystrophy, but all sorts of neuro-muscular disorders. My particular disorder falls under the umbrella of the MDA mandate. Neuro-muscular disorders can effect any one at any age. In 2001, I lost an uncle to a neurological disorder called Multiple Systems Atrophy. He was 65 when the first obvious symptoms came to light and died less than 18 months later. The research going into this area is just not focused on cute children in wheelchairs, but is focused on treating people of all ages, colors, creeds and nations.
My local MDA office has been very helpful in guiding me to find help in the last few years, providing me with now my second scooter, helping me find a neurologist here in the city, helping me find funding for my orthoboots, etc. Another website that has become invaluable to me is CMT News . I was recently diagnosed with Myopic Degeneration due to extreme life-long nearsightedness. I also have a cataract forming in one eye. But I still got my health!
Links of Interest to the Disabled
- Christian Ministries
Reaching out to those with disabilities or their caregivers- Christian Quotes on Disabilities and Adversities.
- Bible Verses on Healing
- General Disability Resources
Helpful advocacy, adaptive resources, specific helps for the disabled.- Is your Website Accessible to the Disabled?
- Who is behind this listing of disability resources?
- Recommended Christian Books
Books specifically geared to those Christians dealing with disabilities, long term illnesses, helps for their caregivers and the church at large.
Links submissions may be made at Links Directory - under Add Your Link.
Please note: All graphics and articles within this site are copyrighted.
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