I am unable to and now refuse to fit myself into a box.  So, describing who I am and why I am making this website might seem a little scattered.  It might also be because I am happily diagnosed ADHD (only in my 50s) and what a relief it was to have my God given creative and chaotic brain explained!

 

I was called to this ministry when I was 14 years old, not yet a Christian and just before the worst 7 years of my life.  But here I am, over 40 years later, fulfilling the urge I have to shout out and make good on that calling.  I often say, “If I didn’t do something about this, I would burst,” and that is the main excuse I have.  God put this fire to make people with additional needs heard in the church, in my heart and has been stoking it, tending it, breathing on it when it has waned, and now releasing it in this small little website that maybe not many people will find.  Unless the Lord builds the house, I am building it in vain….We shall see where it goes.

 

I’ve had many experiences that have shaped my knowledge and understanding of the whole lifespan of people who are disabled in some way.  I’ve been a teacher of children, mainly in the SEND arena for over 30 years. I’ve helped lead a congregation of adults with learning disabilities for 15 years.  I’ve been an admin of the Additional Need Alliance for a good while, written accessible faith explanations for autistic and SEND children for Blackburn Diocese Questful RE curriculum.   I’ve done training for churches, spoken at Accessible Church conferences and challenged vicars, ministers, children and youth workers, (gently mind you!), to consider the place of children, youth and adults with additional needs in God’s Kingdom.  The core of my faith believes in Jesus, my Lord and Saviour - and that “nothing about me without me”, is the source of seeing the humanity in all people.   

 

Children with additional needs mostly grow up into adults with additional needs.  I have learned through the journey of faith Jesus has led me through, to see the whole picture.  Meeting the needs of people in our churches - accessibility, spiritually, and to be able to contribute their gifts and potential in God’s Kingdom is what I am called to talk, write and provide resources about.  

 

I hope you find something helpful and challenging here.  

Lynn x