“The bishopric or stake presidency may call a ward or stake disability specialist to help individuals and families” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 21.1.26).
The role of the disability specialist is to help facilitate increased participation and inclusion of Church members with disabilities.
The disability specialist serves as a resource for ward and stake leaders to help them:
- Identify and get to know individuals with disabilities and their families within the ward or stake.
- Include members with disabilities in Church meetings and activities.
- Respond to disability-related questions and concerns from parents, leaders, and other individuals.
- Identify meaningful opportunities to serve for members with disabilities.
- Identify specific needs of families (including caregiving needs) and, where appropriate, identify community, ward, and stake resources available to assist with those needs.
In addition, the disability specialist should help individuals with disabilities and their parents or families to share information about the disability with ward and stake members and leaders in a helpful way.
Resources for disability specialists include the following:
- The Church’s Disability Resources website at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/disability
- Handbook 2: Administering the Church, particularly section 21.1.26, “Members with Disabilities”
