Disabilities
Who are disability specialists and disability activity leaders and how can they help?

“Who are disability specialists and disability activity leaders and how can they help?” Disability Services: Leaders (2020)

“Who are disability specialists and disability activity leaders and how can they help?” Disability Services: Leaders

Who are disability specialists and disability activity leaders and how can they help?

Woman teaching girl at a computer

Disability Specialists

A bishopric or stake presidency may call a ward or stake disability specialist to help individuals and families who have disabilities or who are caregivers of those with disabilities (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.8.28.9). The role of a disability specialist is to help facilitate increased participation and inclusion of Church members with disabilities; however, the responsibility for caring for others is the responsibility of everyone (see Mosiah 18:8–9).

For more information on the role of a disability specialist or how to get started as a disability specialist, go to My Calling: Disability Specialist.

Disability Activity Leaders (see General Handbook, 38.8.28.5)

Adult members may be called as disability activity leaders. These leaders plan and carry out the disability activity program. They consult with ward and stake disability specialists (see General Handbook, 38.8.28.9) to invite members with disabilities to participate. They counsel together about how to meet those members’ needs.

Disability activity leaders are called and set apart under the direction of the agent bishop or agent stake president. A stake president may also assign a high councilor to serve as a disability activity leader.

Leaders serving those of any age with disabilities complete the training at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. For additional safety requirements for leaders, see disability.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

When invited, disability activity leaders may attend stake or ward leadership meetings.

Guidelines for disability activity programs. Disability activity programs are organized to help participants develop spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually (see Luke 2:52). Leaders determine the frequency of activities. They consider the number of participants, travel distances, and other circumstances.