Diverse religious traditions share a common imperative to care for the marginalized, yet when it comes to people with disabilities, congregations have often struggled to adapt and be welcoming.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, N.J., funds Faith in Action, a program using congregations and other community groups to provide greater access to health care for the ill, including those with Alzheimer’s. Doug Smith is program coordinator for Faith in Action, which is based at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The World Federation of Right to Die Societies links to dozens of right-to-die organizations throughout the world and provides information on the latest developments on the issue.
Dr. J. Cameron Muir is president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, which issued a position statement on Feb. 14, 2007, on “physician-assisted death.”
The Council for Jews With Special Needs provides programs, resources and support for Jews with disabilities to help them meet their spiritual needs. Gail Holtzman Gilmartin is executive director. It is based in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Yesodot is a nonprofit that works to build community foundation and support for Jews in the Boston area who have disabilities or special needs. It also provides parental and sibling support.