Ministry in Fast Forward -
The technological advancements of the past decade or two have
most certainly ushered us into a digital age - one where some of us
can be left feeling a bit out of the loop and even intimidated.
It's no wonder when we see preschoolers able to wield a smartphone
and its applications like it's no more complicated than a
Lite-Brite™! As difficult as it can be, for many adults, to keep up
and stay educated on the latest "digi-tool" the effort is well
worth it as inventions like Apple's iPad revolutionize the way we
can communicate with and minister to kids - especially, in the
iPad's case, with special needs children.
Over the past few years an exciting and compelling use of the iPad
(coupled with special apps) has emerged as an augmentative and
alternative communication tool for children (and adults) with
communication and/or expressive language disorders; one of the most
common among these disorders being autism. According to the
National Autism Association, "Since autism was first
diagnosed in the U.S. the incidence has climbed to an alarming one
in 88 in the U.S." Autism is prevalent in our society and our
churches, but, to use a phrase of the digital age - there's and app
for that.
For some inspiration and a peek into what iPads can do for your
special needs ministry and impacting the lives of those with
autism, check out this
clip of an excellent 60 Minutes report. While it
is known that the iPad and the augmentative communication tools
don't work for every case, the successes have some hopeful
implications for the future! Imagine how communication aids like
this could help children with autism and/or challenges in speech
express their faith and learn more about God!
5 Steps for Digitizing Your Special Needs
Ministry
1) Don't Fear the Digital - When you walk into
your local electronics retailer, does it feel like a day at the
circus with smiles, excitement and captivation by all the flashing
lights, gadgets and fun to be had or does it feel like a day at the
circus for someone with a trembling fear of clowns? If you're in
the latter group, take your steps into learning technology slowly -
no need to overwhelm yourself and try to learn it all at once.
2) Get a "Digi-cation" - Seek out
opportunities to get educated and acclimated to the digital world.
If using an iPad in your ministry feels like trying to teach in a
foreign language, know that you're not alone and that there are
learning resources available. Find workshops, like many being
offered at this year's KidMin
Conference, taught by brilliant, tech-savvy fellow
ministers such as Kenny
Conley, E.C. Cunningham,
Matt McKee,
Christiaan
VandenHeuvel. If you're not already linked into
special needs ministry experts such as Pat Verbal and
Katie
Wetherbee (both also at KidMin this year!), be
sure to get connected! All these experts will provide invaluable
insights!
3) $$ Fund the Fun - One of the biggest hurdles you
may have to overcome in bringing technology into your ministry is
finding the funds. Fortunately, grant
programs and
funding resources exist to aid families in purchasing
their own iPads. If you'd like the equipment for use in your
ministry, hold a fundraising event (or as many as it takes) within
your church and network to be able to make the purchase. Or
advertise a need for donations of older, still-functioning iPads
that may fall to the wayside as the latest and greatest upgrades
are released. Don't let a slim budget deter you. Remember, money is
finite and attainable, even if it takes prolonged effort. The
impact these communication tools could have in your ministry is
infinite and worth the time poured into fundraising!
4) Apply the Apps - There are already MANY
augmentative communication apps available and will, no doubt, be
more and further improved apps as the studies and successes of
using these tools continue into the future. Ranging in price (no
surprise, the more robust apps are pricier), it's not terribly
difficult to find an app that would suit your needs and your
budget.
The Friendship Circle blog provides an informative list of apps
for a great starting place.
5) Trust God for the Blessing - Even at the
accelerated rate our world is growing, changing and moving into a
digital community, the pace and the change is not too much for God.
He is right in step and prepared to pour out his blessing into your
ministry; whether it be by his Word on the pages of a Bible, the
kindness you live in your ministry out of a heart captivated by
Jesus, or by the communication venues opened by technological
advances. We can often feel out of our element or beyond our means
in ministry, but God is at work nonetheless.
