disability Archives

Vatican launches sign language YouTube channel to build inclusivity

Apr 7, 2021

The Vatican over the weekend launched a new Sign Language service on its YouTube account, and plans are being made to develop other technological tools that would help the disabled more easily access papal content.

By Elise Ann Allen

Catholic high school welcomes students with special needs into new program

Jan 19, 2020

Bernadette Scholars are students at Marian High School in Mishawaka, Ind., who have mild intellectual disabilities. This is the first year for the program, in which the “Bernies” spend some time in classes just for them and other times are in typical classrooms with others.

By Jennifer Barton

Friends, colleagues hail Jean Vanier as ‘modern-day prophet’

May 29, 2019

At nearly a month since his passing, the legacy of Jean Vanier is far from forgotten, but continues to live on in friends and colleagues who say the Canadian theologian not only impacted their lives personally, but he changed theology and the way the Church views the human person.

By Elise Harris

Priest who went public with autism dreams of doing ‘great things’

Apr 5, 2019

After receiving a surprising diagnosis of autism three years ago, Father Matthew Schneider has decided to dedicate his priestly ministry to focusing on areas that highlight his intellectual strengths while also adapting faith resources such as the catechism to autistic thinking patterns.

By Elise Harris

Catholic’s deafness no obstacle to practicing a corporal work of mercy

Mar 2, 2019

Melanie Paul gives back to her community.

By Jennifer Neville

Supreme Court throws out inmate’s death sentence due to mental disability

Feb 21, 2019

For the second time in his case, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed an inmate’s death penalty sentence because of his intellectual disability.

By Carol Zimmermann

Deaf children learning to pray: Philly nun has app for that

Dec 9, 2017

Sister Kathleen Schipani found many existing apps for learning American Sign Language, but there were none dedicated to religious terms, daily devotions or prayers. So she created one, an app called Religious Signs for Families.

By Associated Press

No, a Consistent Ethic of Life doesn’t mean going soft on abortion

Oct 21, 2016

Critics have seen the idea of a ‘Consistent Ethic of Life’ as code for ignoring or playing down abortion, and in some cases they may have a point, but that’s not how the vast majority of Church leaders such as Pope Francis see it.

By Charles C. Camosy