More than 85 percent of families in which there is a young person disabled--from birth defects, accidents, diseases, and chronic conditions--fall apart. This is especially severe when the child is developmentally challenged. Twenty years ago, 1 in 10,000 children had autism; today the numbers are 1 in 250. There are over 3,000 developmentally challenged people in South Carolina who live with primary caregivers over the age of 55. When the aging caregiver can no longer function as such, where will the disabled go?

The problem does not end at home. Few people with disabilities have the opportunity to receive the Gospel. Churches need to learn to make their facilities available to the disabled, and to create an atmosphere of trust and acceptance for even the weakest among us.

Disabilities ministries help people with disabilities live productive, happy, and healthy lives in our communities. They give primary caregivers "time off" for refreshment and renewal. If you would like your disabilities ministry featured on the website, please contact us.