DISABILITY MILESTONES 3.............

The continuing chronicle of the Milestones in Disability Ministry I share with you today as provided by CUSA - an Apostolate of Persons wit Chronic Illness or Disability, are the following :

1969 - Cardinal Stritch College (now University) offers a Masters Degree in Special Religious Education, and educates many of the future leaders of Disability Ministry; 'Journey With Jesus curriculum developed by Sister Sheila Haskett and Sister Coletta Dunn, becomes national teaching tool.
1970's - Catholic Charities offices set up Group Homes in response to DeInstitutionalization.
1971 - National Catholic Office For the Deaf , NCOD; founded and directed by Father David Walsh, CSsR.
1974 - Hanicapped Encounter Christ (HEC) retreat program established by John Keck.
1975 - The U.S. Bishops National Advisory Council on Ministry wit Hanicapped People established; includes pastoral leaders from throughout the United States.
1978 - Pastoral Statement of the U.S. Bishops on Handicapped People approved
by the U.S. Bishops ("Handicapped People ", was later changed to, "Persons with Disabilities".
1979 - Faith and Fellowship organization founded to provide Faith Experiences in a way  suited to the needs of Persons with Mental Illness.

The Catholic Faith Tradition progresses in our appreciation, affirmation, accessibility, and inclkusion of the Disabled, needing to continue growing in understanding and facilitating the presence and participation of All Persons.............Fr. Troy David