Archdiocese Educates on Support for Those with Special Needs

February 20, 2013

In the Catholic Church, the faithful are called to live out the virtues of faith, hope and love. This is also the theme of the Archdiocese of Washington’s fifth annual Faith, Deafness and Disabilities Conference. The conference will begin with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Martin D. Holley, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, and will be followed by several workshops.

Saturday, March 2, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Catholic University of America
Pryzbyla Student Center
620 Michigan Avenue, NE
Washington, DC

Mark K. Shriver, Vice President of U.S. Programs for Save the Children, will offer an afternoon keynote address on how the good work of those advocating on belief of the special needs community is fostering a future of hope

The conference will educate participants on how archdiocesan programs and local communities can work together to support those with special needs. Information about new community-based programs, Catholic faith-based programs, and resources readily available for persons who are deaf and persons with disabilities, their families, friends and advocates will be presented. The conference will address a broad range of topics, including sibling support, health care planning and recreation programs, estate planning, support for veterans, new resources in sacramental preparation and adult faith formation.

The conference offers the workshops in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Additionally, free care will be available for children with special needs and their siblings, allowing their parents to focus on the workshops.

The primary sponsor of the conference is Potomac Community Resources, Inc., which provides recreational and social opportunities for teens and adults with developmental differences. Other sponsors include the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute of Catholic Charities; which has provided services and support for infants, children and adults with disabilities for more than 50 years; the Catholic Coalition for Special Education, Catholic radio station WMET 1160 AM, and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.

The general registration fee is $25 and scholarships are available. For more information, contact [email protected] or 301-853-4560, or go to by clicking here.

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Contact:
Office of Media and Public Relations
Secretariat for Communications
301-853-4516
[email protected]