Neurodiverse and Disabilities Ministry

Welcome!

At Sunnyvale Presbyterian, we are devoted to ensuring that everyone can feel safe and comfortable in this church community. This may include modifying or enhancing the physical environment, opening up communication, building awareness, and providing opportunities for partnerships and creative problem solving. We look forward to working together to address requests and provide an inclusive environment that serves each community member.

Jump To...

Creating Community

Children

Adults

Parents & Guardians

Contact

Calendar

November: Alzheimer's Awareness Month
November 14, World Diabetes Day
November 15, World Ohtahara Syndrome Awareness Day
December 3, International Day of the Disabled Person (United Nations)

Resources

Autism Self Advocacy Network
Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
Foundation for Divergent Minds
Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Organization

Reading List

For Children:

Ellen Outside The Lines by A. J. Sass

Marshmallow & Jordan by Alina Chau

Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver

Up and Adam by Debbie Zapata & Yong Ling Kang

For Youth:

Queerly Autistic by Erin Ekins

For Adults:

Pro-Social Language by Arwood, Brown, & Kaulitz

Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth & Adults by Finn Gratton

Helplines

Crisis Line: call 988 to be connected to a mental health professional who is trained in deescalating crisis situations.

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 to be connected with a trained counselor.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline: 1(800) 931-2237

LGBT National Hotline: 1(888) 843-4564 Peer support hotline providing a safe space to discuss gender identity, sexuality, relationship issues, and other topics.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1(800) 950-6264 Peer support helpline for people with a mental health condition or with a loved one with a mental health condition.

ADA Hotline: 1(800) 949-4232 Ask questions about Americans with Disabilities Act and laws relating to disabilities.

Our vision is to be welcoming and inclusive to all who wish to be a part of our church community, and provide resources to increase education and accessibility.

Creating Community

Education

We educate our children and congregation to take ownership in providing a safe, loving, and accepting space for all people.

Support

We provide training and consultation to program staff and volunteers, including those in all of our Children’s Programs.

Safe Environment

We work with parents and guardians to provide a safe environment for children with allergies, sensory needs and/or mobility needs.

Resources

We do our best to offer up-to-date resources to our community regarding mental health awareness and supports, researched-backed approaches to supporting those with disabilities and neurodivergence in our congregation, and more.

Partnership with Parents

We believe in partnering with parents through Parent Support Group meet-ups, individual consultations and community connections.

Safe Church

SVPC maintains a Safe Church policy ensuring the emotional and physical safety of all. Read more here.

Accommodations for Children

Praygrounds

Designated spaces in the sanctuary filled with books, activities, and a comfortable place for children to sit and participate in our worship services. We accept the extra wiggles and giggles that children might have during the service.

Buddy Program

Providing a “buddy” to children who may need some extra guidance or support. Their buddy can listen closely to their needs and provide support during break times, help with activities, guidance during stressful times and transitions, and encourage interaction and friendships with peers.

Break Times

We understand that the ability to sit in one position and/or focus for a period of time is different for each of us. Break times are open for any children who request them to help them feel more comfortable.

Picture Stories

We promote the use of visuals during programs, as well as kinesthetic movement to help children feel balanced and engaged.

Fidgets and Supports

We have a variety of fidgets children may use, if requested. We also have activity bags located in the sanctuary, and can provide headphones to anyone needing a quieter space.

Seating Options

We offer a variety of chairs and seating options, and/or we can help find a place in the classroom that supports a safe, comfortable learning space.

Adult Support

Accommodations are available to adults who are neurodivergent and/or disabled upon request. Please contact Jenna at inclusion@sunnyvalepres.com to discuss your needs or those of a loved one to create a supportive environment that works for you. Currently, the Inclusion Ministry offers listening aids for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and fidget toys for during service. Spaces amongst pews are provided for wheelchair accessibility and aisles are large enough for most movement aids. Please email if you would like exact measurements of doors, aisles, or wheelchair-friendly spaces.

Parent and Guardian Resources

Parents from the broader community are invited to join us for a relaxing coffee break and chat, where we can be together, support each other during challenging situations, share successes and resources, and build community. Informally hosted by Karin Hejmanowski and participating parents of amazing children who are neurodiverse and/or physically disabled.

We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00am. Please check the church calendar to view meetings.

We would love to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about our ministry. Please contact Jenna Burkhalter, our Inclusion Coordinator, for more information.