Seminar teaches ADHD management

"We want to work ourselves out of business," said Tara Kelley, director of disability ministry with Handi-Vangelism Ministries International (HVMI). "We want to equip others to be able to do this because we can't be everywhere." To that end, HVMI offers a variety of support and training services to churches, educators, and especially families of children and adults with special needs.

Once a month, HVMI gives parents of children with special needs an opportunity to spend time in the company of others who understand through the Parents In Progress (PIP) support group, which meets at the HVMI offices at 600 Chestnut St., Ephrata, every second Monday beginning at 7 p.m. PIP is facilitated by HVMI founder Tim Sheetz, and it is open to parents of children of all ages with a range of disabilities. Sheetz has been working with families since 1973, and he is acutely aware of their needs. "As the child grows older, who will take care of the child?" noted Sheetz. "That is a huge (concern)." He added that the group gives parents a safe space to talk. "The parents understand each other, and they can feel free to say what is going on and feel supported," he said.

To help families, educators, and church leaders work with children with ADHD and autism, Kelley presents "The ABCs of Bringing Out the Best in Children With ADHD," a three-hour seminar that is not strictly focused on children. "It covers anyone with ADHD," she said. "It's for people ... who need the really practical tips of what to do in daily life to help include children with the challenges associated with ADHD." She also pointed out that the program may be useful to Sunday school teachers and ministry workers, who may not have training in education. "There are basic teaching techniques that can be helpful to anyone in an instruction setting," she said.

Sheetz said that reaching out to faith leaders has long been the mission of HVMI. "The idea of the ministry was to alert the church to the need," he said. "The church may not be equipped to handle the needs of a child with a disability." However, a welcoming faith community is what families who have members with special needs may need most. "I (have) asked, 'What is the greatest need?'" shared Sheetz, who noted that the answer is "acceptance" by both extended and church families. He pointed out that of the 35 miracles Jesus performed, 26 involved people with disabilities. "As Jesus was doing these miracles, the disciples were behind him, and they would be getting the churches started," Sheetz said. "The heart of the Lord to them was, 'We have people here with great needs. Include them.'"

Dan Steinman of HVMI visits faith communities to represent the ministry and offer to come alongside them in helping to support families with special needs. "We are always looking for the right place to start a group," he said. "If a church is willing, we can help get it started."

More information about seminars and other supports that HVMI offers may be found at http://www.hvmi.org/trainingequipping or by calling 717-859-4777.