Disability and suffering share a complicated and convoluted history. Too often, it is assumed that people with disabilities are suffering their disability, and yet for many people disability is more closely related to who they are as a person than to suffering. Hear first-hand perspectives of multiple ways to relate to suffering, and come away from this module with a renewed appreciation for theologies and pastoral practices that leave space for suffering and yet always practice gracious presence with people with disabilities and those that suffer.

Facilitator

Chantal Huinink

Chantal Huinink is a motivational speaker, author, and social justice advocate who lives with cerebral palsy. Chantal is completing a double-masters in Divinity and Social Work through Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. She holds a BA in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Guelph and a certificate in Disability Ministry from the International Disability Center in California. Chantal currently serves as Coordinator of Organizational and Spiritual Life with Christian Horizons, and is a certified trainer of Joni and Friends Beyond Suffering curriculum. Chantal is especially passionate about fostering the faith development of people with ‘disabilities’ because of the impact faith has had on her life.