Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 3, 2025 /
07:00 am
Catholic adults with disabilities talked about how faith guides their lives and how dioceses and individuals can better accommodate and understand them in a panel ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Dec. 3.
Every year since 1992, those with disabilities and their supporters have observed the IDPD to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. In honor of this year’s IDPD, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability hosted a panel of adults who reflected on how disability and faith intersect in their lives.
The panel, “Where Faith and Disability Meet,” featured talks from Sue Do and Kathleen Davis, who are both Catholic adults with disabilities.
Do is in the pastoral ministries graduate program at Santa Clara University. A four-time published author and public speaker, she shared how her experiences led her to disability ministry.
“I started lecturing when I was an undergrad at Santa Clara University. I really enjoy lecturing because it actually helped with my self-confidence and it improved my public speaking skills. Just the thought of being there in front of people, proclaiming God’s word, it gave me a sense of purpose,” she said.
Do shared that she began to face exclusion in her church in April 2023, but it ultimately led to her finding her passion. Her pastor at the time told her she could no longer lecture because of “safety and liability issues,” as she sometimes uses a wheelchair.
“I did not let that situation stop me from advocating for myself,” Do said. “I went to the priest who was in charge of the young adult ministry and used the National Catholic Partnership on Disability resources to educate him. And as a result of that, they reversed the decision and I was able to go back to lecture.”
“I just kept speaking up and realized this is what I’m meant to do,” she said. “It solidified even more the calling for me to go into this type of disability ministry, to be able to advocate for accessible spaces in parishes, adaptive catechesis, anything I can do to make Catholics with disabilities feel included.”
“I feel like my faith is the key to me overcoming a lot of things, lecturing being one of them,” Do said.
Davis shared similar remarks about finding her place in the Church. She joined a young adults group at St. Brigid’s Parish in Georgia, where a group for individuals with disabilities made her “feel valuable.”
“When you first arrive, you’re greeted with warm smiles,” Davis said about the group meetings. “Your buddy sits next to you and helps you when you need it. The buddy paired with you accommodates your needs and makes you feel welcome. I mean, this sense of belonging and support has been tremendous and uplifting in my life.”
It “has strengthened my faith tremendously,” Davis said. “What makes it special is this buddy system. You’re not alone. I mean, having dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to make that group experience meaningful is crucial. These well-trained volunteers ensure that every member is supported in their own way, so no one is left behind.”
“Everyone is included,” Davis said. “Since joining the group, I have gained a sense of belonging, support, and growth in my self-worth.”
Getting involved
Do said there are things that she wishes people better understood about her as an adult with a disability. “When people see me, they immediately assume that I need help … I don’t need help unless I specifically ask for help,” she said.
Another “misconception … I wish people would know is if you are advocating for a disabled person or talking to a disabled person, you can just talk directly to me and not my parents, because when my parents are there, it’s like they’re speaking for me.”
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Do said she is going to continue advocating for Catholics with disabilities, but the community also needs allies along with advocates.
“We are not just called to a greater purpose, but we are also called to always ask ourselves: ’How can I make it more welcoming, inclusive?’ It’s not just about going to Mass and participating. It’s about the model of inclusion and how people model the Gospel.”
Davis shared some advice to help other adults in the Church who may be struggling to find their place.
“Don’t limit yourself to your parish,” Davis said. “If your parish does not have the resources … There are many churches that may have more resources. They may have programs, groups, you name it.”
“I limited myself to where I was until I was redirected to go to St. Brigid and give it a try. I learned a whole new side. There are accommodations, there is a group, there are people that care about you, and you’re not alone. So don’t limit yourself to just one parish.”
“Those groups are lifesaving … So don’t stop looking for a group in the Catholic Church because it’s going to help you in the long run,” Davis said. “We’re part of a mystical body of Christ and that means we need to be connected with others who are part of the Catholic Church.”
Tessa Gervasini is a staff reporter for Catholic News Agency.
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