Partnering with Churches For Training and Resources For Supporting Disabled Individuals in Society

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/orrelated services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public school students.Among students receiving special education and/or related services, the mostcommon category of disability was specific learning disabilities (32 percent).  John Fela (Felageller) is the MinistryRelations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equipand train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, hespent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants toMiddle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacherand School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith, andis the father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiplepodcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Familyblog, as well as other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com“I choose to do this work because I am profoundly aware of what it is like tobe a special needs parent with no support and no one to reach out to as alifeline when times get hard. I found this especially challenging as a man andfather, since there are not as many resources for dads as there are for moms,and men in these kinds of families bear an incredible burden with almost no onethey can seemingly trust or reach out to.” For more information: https://johnfela.com/ Facebook: @John'sBlogforSpecialNeedsParents  Instagram: @john_fela_1 LinkedIn: @John(Felageller)Fela