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International Collaboration

Collaborating in Canada, the United States and Internationally in Disability and Faith

International engagement update 2024-2025

As part of our commitment to collaboration and building communities of belonging, Karis Disability Services continues to participate in international conversations about disability, spirituality, and inclusion. Through partnerships across Canda the United States and Europe, we're both learning from and contributing to global approaches in disability support.

Sharing and learning through the Images of God project

This year, Dr. Keith Dow, Manager of Organizational and Spiritual Life, represented Karis in several international forums through the Images of God research project (imagesofGod.ca). Supported by the John Templeton Foundation and conducted through a University of Birmingham fellowship, this work explores how Christians with intellectual disabilities understand their relationship with God—bringing the voices and insights of people we support to academic and ministry conversations worldwide.

Key engagements:

Institute on Theology and Disability

(Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado, June 2025):

Karis shared findings with disability ministry practitioners across North America through virtual presentation.

AAIDD Annual Meeting

(Washington, DC, June 2025):

Bill Gaventa, founder of the Institute on Theology and Disability and former AAIDD president, presented on-site about Karis' Images of God project on our behalf.

University of Birmingham

(UK, August 2025):

Karis contributed to discussions at both the Psychology Cross-Training capstone event and the International Association for the Psychology of Religion conference, exploring how practical experience enhances academic research and psychology and theology provide two crucial research lenses.

Building connections across borders

AAIDD Religion & Spirituality Interest Network

Through Dr. Dow's role as president of this network within the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Karis connects with professionals supporting people with disabilities in over 50 countries. At the June 2025 Annual Forum in Washington, DC, Dr. Dow joined virtually to lead the network's gathering, which featured Dr. Christina Puchalski, Director of the George Washington University Institute on Spirituality and Health, as guest presenter on spirituality and wellness in healthcare settings.

These connections allow us to:

  • Learn from diverse approaches to disability support

  • Share Canadian perspectives on inclusion and community

  • Build relationships focused on knowledge exchange

  • Bring international insights to enhance our services in Ontario and Saskatchewan

Contributing to cross-disciplinary dialogue

Our participation in the International Association for the Psychology of Religion conference panel "What theology has to offer the psychology of religion" provided an opportunity to share how hands-on experience with people with disabilities enriches both theological and psychological understanding. This collaborative approach—listening to and learning from multiple perspectives—reflects and enhances our commitment to collaborative processes and co-designing services that reflect each person’s values and beliefs.

Why this work matters

In challenging times, maintaining international connections helps ensure that people supported by Karis benefit from diverse perspectives and approaches. These relationships—whether cultivated virtually or through strategic in-person gatherings—allow us to:

  • Learn from innovative practices worldwide

  • Share the experiences and wisdom of people we support

  • Contribute to advancing disability rights and inclusion globally

  • Strengthen our capacity to serve communities in Ontario and Saskatchewan

Moving forward together

Our approach centers on collaboration, recognizing that the best ideas often come from beyond our own borders. By participating in international networks and research, we're part of a global community working toward societies where everybody belongs.

These connections remind us that while we serve specific communities in Canada, we're part of something larger—a worldwide movement advocating for the dignity, choices, and spiritual lives of people with disabilities. Through continued engagement with partners in the US, UK, and beyond, we look forward to both contributing to and learning from this global community.