by Vince Cascone
Every child is a masterpiece of God, created with purpose and dignity. In the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, our Catholic schools embrace students with special needs, ensuring they experience the fullness of education and faith.
As Pope St. John Paul II reminds us, “People with disabilities are not a problem to be solved but a precious gift to be welcomed, loved and cherished.” This vision shapes our work: to create schools where every student — regardless of ability — can grow in knowledge, faith and belonging.
Sacred Scripture grounds our mission. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14).
No barrier — physical, educational or social — should keep a child from experiencing the love of Christ in our schools. St. Paul teaches: “The body is not made up of one part but of many. . . . The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’” (1 Cor 12:14, 21). Each child, with unique gifts and challenges, is essential to the body of Christ. By embracing students with special needs, our schools become fuller, richer communities.
Through thoughtful planning and community support, our schools ensure students of all abilities can thrive. Physical accessibility is being improved with ramps, automatic doors, restrooms and welcoming classrooms. Teachers are trained in differentiated instruction and supported with service plans, while sacramental preparation and liturgies are adapted so that all may participate. Students are also taught the dignity of every human life, cultivating a culture of awareness and inclusion.
As educator Mary Desmarais expresses, “It’s a pro-life issue because we are affirming the dignity of each individual and honoring the life that God gave them by welcoming them into our schools.” Catholic education forms saints and ensures no child is excluded simply because of how he/she learns.
This mission is strengthened through the partnership of Embrace, a Catholic foundation serving students with special needs. Their support provides teacher training, classroom resources, scholarships and funding for accessibility improvements. By walking alongside us, Embrace makes our schools stronger, more inclusive and faith-filled. We are grateful for our partnership with Embrace and to its executive director Kim Hammers.
This is not just an initiative; it is our response to the Gospel. In embracing students with special needs, we are embracing Christ himself. In their presence, we encounter God’s love in a unique and powerful way.
Josh Ruoff, lead consultant for the special- needs ministry of the archdiocese, and Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, associate superintendent of Catholic schools, contributed to this article.
