Dancing between Text and Tradition: Religion and the Individual with Disabilities
Holly Lynn Endres , M.Ed.; Victoria Selden Zascavage, PhD.; Ginger Kelley McKenzie, EdD

Abstract
Nineteen leaders within the Muslim, Catholic Christian, Protestant Christian, and Judaist faith provided a critical insight on varied levels of disability construct that still exist within their religious communities. Perspectives were influence by generation and knowledge of religious history. These leaders provided an insight which spoke to a dance between text and tradition. The study concluded that even though the stigma associated with individuals with disabilities ( IDW) strings across religion, acceptance, and stigmatization is present in all religions. Religion encourages tolerance and care of others but at the same time places emphasis on the different status of persons.

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