As the Disability Specialist Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Katie is passionate about working to increase access to gospel learning for those with disabilities. Inspired by the scripture in 3 Nephi 22:13, “And all they children shall be taught of the Lord…” (emphasis on ALL) Katie follows the Savior by seeking out ways to help those with unique barriers have access to gospel instruction and participation. Whether it’s providing resources for those with food allergies, mobility issues, or blindness, or making church programs, like FSY, more accessible, Katie works tirelessly to understand what is needed and how to provide it. She shares insights on her role to elevate voices of the disabled, and the many diverse ways the Church is working to expand access for all God’s children.
Disability Resources on the church website
Home Evening Lesson on Disability and Inclusion
Teaching Strategies for Children with Disabilities
Contact Disability Services at disability@churchofjesuschrist.org
Katie Edna Steed has been the Disability Specialist Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2018. Prior to coming to The Church, she spent fifteen years as an Associate Clinical Professor at Brigham Young University in the department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education. Her area of expertise is in children with severe disabilities, including Autism. Before teaching at Brigham young University, Katie taught in the public schools both as a general educator for one year and as a special educator for three years.
Her thesis is entitled: Instructing teachers of children with disabilities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is passionate about this topic and has presented at several churches over the past 20+ years on how to best support their members with disabilities. She has a website dedicated to providing resources on this topic at: katieednasteed.com
Katie’s book, Promises I make When I am Baptized at Eight, combines her love of motherhood, teaching, and the gospel into an activity book to help children of all abilities better prepare for their baptismal covenants.
Katie also serves with her husband as a Technical Specialists for Latter-day Saint Charities where she provides trainings throughout the world to help educators, medical personnel and parents on how to support individuals with special needs.
Katie’s favorite titles are that of wife and mother to three wonderful children, one of which has autism. She loves to support individuals of all abilities achieve their goals and become what they desire to be.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS