Rising Above Ministries Podcast- Episode 050 - Ann Scherff: Raising Multiple Children with Special Needs

About Ann 

Ann has been married to her husband, Dave, for 53 years and together they have five adult children, three of whom have special needs, and three grandsons, one who has autism. They are also caregivers for Dave's sister who has developmental disabilities and their youngest son Matthew also 32 who is deaf and has autism.  Ann has a Masters degree in education and also has degrees in paralegal, deaf studies/interpreting.  

Additionally, Ann has worked as an advocate and has volunteered in different capacities with local, regional and state organizations that support people with disabilities such as Board of Visitors, Parent to Parent, Independent Living Organizations, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, and Family Support services.  In their former church, Ann served as an interpreter and as a parish advocate for people with disabilities.   In her current church, she interprets, sings with the praise team, and is a Stephen Minister.  

Favorite Quotes

“We are serving God when we serve our children.” -Ann Scherff

"I think it’s looking more at the big picture, and looking at the possibilities, and seeing not the disabilities, but seeing the abilities…and seeing them as a person and not as a label.” -Ann Scherff