Commission on Disability Concerns
An Introduction
The Book of Discipline recommends a Commission on Disability Concerns be established in each conference (Paragraph 653). The responsibilities of the commission include the awareness and advocacy for those persons with disabilities in leadership positions who are active in ministry. It is also to advocate for and develop programs within the annual conference that meets the needs of persons with disabilities. This can include ways to foster awareness and/or education for sensitivity training to leadership about the various needs of persons with disabilities that promotes inclusion within the church. In addition, the commission is to be a resource for the local church that is attempting to develop ministries that are attitudinally and architecturally accessible. Disabilities that are included, but are not limited to, are deaf, late-deafened, hard-of-hearing, deafblind, development disabilities, intellectual disability, mental illness, visual impairment, and physical disabilities.
On this webpage, resources, literature, and opportunities are made available. For further questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Nancy Webb at njwebb@verizon.net.
Disability Awareness Sunday
Resources for Disability Awareness Sunday
Newsletters for People with Disabilities
Voice of the United Methodist Disability Connection (March 2013 issue)
October 2012 issue of Connections (from the Anabaptist Disabilities Network) Large Print PDF
Voice of the United Methodist Disability Connection (Sept. 2012 issue)
Educational Opportunities and Trainings
UMC Certification in Ministry with People with Disabilities is offered through United Theological Seminary.
Unwrap the Gift - Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Mt. Zion UMC - 1645 East Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. Download the flyer here with workshop descriptions and schedule.
Worship Opportunities
Rejoicing Spirits Ministry, Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Severna Park (worship for people with cognitive disabilities)
Upcoming Events
That All May Worship 2013
Disabilities Inclusion Conference
Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) invites you to attend ... That All May Worship “Sharing our Stories, Building our Communities” A conference to promote awareness, provide support and celebrate the gifts of people with disAbilities in our FAITH communities. "Amazing Gifts" Evening Program with special guests, Mark I. Pinsky, author of "Amazing Gifts, Stories of Faith, Disability and Inclusion", and contributors to his book, Rabbi Lynn Landsberg, Ms. Caroline McGraw , Monica and Mark Masiko and Karen Jackson
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Temple Israel 7255 Granby St., Norfolk
7:00 PM
Friday, March 15, 2013
Tabernacle Church of Norfolk - 7000 Granby St., Norfolk
1:00 PM
For more information and conference registration: Click Here
Articles, News and Resources
The Basic Considerations for Accessibility
Disabilities 101 - Learn about inclusive language, etiquette, and other information
Disability-Related United Methodist Organizations
There are several United Methodist-related organizations that advocate for people with disabilities and/or are disability-related.
Media and Other Resources
A DVD resource on a faith community celebrating disability inclusion
Vast Horizons Inc. Connect
A resource for cognitive and developmental disabilities
Independence Now, Inc.
Advocacy and service provider for people with disabilities in Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland.
