Disability Ministries
The Commission on Disability Concerns advocates for and develops programs that meet the needs of people with disabilities. They foster awareness by educating individuals and congregations about the various needs of those with disabilities and promote inclusion within the church. In addition, the commission is a resource for local churches attempting to develop ministries that are attitudinally and architecturally accessible.
View a brief training for completing the accessibility audit
The video is here.
The Accessibility Audit is here.
A PowerPoint presentation accompanying the training video.
The Accessibility Coordinator position described in the training.
Registration for the monthly Accessibility Conversation meetings.
__________________________________________________________________________
The following links are online resources for a variety of disability concerns and needs:
- BWC Disability Ministries Manual
- 2019 United Methodist Annual Accessibility Audit Form
- United Methodist Mini Accessibility Audit Form
- Information on Disability-Friendly badges for churches
- DCMUMC 2019 Short Report
- Disability Ministries Brochure
- Rest Ministries, Inc. – Joyfully serving the chronically ill
- Directory for Braille Transcription Companies
- How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp
- Hard-of-Hearing and Late-Deafened Accessibility Considerations
- 2012 Published Book on Ministers with Disabilities
- Independence Now – Resource and Advocacy Provider in PG and MC, Maryland
- Disability.Gov
- Disability Commission Disability Awareness Video
Disability-Related News
- Anabaptist ADNet Newsletter
- Disability News from Science Daily
- Disabled World News
- The United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Newsletter
- The United Methodist Committee on
Disability Ministries
Training
- General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Certificate Program
- Training Opportunities from Joni & Friends
- Small Group Training (by All Belong, Inc.)
- Learn About Universal Design and Responsive Design (by All Belong, Inc.)
- Mental Health Series (training modules by All Belong, Inc.)
- Language Guide
- Review various church roles
Online Disability Resources
- Assistive Technology Buying Guide
- Basic Considerations for Accessibility
- Church Resources Supporting the Chronically Ill
- Churchgoers, Mental Health, and Pastors (May 2016)
- Daily Devotionals from Rest Ministries – Serving the Chronically Ill
- Disability-related Awareness Dates
- Disability Awareness Days, Weeks and Months
- Disability discrimination increases (May 2016)
- Disability Loans and Grants
- Disability Scholarships
- Firefighters learn some ASL (May 2016)
- History of Deafness (December 2015)
- Hobbies and Activities for Special Needs
- Home Organization for Newly Disabled Seniors
- Legal Guide for Newly Disabled Seniors
- Planning for the Future for Seniors with Special Needs
- Resources for Traveling with Disabilities
- Should They Stay or Should They Go: Selling a Home with Modifications
- Teaching the Art of Cooking to People with Disabilities
- Wait-until-we-need-it doesn’t work (May 2016)
Disabilities 101
- Disability Etiquette and Awareness
- Inclusive Worship (by All Belong, Inc.)
- When You Meet a Blind Person
Disability-Related United Methodist Organizations
Media and Other Resources
- A 2012 published paperback by United Methodists clergy with disabilities, titled, Speaking Out: Gifts of Ministering Undeterred by Disabilities
- Independence Now, Inc. – Advocacy and service provider for people with disabilities in Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland
Begin Your Own Disability Ministry
- BWC Disability Ministries Manual
- Read the Developing Your Own Disability Ministry document by Joni & Friends, Inc.
- Read the book Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities – includes church policies, suggested vision and mission statements, resources, and strategies
- Deaf Ministries, 4th Edition by Rev. Leo Yates includes ministry models, including a chapter on Disability Ministries.
- Read The Church and People with Disabilities: Awareness, Accessibility, and Advocacy by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson