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.
Pandemic means Americans with disabilities aren't getting the services they need - From PBS NewsHour
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
- Funding Sources
Newsletter (PDF)
Newsletter (large print)
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 - The VOICE of the Disability Ministries Committee
Training
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-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
- Read The Church and People with Disabilities: Awareness, Accessibility, and Advocacy by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson