Contact: Debby Newman, MN Conference and UM Committee on Disability Ministries debbyandeve@gmail.com

What do you think of when you hear disability? How about dis ABILITY? We all have abilities, including the 20% of the population with disabilities. Disability Awareness Sunday is our opportunity to learn more about how disabilities affect people, families, and congregations.

“The church is not complete, unless all of us are present and included,” Lynn Swedberg, past chair of the United Methodist Committee on Disability Ministries reminds us.

For Disability Awareness Sunday, the UMC Book of Discipline (Paragraph 265) calls the Church to celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with disabilities and calls the Church and society to full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community.” How do we become aware and learn to be inclusive in one service?

Start announcements with results of a recent accessibility audit, or plans to complete one this year.

Next, Jennifer Yound, an UMCOR consultant invites us to celebrate gifts and graces through respectful attitudes. When your church celebrates disability awareness, consider these themes.

People First Language – A person is hard of hearing or deaf, uses a wheelchair, or has intellectual disabilities. They are not a deaf person, handicapped or retarded. 
Care and Supervision – Some people need constant care. This creates opportunity for churches to provide respite for caregivers.
Families – Families who have members with disabilities should be welcome at church.
Multiple Disabilities – Some people have multiple disabilities, others have one. Don’t assume.
Need Help – It’s ok to ask, “May I help you with…”
Resources – It may take the right setup for someone to contribute to the life of your church. While wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, and elevators can be costly, people with disabilities have skills and gifts to share when included.

Click here for disability awareness resources.  Or, contacty Lynn Seberg