The Disability Ministries' mission is to encourage, facilitate, and nurture those who are disabled. In accordance with the mission, Disabilities Ministries is a service of the church that sensitizes its members to reach out to people with disabilities with the gospel, and to incorporate those individuals in all areas of church life. We’ve done that with the help of our congregation and others, to provide special attention to individuals with disabilities, and to develop witnessing programs/tools to ensure accessibility for those who are disabled.

We believe all people, including those with disabilities, are created in God’s image and have sacred worth. We believe that it is vital to the body of Christ to celebrate the spiritual gifts of people with disabilities and to incorporate them into the life of the church. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, we strive to fully include people with disabilities in worship, missions, leadership and ministry.

The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, is to reach all people within its assigned territory with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Individuals with disabilities, prior to COVID, were known to attend church at a much lower rate due to the barriers encountered. We have targeted removal of those barriers, to make our church more accessible.

Role of Disabilities Ministries

• Educate and increase awareness about the needs of persons w/disabilities
• Ensure buildings are accessible and provide handicap parking
• Involve persons w/disabilities in church programming
• Provide religious education adapted to the needs of persons w/disabilities
• Offer transportation when needed
• Maintain contact through phone calls and visits to the homes of persons with disabilities
• Working with state and governmental agencies to stay informed on how to best serve in this area

Challenge Moving Forward

In 2018, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) report revealed that one in four U.S. adults - 61 million - had a disability. 84% of this population claimed a faith tradition that is important to them. Yet, only 10% of faith communities perform any congregation-wide disabilities awareness. This was before the pandemic. Now in a time of digital worship, Bible studies and meetings, and being part of a faith community, can be more challenging for those living with a disability.

While in theory, technology provides a more accessible way to tune in to worship for some with disabilities, the theory falls short in practice for various reasons. Many people with disabilities cannot afford the tools they need to worship digitally, such as a computer, tablet or cell phone. Some who do can’t afford Internet service.

And then there are the shortcomings of the actual technology itself. People who are blind, for example, rely on good audio and links and websites that are accessible with a screen reader.

The need to connect is a spiritual need. So the church must continue to look at all alternatives for reaching persons w/disabilities.

We envision a world in which persons with disabilities have full access to community life and are valued as indispensable members of society. Together, we can work to build accessible communities and churches, end isolation among persons with disabilities, and create a world in which each and every one of us can thrive.

Resources

• American Association of People with Disabilities
• American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
• American Disability Association Checklist
• Joni and Friends
• National Council on Disability
• National Organization on Disability
• National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
• General Conference/Special Needs Ministry
• North American Division (NAD)/Disabilities Ministry
• Special Needs Ministry Handbook