About Us
DMC members at United Women of Faith 2022 Assembly. We participate in many denominational events. Left to right, Bishop Peggy Johnson, Rev. Debbie Hills, Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, Rev. Mimi Luebbers
The Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church (DMC) represents geographic US and Central Conference jurisdictions. We provide resources on theology and disability, support, and advocacy. We equip churches, annual conferences, United Methodist boards and agencies, and volunteers. Learn more from the DMC Brochure.
The DMC is excited to share with you who we are, what we do, where we’ve been, and how you can be in ministry with us. We are a ministry partner with The General Commission on Religion and Race and receive no direct apportioned funding from the General Church.
Who is the DMC?
Who makes up the DMC?
DMC Members
Consultants
Resources persons
Our History
The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities started in 1992. Reverend Kathy Reeves and the Health & Welfare unit of UMCOR responded to a request from Pat Cook of Leavenworth, Kansas. Their goal was to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families were included and nurtured in the worship community.
In 2009, the committee expanded to include partnerships with people affected by all types of disabilities. In 2012, the UM General Conference voted to make it a standing committee. The Committee was renamed “Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church,” and was placed under the umbrella of the General Board of Global Ministries until 2018. In 2019, Bishop Peggy Johnson represented the committee at the Council of Bishops. On January 1, 2020, the committee became a partner ministry with the General Commission on Religion and Race.
How are we funded? Donations!
The Disability Ministries Committee does not receive apportioned funds through the United Methodist Church. We rely on gifts from general agencies, congregations, individuals, special offerings (Disability Awareness Sunday, Christmas, Easter, Mission of the Month, etc.) and others to continue this important work.
We accept three options: the Advance, PayPal, or by check.
Through our General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, we can receive donations with this online option: The Advance #3021054 Your church can receive credit for this donation to our important mission. We receive 100% of your donation.
Through the General Commission on Religion and Race, our ministry partner, we can accept Paypal donations.
You can mail a check to us directly. Please indicate in the memo line: DMC Donation
DMC Donation
C/O GCORR
Attn: Christina Yates/DMC
100 Maryland Ave NE Suite 315,
Washington, DC 20002
Your gifts make a difference to help churches become more accessible and inclusive by funding projects such as:
Awarding grants: for church ramps, lifts, automatic door openers, and accessible restrooms, sensory spaces, and equipment for children’s inclusive ministries
Providing resources through our up-to-date and accessible DMC website and our social media
Consulting with churches, individuals, and United Methodist organization regarding accessibility, advocacy, resource needs, and disability awareness workshops, training, and content for Disability Awareness Sunday observances
Thank you for supporting Disability Ministries!
What do we do?
The Committee is a ministry partner of the General Commission on Religion and Race and participates in the equity, vital conversations, and intercultural competency work. Our mission includes:
Providing practical resources through an up-to-date and accessible website, newsletter, and social media
Equipping annual conferences, general boards and agencies, and camping and retreat ministries
Consulting with churches and members regarding accessibility, advocacy, resource needs, Disability Awareness workshops, and trainings
Awarding seed grants for church ramps, lifts, automatic door openers, accessible restrooms, sensory spaces, and equipment for children’s inclusive ministries, and innovative disability ministry programming
Grants and fundraising
DMC Accessibility and Disability Ministries Grant Process
Step 1: Read the Request for Proposal and make sure your request fits the grant criteria.
Step 2: Complete the online Grant Application Form but do not submit it until the following forms are attached.
Step 3: Download, fill out, and upload the Grant Timeline and Budget form plus any supplemental documents where required on the Grant Application.
Step 4: Upload your Annual Accessibility Audit where required on the Grant Application.
Step 5. Download the Grant Signature Page and obtain signatures and dates from the project contact person, pastor or agency director, and a conference representative, e.g. your District Superintendent, the conference Disability Concerns Committee Chairperson, or the Director of Connectional Ministries. Upload the form where required on the Grant Application.
Step 6. Submit the application after January 1st and no later than the March 7, 2025 deadline.
Fundraising Ideas
How to Gather Compelling Stories
How can I use the items on this DMC website?
Contact us for permission to use anything found on our website.