Roles of the Annual Conference Disability Concerns Committee
Mandate
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016 requires every annual conference to have a committee on Disability Concerns (or delegate its responsibilities elsewhere):
¶653: Each annual conference shall establish a Disability Concerns Committee or other structure to fulfill this ministry and maintain connectional relationships.
Membership:
Nominated/elected per conference procedures.
Must include persons with physical and mental disabilities. (p. 503)
Responsibilities:
Advocate for persons with disabilities in ordained/diaconal ministry and leadership.
Develop programs within the annual conference to meet needs of persons with disabilities.
Stay informed about current ministries related to disability.
Sensitize leaders to disability-related issues.
Foster cooperation among ministries focused on specific disabilities (e.g., Deaf, developmental, mental illness, visual impairment).
Resource local churches in developing accessible ministries.
Promote full inclusion of persons with disabilities in church and conference life.
Participate in jurisdictional accessibility associations to share knowledge/resources. (p. 504)
Groundwork for Existing Committees
Check conference website for current disability ministry resources.
New chair should interview outgoing chair for insights.
Contact conference staff liaison to learn about budget/support (e.g., Zoom).
Connect with team members—discern strengths and assign preparation.
Include people with diverse disabilities, family members, and professionals.
Ensure district representation.
Subscribe to the Disability Ministries Committee (DMC) newsletter and review archives: Newsletter & Articles Archive
Explore DMC website for resources like the Annual Accessibility Audit and Disability Awareness Sunday materials.
Starting a Committee (if one does not exist)
Step One: Gather Like-Minded People
Pray for God’s guidance.
Use conference media (newsletter, website, social media) to invite interest.
Host a display table at annual conference sessions.
Post on the DMC Facebook page.
Request support from DMC and UM Association of Ministers with Disabilities.
Connect with nearby conferences if needed.
Create/maintain a Disability Ministry Facebook group or page.
Step Two: Research Models
Decide whether to form:
An independent committee
A group under a ministry work area
A grassroots group loosely connected to the conference
Read “God Makes a Way: Building a Conference Disability Task Force” (Sharon McCart, New World Outlook, May/June 2014) Download
Explore other active conference committees:
Step Three: Meet and Set Goals
Begin with prayer and a Bible study on disability theology.
Identify passion areas; don’t try to do everything at once.
Consider visibility strategies: web page, Facebook, conference display.
Promote Disability Awareness Sunday (¶265 BOD) via petition if needed.
Ensure conference sessions are accessible.
Participate in the Disability-Friendly and Accessible Church Badge Project.
Establish a meeting schedule.
Step Four: Support at Annual Conference Sessions
Remind leaders that sessions/events must be accessible (BOD ¶603.4, 610.4, 715.2).
Request representation on the Conference Sessions Planning Committee.
Ensure registration forms include accommodation requests.
Staff an Accessibility & Accommodations table at events.
Provide written feedback to planners post-event.
Step Five: Assess Needs and Strengths
Build relationships with congregations, districts, camps, agencies.
Survey to identify strengths, assets, and support needs.
Support boards of Discipleship, Global Ministries, and Older Adult Ministries to ensure inclusion.
Step Six: Promote Resources
Raise visibility by attending conference events.
Use media channels to promote disability-related requirements from the BOD:
Disability Awareness Sunday (¶265.4)
Annual Accessibility Audit (¶2532.6)
Promote DMC-provided resources.
Offer workshops or information tables at clergy/district training events.