Orlando Conference Advocates for Accessible Worship Practices
30 August 2024|
The Disability & the Church Conference occurred in Orlando, Florida, on May 1-3, 2024. Hosted by Key Ministry, the conference had speakers and exhibitors from across North America and various denominations and ministries to discuss practical ways to create inclusive worship environments for those with and without disabilities
Rosemary Graham was the first from the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church to actively serve on the Disability Ministry Network (DMN) Board and other ministry committees, opening the door for SDA representatives to join the conversation and learn. The three SDA representatives were Charlotte LV Thoms, Disabilities Ministries coordinator for the North American Division; Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health & Disabilities Ministries director for the Southeastern Conference; and Shaun Brooks, Disabilities Ministries coordinator for the Georgia-Cumberland Conference.
The majority of those present have first-hand experience with a loved one who has a disability. The personal testimonies created a bonding experience among the attendees and broadened their understanding so that they could make informed choices on improving corporate worship. Whether accommodating a physical disability such as wheelchair users or the hearing impaired, to those with a mental disability such as non-verbal autism, creating such accommodations encourages a deeper empathy and creative ways to address these needs.
In the end, the representatives left with plans to advocate for accessible physical spaces, trained volunteers, and inclusive language and imagery for those who are eager to worship but have difficulty connecting to traditional forms. The Disability & the Church Conference was an opportunity to connect with other Christian ministries such as SpecialOpportunities Abilities & Relationships (SOAR) Special Needs, Nathaniel’s Hope, Joni and Friends, and Wonderful Works Ministry.
Thoms reflected in an article covering the event: “This conference allowed me to network with respected leaders in the field of disability, including Dr. Lemar Hardwick, author, and pastor with autism; Dr. Erik Carter, author/researcher and Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities at Baylor University; and Dr. Stephen Grcevich, president and founder of Key Ministry. As Disabilities Ministries coordinator for the North American Division, I thank God for opening the door because networking in the disabilities ministries community will build a stronger, more inclusive, Christ-centered ministry.”
