The Discipline, the book of procedure and legislation of the United Methodist Church, states that the church is to be inclusive, and that it should enable every person to participate in its life (¶ 139). It further states that all persons with "mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities" are fully human and full members of God's family, with a rightful place in church and society. In recognition of this status, the church is to be in ministry with all people who have any special need, and to enable their full participation in its activities. The church is also to be an advocate for equality (¶ 162, emphasis added).

To recognize and affirm these statements, a Disability Awareness Sunday is to be observed annually. The date is determined by each Annual Conference. An offering may be received for disability ministries if the conference chooses to do so (¶ 265).

To assist congregational planning, here are resources for disability awareness observances. If you know of others, please use the Contact Us form and we will gladly include them.

• General Resources
  • Committee handout with ideas for celebrating Disability Awareness Sunday
  • The Virginia Conference observes Disability Awareness Sunday on the first Sunday of February.
    Click here and scroll down to Disability Awareness Sunday Resources for more information.
  • Helen Neinast, "Disability Awareness Sunday," Interpreter (2005)
• Worship Plans
  • Model worship service from UMCOR
  • Regional Disability Awareness Service, St. Louis MO, August 14, 2011
• Prayers
  • Prayer, Disability Awareness Sunday, Fallbrook UMC October 16, 2011
• Sermons
  • "Who Made Your Mouth," Deb Wade, North Alabama 2006-2012 Word
  • "That We May See," Deb Wade, North Alabama 2011-2012 Word
  • "Paralyzed" and "Wishing to be Made Whole", Trinity UMC, Gainesville FL, May 16, 2010
  • "Gone with the Wind . . .", Bob Walker, St. Andrew's UMC, January 2008
  • "That We May Understand", Jo D'Archangelis, as printed in Wings: PDF or Word
  • "Flesh and Blood", Chaplain Van Dickens, as printed in Wings: PDF or Word
  • "Thou Shalt Enter", Fallbrook UMC, CA, September 1995, as printed in Wings: PDF
  • Money Illustration, Deb Wade