A partner ministry of The General Commission on Religion and Race
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April 2025
Volume 15 , No. 2
| | The church: called to serve as life preserver and safety net | |
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TheVOICE
of the
United Methodist
Disability Connection
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Greetings in Christ!
This newsletter was inspired by a request for resources for churches looking to support disabled people who are or will be affected by executive orders and proposed budget cuts. We are delighted to hear that congregations are reaching out to find resources and information that will help with advocacy. Now is certainly the time for ministries of advocacy and allyship!
While these are unprecedented times that call for new and intentional ways to come alongside those of us in our congregations and communities who are disabled, unmet needs are always present! The church continues to be the safety net when other organizations fail.
We know that disabled people already face difficulty accessing affordable and accessible healthcare and housing. We know that inaccessibility, ableism, and other societal barriers contribute to high unemployment rates.
Churches are well-situated to address local concerns, for instance when they develop new low-income housing on unused church property or provide free clinics. If you need ideas about where to start, reach out to your local Independent Living Association.
We would love to hear about and share your ministries so that other churches might follow suit! Thanks for all you are already doing and all you will do in the future.
Blessings,
Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, editor
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My Disabled Life is Meaningful
Disability Rights Advocacy: Section 504 - Call to Justice
A Pastor and a Parent
How Churches Can Support People with Disabilities Amid Cuts and Changes
Resources for Advocacy
Upcoming Events
| | My Disabled Life is Meaningful | | |
How am I doing right now? Not great. Seeing statements written that disabled people like me are a “dire threat to the American people and our way of life” makes me physically ill.
Meanwhile, 17 states have entered into a lawsuit to erode the rights and protections for disabled people to accessible access in education, employment and public life.
The lawsuit makes the following claims: “Section 504 is unconstitutional.” It suggests that “Section 504 is coercive, untethered to the federal interest in disability, and unfairly retroactive” and it asks for “permanent injunctive relief” that would block enforcement of Section 504.
Not only would American policymakers prefer people like me not exist, they don’t want us to participate in communal life, to have the same opportunities as our non-disabled peers, or to have meaningful lives where our access needs are met.
- They don’t want us in school.
- They don’t want us in the workplace.
- They don’t want us to have healthcare.
The message is loud and clear! Disabled people are seen as a burden, a drain on societal resources. Our lives are not valued. They do not see disabled lives as worth protecting, empowering or celebrating.
I fundamentally disagree. My disabled life is meaningful.
For those who may not be aware, Section 504 is the cornerstone, the legal foundation that laid the groundwork for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What does section 504 do?
- It is the legal framework that upholds the civil rights of disabled people.
- It means that healthcare providers can’t decide to turn us away from life sustaining treatment and care.
- It requires equal access to education, employment, and public services.
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This is why I often become frustrated when non-disabled people dismiss my concerns about inaccessibility and ableism.
It is already hard enough to get institutions and organizations to take serious disability rights under our current legal system. Imagine how much more difficult that will become if these legal protections are eroded, weakened or overturned altogether!
And now we face the possibility of Section 504 being gutted by the courts! The first thought that came to mind was, “We will need another Capital Crawl.”
For those who don’t know their disability rights history, asking nicely hasn’t been an effective strategy for the Disability Community. It took public demonstrations, sit ins, deliberate and strategic protesting using our physical bodies to bring entire government office buildings, city buses, and other infrastructures to a halt - giving nondisabled people a small taste of what the everyday experiences of disabled people are like.
I am profoundly grateful for the legal foundation of Section 504 and the ADA even though the ADA accessibility requirements are the bare minimum of what should be provided. At the same time I am also aware that inaccessibility remains a concern and unresolved issue in many spaces. The fact I struggle most days to get into the building I work in highlights the ongoing injustice of that reality to me.
Too many people see accommodations as special treatment or “nice” to have rather than the vital human and civil right that upholds the dignity and full personhood of disabled people.
The law states that as a disabled person I should have the same access and opportunity to participate in all facets of public and community life. However, at times I still have to advocate to have the same rights that my peers have and experience daily. I should not have to ask for the barest of minimums to be upheld nor have to justify the right to have autonomy, independence and the dignity of full personhood as a disabled person.
Contributed by Rev. Sara L. Martin, Oklahoma Conference
| | Disability Rights Advocacy: Section 504 and Our Call to Justice | | |
Grounded in Faith and Justice
As people of faith, we affirm the dignity and sacred worth of every person, recognizing that all are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Scripture calls us to advocate for justice and inclusion, ensuring that those who have been marginalized are fully embraced in community life (Luke 14:13-14). The United Methodist Social Principles declare, "We recognize and affirm the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with disabilities. We commit ourselves to full inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the Church and the broader society" (UMC Social Principles)
Understanding Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding. It guarantees equal access to education, employment, and public services, ensuring reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This law embodies the biblical mandate to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8) by breaking down barriers that prevent full participation in society.
A Call to Action
Faith communities have a moral obligation to advocate for the enforcement of Section 504 and other disability rights protections. This includes:
● Supporting policies that uphold accessibility and inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
● Ensuring our churches are welcoming and accessible for all, not only in physical structures but also in worship, leadership, and community engagement.
● Standing with disabled individuals and their families in their struggles for justice, as Jesus did when he healed and uplifted those society overlooked (Mark 2:1-12).
Living Out Our Commitment
As followers of Christ and as United Methodists, we are called to move beyond awareness to action. Advocacy for disability rights is not just about legal compliance—it is about building the Beloved Community where every person is valued and empowered. By upholding the principles of Section 504, we bear witness to God’s justice and love in the world.
Contributed by Rev. Kendal McBroom, General Board of Church and Society
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I am Amanda Stufflebeam, a Licensed Local Pastor. I am also the parent of Doree McAdams, who was born with cerebral palsy. She is developmentally disabled, and there is no treatment and no cure. Few people understand the struggle of parents like me. Most people eventually have an empty nest. My nest will never be empty. My beautiful daughter has a full life because she has a Medicaid waiver provided by The Ohio Department of Disabilities.
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, disabled people, and seniors. Medicaid HCBS Waivers provide support, services, and health coverage to people with disabilities. The HCBS Waiver programs provide care for individuals in the community rather than in an institutional setting. They are designed as an alternative to nursing facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs).
I am lucky. I live in Ohio, a state that provides a great deal to people with disabilities, but Ohio cannot fund it alone. Waivers are jointly funded by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and the state or county. CMS pays the federal share of these waivers, which is 60%.
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If the 60% that the CMS provides is reduced or eliminated, then life as we know it is over. I will no longer be able to serve the church as a pastor. Doree and others like her will be stuck at home, unhealthy and unhappy. Hundreds of day programs where a disabled person can spend their days with friends learning valuable life and social skills, volunteering, or working will close. Providers who care for individuals will lose funding and their jobs. These paid providers fill in the gaps so parents can be contributing tax-paying citizens.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.” (CEB)
So, I ask each of you to take the steps to
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contact, in writing or by phone:
- your members of The US Congress,
- the governor of your state,
- and local agencies
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keep up with agencies that advocate for those with disabilities
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help with campaigns, rallies, and events.
Prayers are not enough. Although prayers are appreciated, action is needed. Every person in this fight is vital. No matter how small, any local church can make a statement, write a letter, or raise funds for an advocacy group. Please be Jesus for the least of these.
Contributed by Rev. Amanda Stufflebeam, West Ohio Conference
| | Standing in the Gap: How Churches Can Support People with Disabilities Amid Cuts and Changes | | |
My name is Rev. Rebecca L. Holland, and I am a visually impaired United Methodist pastor and author. I consider myself to be a simple country parson, not a political pundit; therefore, I’m often reluctant to write about issues that could be perceived as political. But the thoughtful request “We are looking for resources or suggestions of how churches can support people with disabilities who are being affected by executive orders related to DEI and/or the proposed budget cuts,” in combination with my own deep convictions and lived experience, inspired me to pick up my metaphorical pen and write.
I’ve seen firsthand how these changes and proposed cuts are already hurting members of the disability community—both in my personal circles and in the parish I serve in rural Pennsylvania.
I have seen people with disabilities lose jobs.
The blind community is relatively small, and many working professionals know each other. The effects ripple quickly. I have watched talented, hardworking professionals who are blind or disabled lose the jobs they fought so hard to earn. It is already hard to get a job when you’re blind—not due to a lack of ability or ambition, but because many employers simply cannot imagine how a blind employee can do the work.
Even before these proposed cuts, ableism made finding employment difficult. And now, with threats to DEI funding and shifting public sentiment, it's becoming even harder. When you're disabled, you often feel like you have to work twice as hard to be taken half as seriously. Now, I'm seeing highly qualified disabled workers being pushed out or simply let go.
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The cuts are harming mental health in the disability community.
As someone in full-time ministry, even I have felt the stress of the current cultural climate. Many people—including myself—are deeply anxious. When companies begin laying off so-called “diversity hires,” many of us in the disability community feel the weight of that language. It creates a chilling effect. It increases our sense of vulnerability in workplaces and communities.
This cultural climate also adds to the financial stress disabled people already face. The truth is, it’s simply more expensive to be disabled. Doctor visits, adaptive technology, prescriptions … all of it adds up. When you’re already financially stretched and then you’re suddenly at risk of losing your job, your benefits, or your educational support, it can begin to take a toll on your mental health.
I have seen an increase in requests for assistance.
I serve in a small rural town, but even here, the needs are growing. Our local food bank has seen the number of requests for assistance more than double in the past year. People are struggling, and many of them are disabled. In my parish, we try to help through food ministry and clothing outreach, but the need can be overwhelming.
When Medicaid is cut, people lose not just healthcare—they may lose food access, transportation, or caregiving support. That means they may also lose church. They may become isolated. They may suffer silently, cut off from the very body of Christ that is meant to uphold them.
I am especially concerned about cuts to education.
In my local church we run a children’s program that includes kids of all ability levels. We believe every child should get to know Jesus. I also remember what it was like to be a child with a visual impairment. My IEP (Individualized Education Program) guaranteed that I had equal access to learning. And that education—along with the grace of God—is what allowed me to grow into financial independence and relative financial stability.
But now I’m hearing from families in my own congregation that their children may soon lose the accommodations they need to learn. If we do not preserve educational access, we are setting back an entire generation of disabled children—children who deserve the same opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive that I had.
Closing Thoughts
As Christians, we are called to support “the least of these.” Often, the “least of these,” are members of the Disability Community. The question is not just what services might disappear—it’s whether the church will still be standing beside those who are affected.
Let’s not turn away. Let’s stand in the gap together. People with disabilities are an important part of the body of Christ.
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So, What Can Churches Do?
We are the Body of Christ. And when one part suffers, we all suffer. But we also have power. We can move toward the margins and meet the needs of those most affected. For instance, Hawley UMC (where I serve) recently packed food boxes for hungry families, as illustrated here.
Below are some suggestions:
1. Share Stories.
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If someone in your congregation is affected by changes to Medicaid, Section 504, or workplace discrimination, ask if they
are willing to share their story anonymously or in testimony.
- Use those stories to teach your church members why advocacy and compassion are needed.
2. Advocate Together.
- Host a letter-writing Sunday or postcard campaign to urge lawmakers to protect services like Medicaid and Section 504.
- Organize a panel or educational forum on disability rights and accessibility.
- Partner with local disability organizations to provide trustworthy information and resources.
3. Offer Tangible Help.
- Start a benevolence fund specifically for accessibility-related needs: adaptive equipment, transportation, etc.
- Train volunteers to assist with paperwork for Medicaid or Social Security applications.
- Be present. Sometimes just showing up with someone to a difficult appointment or hearing makes all the difference.
4. Build a Safety Net.
- Add accessibility and disability support into your mission and outreach budgets.
- Consider how your church building and programs can serve as safe havens in case services are lost, e.g., opening a room for tutoring or creating a job search support group.
- If you run a food pantry, ask about dietary needs and make sure it is accessible to people who use mobility devices.
5. Support Disabled Children and Youth.
- Reach out to families navigating IEPs or special education changes. Offer a listening ear and practical support.
- Ensure that your Sunday School curriculum and environment are welcoming to children with disabilities.
- Advocate for inclusion—not as charity, but as justice.
Contributed by Rev. Rebecca L. Holland, M.Div. OSL, Susquehanna Conference (Central Pennsylvania)
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April 24, 2025, 12:00 -1:00pm EDT - Deaf History and Digital History: Understanding Ordinary Lives (online, free, ASL provided). Speakers combine digital history techniques with archival historical methods to bring new stories of Deaf lives to light.
Links: Information and Registration
May 5-7, 2025 - Virtual National ADA Symposium (CEUs offered, $150/ day, $450 full conference, ASL and captions provided). 36 sessions cover all areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act, presented by nationally recognized experts. Registration closes April 11.
Links: Registration; Agenda; In person session June 15-18, 2025, Atlanta
April 25, 2025 - New Directions in Black Disability Studies (one-day in person and online, free). Charlottesville, VA. Scholars from a variety of disciplines from across the globe explore the lived experiences and representations of Black disabled people across all time periods, in Africa and the Diaspora. In person registration closes April 10, online registration closes April 21.
Links: Information; Registration
May 8, 2025. 12:15 – 1:30pm EDT - Mental Health and Climate Change (online, free, live CART transcription). Interdisciplinary panel of experts explore the interplay between climate change and psychosocial disabilities: research, intervention efficacy, and prevention.
Links: Information; Registration
June 16-18, 2025. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm MDT - Institute on Theology and Disability 2025 (in person and online, full conference $500, virtual $250, single day $150-200 – some meals included, ASL/CART available). Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO. In person registration deadline May 31; June 11 for virtual attendees. Three days of deep learning, community-building, challenging academics, and practice-based sharing that connect the world's foremost academic researchers, faith and community leaders, and others, both disabled and able-bodied, to investigate the lived reality of disability as it intersects with faith and theology.
Links: Schedule; Registration
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May God's peace be with you as Lent comes to a close and we move through Holy Week into Easter and beyond. And may all you do reflect evidence that we are Easter people, called to follow the risen Jesus by living lovingly, humbly, and justly in ways that center and lift up disempowered people.
Blessings,
Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church
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