Mission

The mission of Disabilities Ministries is for all members to live Christ’s model of reaching and nurturing all people and to promote full inclusion of adults and children with disabilities into God’s family.

The role of Disability Ministries

• Communicate with the members and employees on behalf of the South Atlantic Conference Administration.
• Communicate with communities throughout the South Atlantic Conference territory about the Seventh-day Adventist Church either directly or indirectly through local church communication directors.
• Serve as a resource for pastors, local church leaders, and Conference departmental directors and support staff.

Our History

On July 26, 1989, the Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights law for people with disabilities, was signed by President George Bush, (and amended with changes in January, 2009). It defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.” At the SDA General Conference World Session held in Utrecht, The Netherlands in 1995, the world church voted to establish programs to support and witness to people with disabilities through all levels of the organization: administrative offices, unions, conferences, and the local church. South Atlantic Conference has been an active partner for disability ministry since 1991. The ministry continues today to support, encourage, empower, and gather resources for people with disabilities for worship, study, leadership and evangelism.

Responsibilities

• The position of disabilities ministries was established to give special attention to members and others with disabilities.
• Specifically, the job description of the Disabilities Ministries Coordinator is to:
  • Monitor physical access to the church facilities and functions, and make recommendations that will help to make the church fully accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Provide education for the church members concerning mental, emotional, and physical disabilities and the people they affect.
  • Assist in the process of assimilating people with disabilities into the active life of the church.
  • Conduct surveys to identify the needs of people with disabilities in the church and community.
  • Develop, coordinate and maintain vital programs to meet the spiritual needs of members with disabilities.
  • Serve as a liaison between the South Atlantic Conference and the local church.
• Members are expected to encourage equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in their communities and congregations by eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers.
• Disability Ministries is a needed discipleship tool. In caring for the “least” in God’s Kingdom, families encounter Christ (Matthew 25:35-40).

Brochure on children’s mental health includes: when to seek help, steps for parents, evaluation, treatment, choosing a mental health professional, working with the school, resources, and clinical trials.

RESOURCES:

What is Disability

Disability and Church Leadership:

Christian Record Service – Phone Faith: