Scrabble tiles spelling 'UPDATE' on wooden surface, symbolizing progress and change.

Disability Advocacy & Education at Denominational Gatherings

ByEmily Hunsbaker

ADN offers workshops, exhibits, accessibility services at 2025 MC USA Convention and Annual Conference

Church of the Brethren

A Place for Every Body

July 1-2. In this Ministers’ Association Pre-Annual Conference Continuing Education event, Jeanne Davies guides participants through three workshop sessions: What Disables Us, Creating Accessible Congregations, and Accessible Worship.

Jeanne Davies is a middle-aged, white female. She has shoulder-length grey hair.
Jeanne Davies, Executive Director
Lamar Hardwick is a middle-aged black man with a trim black & gray beard and glasses.
Dr. Lamar Hardwick; “The Autism Pastor”

Church of the Brethren

Annual Conference

DLF/ADN Dinner, July 3, 5 pm: Join Dr. Lamar Hardwick in a conversation about how individuals & faith communities can better accompany and minister to people with disabilities.

Equipping Session,
July 3, 12:30 pm
How Ableism Fuels Racism
with Dr. Lamar Hardwick

Keli is a young adult white female with shoulder-length straight brown hair.
Accessibility Services
Coordinator: Kelli Boyer
assorted fidgets and sensory tools.
Exhibit Table:
enter to win a Sensory Basket!
Virtual Tour of Exhibit Hall: July 2, 2 pm

MC USA

Mennonite Convention

July 10 Worship: Field Associates Kathy Dickson, JE Misz, & Sarah Werner serve on a panel about healing & disabilities.

Jon-Erik Misz is a white man with a trim brown beard wearing a floral shirt.
JE Misz, Field Associate & Board Member
Kathy Dickson is a middle-aged white female with long brown hair.
Kathy Dickson, Field Associate
Sarah Werner is a middle-aged white female with shoulder-length brown hair.
Sarah Werner, Field Associate
an elderly white woman sitting on a recliner and wearing a cardigan.
Seminar July 9, 10:15 am
Dementia & Congregational Care
with Heddie Sumner, RN, BSN
Room: Tidewater
a young white child steps on a sensory floor mat.
Seminar July 11, 10:15 am
Accessible Children’s Ministry
with Bonnie & Lyle Miller
Room: Grandover East
Nathanael is a young adult white male with brown hair and a neatly trimmed brown beard.
Accessibility Services
Coordinator: Nathanael Hofstetter Ressler
Mobility scooters, large-print materials, audio assistive devices, and other accommodations.
a darkened room lit by twinkle lights. the floors are lined with big pillows and tables hold coloring books, puzzles, and fidgets.
Sensory Room
Retreat to a quiet, calming space to rest and reset your brain.

Church of the Brethren

National Older Adult Conference

Sept 3, 2:30 pm. Heddie Sumner, RN, BSN presents on Dementia and Congregational Care. Participants will learn how to remain connected to people experiencing dementia, how to support caregivers, and ways to care for the Spiritual health of people with memory loss.

Heddie Sumner is an older white female with chin-length gray hair.
Heddie Sumner, RN, BSN, Field Associate


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