Disability Awareness Sunday

What is Disability Awareness Sunday?

Disability Awareness Sunday is a Special Sunday for United Methodists to celebrate the gifts, graces, and leadership of persons with disabilities, while calling the Church and society into full inclusion. As United Methodists, we believe that the church is not complete until everyone, with and without disabilities, is able to attend, belong, and participate fully.

About 1 in 4 people live with a disability, and any of us may acquire one at any point in life. Too often, barriers like inaccessible buildings, lack of transportation, or unwelcoming attitudes prevent people with disabilities from joining in church life. Disability Awareness Sunday helps change those realities by lifting up disability justice, accessibility, and the truth that every member of the Body of Christ has unique gifts to share.

When Do We Celebrate?

Our annual conference has designated the Second Sunday of October as Disability Awareness Sunday each year:

October 12, 2025      October 11, 2026      October 10, 2027      October 8, 2028

Churches are encouraged to celebrate on this date - but you may also choose another Sunday if it works better for your congregation.

How to Give

Be sure to write “Disability Awareness Sunday” in the memo line.

Churches should forward all collected offerings to our Conference Treasurer, who will then distribute the funds according to UMC guidelines.

Resources for Your Church

Here are some practical ways to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday:

  • Invite persons with disabilities to serve as greeters, ushers, liturgists, speakers, or musicians
  • Choose hymns and prayers that celebrate diversity, unity, and inclusion. Avoid hymns that portray disability as sin or charity
  • Consider using music by composers with disabilities and highlight their stories

Explore UMCDMC.org for more worship resources

Disability Ministries

Disability Ministries
- Events
- Resources
- Disability Awareness Sunday