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United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities

Mission

The mission of the United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities is to identify, develop and communicate about programs and resources for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the faith community of each Annual Conference, and to mobilize disability champions to represent each Annual Conference and promote our vision. The task force is sponsored by UMCOR Health, General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) of the United Methodist Church.

History

The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities began in 1992 in Leavenworth, Kansas, to ensure that persons with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers were included and nurtured in the worshipping community.

Pat Cook, the Task Force's founding member, requested that a group sponsored by GBGM be formed. This group would include representatives from across the United States who have a passion for persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The purpose of this group would be to work for inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities within United Methodist churches. This group, first envisioned by Ms. Cook, became the United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities. It was instrumental in changing the language of the Book of Discipline, paragraph 652 to include a provision for each annual conference to have a committee on disability concerns.

Current Work

The Task Force is comprised of sixteen people who work towards making the church a welcoming place for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Some of their current work includes:

  • Meeting once per year as a whole committee to set goals and establish priorities – The next task force meeting will be in the summer of 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Participating in monthly conference calls to review goals and provide progress reports.
  • Developing additional curriculum materials – including a mentoring program to be presented at the 10th National Gathering of United Methodist Men
  • Providing printed resources on developmental disabilities and spirituality to congregations and individuals
  • Serving as advocates for disability concerns

    • Task Force Members

    MARY BOYER
    Kansas

    SHIRLEY READDEAN
    New York

    Emeritus Members
    PAT COOK
    Kansas

    MYRA CARR
    Florida

    REV. SCOTT RITCHEY
    Arizona

    MARTHA HINDMAN
    Iowa

    BETH DEHOFF
    Indiana

    DAVID SUITS
    New York

    MIKE DYSON
    North Carolina

    LYNN SWEDBERG
    Washington

    Advisors
    PATRICIA MAGYAR
    New York

    RUSSELL EWELL
    Missouri

    TIM TICE
    Kansas

    NIELS FRENCH
    Tennessee

    REV. DR. AL HERZOG
    Ohio

    DEBBIE WADE
    Alabama

    DR. CHARLOTTE SHEPARD
    Arizona

    ERIC PRIDMORE
    Mississippi

    Contact Information

    More information about The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities can be obtained from Patricia Magyar, Health & Welfare Ministries, General Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York, New York 10115, 212-870-3683.