United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities
Mission
The mission of the United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities is to increase awareness of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families, identify resources and services, educate the Church to use their gifts and graces, affirm self-worth and dignity, cooperate in ecumenical and interfaith activities. The task force is sponsored by the Health & Welfare Ministries unit of the General Board of Global Ministries.
History
The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities began in 1992 in Leavenworth, Kan., 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 to be formed. This group would include representatives from across the US 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 became instrumental in changing the language of the Discipline, paragraph 652 to include a provision for each annual conference to have a committee on disability concerns.
Current Work
Today, the Task Force meets once a year to work towards its goals which include developing additional curriculum materials. The next task force meeting will be in mid August 2008 in Nashville, Tenn.
Gateway Club
The Gateway Club Curriculum for developmentally challenged youth and adults includes 36 two-hour programs that include worship, a lesson, activity, games, and additional items including fellowship time over a meal. The material is suggested for a monthly meeting to provide support and fellowship for these important members of our community. The program is based on original materials by the Rev. Earl H. Miller and his daughter Beth Whittier. A $15.00 donation to the National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities will secure your copy of this curriculum. Contact Pat Cook to order: 913-682-8517 or 503 Vine, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Task Force Members
Mary Boyer, KS; Sharon Broscious, VA; Pat Cook , KS; Russell Ewell, MO; Martha Hindman, IA; Rev. Emma McNair, MS; Dr. Al Herzog, OH; Shirley Readdean, NY; David Suits, NY; Lynn Swedberg, WA.
Contact Information
More information about The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities can be obtained from Pat Cook, 913-682-8517 or Patricia Magyar, Health & Welfare Ministries, General Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York, New York 10115, 212-870-3683.
