National Conference on Disabilities Coming to Birmingham

National experts, clergy and community stakeholders will converge on Birmingham this weekend as part of a national conference on the inclusion of people with disabilities at the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham.

The unique program, titled 'Before and Beyond the Benediction,' will not only educate participants on the barriers remaining for people with physical disabilities in society, but also provide an opportunity to explore, in-depth, strategies for improving how people with disabilities are included in society, organizers said.

That will happen through dialogue spurred by nationally-renowned speakers expected to participate. On Friday, The Rev. Sue Montgomery, pastor of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church Emlenton, Pennsylvania, will share her experiences from her work as a disability consultant for the Presbyterian Church USA. She will also discuss some of her research about theology, language and the philosophical approaches to life with a disability

Erik Carter, Ph.D, an Associate Professor at the Vanderbilt University, on Saturday will discuss strategies for supporting meaningful inclusion in school, work, and community settings for children and adults with disabilities. For the past decade, he explored the intersection of faith and disabilities and the ways in which congregations can be more inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.

Individuals and representatives of community groups — both faith-based and not — from around Michigan and the country are expected to attend.

The event is an extension of the church's long-standing efforts to recognize the importance of inclusion in its ministry, said Head Pastor John Judson. Each Sunday, more than a dozen children with disabilities pair with staff and volunteers that help them participate as best they can in worship, Christian education and confirmation. The church also hosts an afternoon service twice a month specifically for people with disabilities to participate.

"We believe that the church ought to be a place where persons of all abilities are fully included in the life of the community so that together we can experience God’s love, and share our gifts with one another,” Johnson said.

There are seats available and registration is open to the public with fees ranging from $20 - $40. Visit the church's website for more information and to register.