More Than a Conference: Equipping Churches for Disability Inclusion

1 in 7 people in the U.S. has a disability. That means every church has the opportunity to help individuals and families impacted by disability experience true belonging in the body of Christ.

But let’s be real—it’s not always easy to know how to support individuals with unique communication, learning, sensory, and behavioral needs in our ministries. Creating welcoming, inclusive environments is an ongoing process of learning, equipping volunteers, and growing together.

That’s the heart behind the Disability Ministry Conference, happening in San Diego September 17–19, 2026.

For more than a decade, the Disability Ministry Conference has provided practical training and encouragement for ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, educators, and advocates who are passionate about disability inclusion. The conference creates a space where churches can learn from experienced ministry leaders and practitioners, discover practical strategies they can implement in their own ministries, be encouraged by the stories and testimonies of parents and individuals with disabilities, and connect with others who share the vision of helping every person experience belonging in the body of Christ.

What Is Offered

Attendees can choose from a wide variety of breakout sessions covering topics such as launching disability inclusion, volunteer development, sensory supports, behavior strategies, creating accessible environments, family support, maintaining healthy ministry growth, leadership, and adapted curriculum. Whether your church is beginning to explore disability inclusion or has an established ministry, sessions are designed to provide tools you can use!

One unique feature of this year’s conference is that Spanish translation will be available for every session, making the training more accessible for bilingual ministry teams and Spanish-speaking leaders. We believe equipping the Church begins by making learning accessible to more people.

Other Experiences

The conference experience extends beyond classroom learning. This year’s Buddy Bag Packing Event gives attendees the opportunity to assemble practical ‘buddy took kits’ for your church, as well as churches around the world. It’s a meaningful way to put compassion into action while serving together with fellow conference participants.

Attendees will also enjoy exploring the International Expo, where ministry partners from around the world will share how God is opening doors for disability ministry in diverse cultures and communities. The expo provides a unique opportunity to discover innovative resources, learn from global perspectives, and celebrate what God is doing through churches serving individuals impacted by disability.

One of the greatest strengths of DMC is the community it creates. Through conversations, shared experiences, and practical learning, attendees discover they are part of a larger community of ministry leaders who are passionate about helping every person experience belonging in the body of Christ.

Kick off the conference by joining one of our Networking Dinners on September 17. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity to meet others serving in similar ministry roles, exchange ideas, encourage one another, and begin building relationships that continue well beyond the conference weekend.

If you’re passionate about helping every child, individual, and family experience the love of Christ and a place of belonging, we invite you to join us in San Diego this September. Whether you come as an individual or bring your entire ministry team, you’ll leave with practical tools, meaningful connections, and renewed vision for creating churches where everyone belongs.

Disability Ministry Conference West Coast
September 18–19, 2026 | San Diego, California

Learn more and register at DisabilityMinistryConference.com.