Disability Awareness Sunday:
July 26, 2026
Find materials and guidance to help your congregation host a meaningful Disability Awareness Sunday.
2026 Disability Awareness Sunday
Access Disability Awareness Sunday service materials for your church.
Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries (BLDM) invites your
congregation to join us in observing Disability Awareness Sunday
on July 26th, 2026.
This day offers a meaningful opportunity to honor and
strengthen ministry with individuals and families living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Within this brochure, you’ll find the materials and guidance needed
to help your congregation, along with countless others, host a
meaningful Disability Awareness Sunday.
What people are saying about BLDM
K-8 School Grant Recipient
I mentored the “Changing Lives ” program successfully at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School in the Spring Semester of 2024.
Initially I heard feedback from teachers stating that they rapidly “noticed a change in the attitudes of their students towards everyone around them especially those on the Autism spectrum.”
Later, I was told by the teachers and staff :
“They felt much more thoughtful regarding whether they are meeting the needs of their students and others. They are more aware now of how they can relate more effectively to all people. Also how they can better assist others with special needs respectfully.”
The last project the students created was an accessible community with Lego and hand drawn plans utilizing everything learned . It spoke “volumes” to all who had the opportunity to see it.
Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship has helped me immensely in my studies. It has offset the cost of my education and has allowed me to dedicate more time to my schooling rather than having to worry about how I will feed my family.
It has been a tremendous blessing and brought great comfort in my life. I recently learned that my school offers a class entitled Ministry to People with Special Needs that I will have the opportunity to take later in my schooling.
I know this would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about caring for the souls of those with IDDs. I am looking forward to entering the ministry where I will be able to share the love of Christ with all people, regardless of the intellectual or developmental capacities!
Previous Scholarship Recipient
I am a first year Deaconess student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. I am grateful to Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries for their financial support. The seminary courses forming us into Christ’s servants to those in need. This month I began a bible study with a group of guys with intellectual disabilities. It is a joy to share the word with them. I have been asked to lead a weekly devotion for a group of adults with an adult daycare. I’m looking forward to joyfully praising God with them. The website has lots of valuable resources for planning my lessons and devotions for people with special needs.