May 2026 Update
We are so grateful for your continued support and prayers, and we’re excited to share a follow‑up to the ministry update we sent in April. Because of your generosity, the travel and conversations we told you about not only took place—but exceeded our hopes in meaningful ways.
NNYM Leadership Meetings — Dallas, TX
In early April, we traveled to Dallas to spend several days with the leadership and team of the National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM). These meetings were deeply encouraging and strategically important for the future of disability‑inclusive youth ministry.
We were given the opportunity to present directly to NNYM leadership on the urgent need to normalize conversations around disability inclusion in youth ministry—not as a niche concern or “special topic,” but as a core part of healthy, effective ministry. There was strong alignment around the conviction that disability inclusion belongs in the mainstream of youth ministry conversations, training, and leadership development.
Together, we began exploring how AYM’s role as Disability Specialist can be leveraged across NNYM’s national network of more than 5,000 youth workers, helping to equip ministries to better serve teens with disabilities while also supporting youth pastors who live with disabilities or chronic illness themselves. These early conversations laid a solid foundation for future collaboration, content development, and strategic integration throughout NNYM’s platforms and offerings.
Disability & The Church Conference — Washington, DC
Later in April, we traveled to Washington, DC, to take part in the Disability & the Church Conference (DATC)—and it was truly remarkable.
Seeing hundreds of pastors, theologians, church leaders, researchers, and disability advocates from around the world gathered with a shared desire to include people with disabilities in the life of the Church was deeply encouraging. The energy, thoughtfulness, and collaborative spirit of the conference were a powerful reminder that God is at work across denominations, cultures, and countries.
We were honored that our participation on stage—as both a panel member and speaker—was so warmly received. The conversations sparked during and after these sessions affirmed the importance of addressing disability inclusion not only at the congregational level, but also within leadership development and youth ministry specifically. Many meaningful connections were made that we believe will continue to bear fruit in the months and years ahead.
While there, we continued important strategic conversations with the research team from the Baylor University Collaborative on Faith & Disability.
These discussions focused not only on the current phase of research, but also on future opportunities—including how research findings can better inform practical ministry resources, leadership coaching, and advocacy work within youth ministry. We are grateful for their shared commitment to ensuring that research does not simply remain academic, but meaningfully shapes how the Church creates cultures of belonging for people with disabilities.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE
We want you to know that your support made all of this possible. These trips were not isolated events—they were catalytic moments that strengthened partnerships, clarified vision, and expanded the reach of Access Youth Ministry.
Because of you:
National leaders are talking more openly about disability‑inclusive youth ministry
Church leaders around the world are being encouraged toward greater belonging
Research and ministry practice are being brought closer together
Thank you for believing in this work and for walking with us as partners. We look forward to sharing what comes next as these conversations continue to grow into action.