Anabaptist Disabilities Network

For several years, I served as a Church of the Brethren minister. Church of the Brethren is part of the Anabaptist tradition, a movement that came out of the Radical Reformation that included such denominations as Friends (Quakers), Mennonites, Amish, and others.

The Anabaptist Disabilities Network was first organized in 2002 and became a non-profit organization in 2003. It's Indiana-based with a main office in Elkhart, Indiana. While Anabaptists exist throughout Indiana (and the nation), Indiana's Anabaptists are particularly populous in Northeast Indiana.

The mission of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network is to connect and support people who have disabilities, their families, and faith communities to create a culture of belonging for everybody.

Their stated vision is: "Faith communities are transformed when individuals with disabilities and their God-given gifts and experiences enjoy full inclusion in the Body of Christ."

I've had the privilege of speaking for ADN, as their name is often abbreviated, and found them to be delightful, committed, and very engaged people.

The Anabaptist Disabilities Network lives out their mission in a variety of ways. This includes curriculum development, assisting in congregational accessibility, providing speakers, awareness events, advocacy, awareness, and quite a bit more. From the first time I became aware of them through current days, they've grown quite a bit and have become a really impressive organization.

While I no longer identify as Anabaptist nor am I active in ministry with Church of the Brethren, I continue to admire the work of ADN and count several of those involved as friends and peers in creating more inclusive faith communities that include people with disabilities in all aspects of faith life.