The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) --the historic civil rights law which protects the rights of disabled people --was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation improved access, made discrimination against disabled people illegal, and transformed our systems to become more inclusive. Churches, however, fought hard and successfully for exemption from the ADA.

In celebration of the 35th anniversary, in recognition of July as Disability Pride month, and in an effort to lament and repent of religious ableism, Bothell UMC, the PNW Disability Ministries Committee, and disability-justice leaders across the Greater Northwest Area are hosting this multi-day conference. You are invited to join us for practical, justice-oriented workshops; for worship, fellowship, and a documentary screening; and for a keynote talk on Disability Theology.