July 23, 2026
As part of this year’s implementation plan, the Pilot Resources for Training and Curriculum to Engage Churches initiative advances “Our Partners” priority. Through this initiative, we are sharing our best resources for churches to better welcome people with disabilities. With this work we hope to grow our influence and supports to the broader Christian community.
Here are some ways we’ve been accomplishing our goal to engage churches:
- From July 13-16, Keith Dow, director of culture and mission alignment, and Jasmine Duckworth, a community development manager, ran the pilot course “Building Belonging: Accessible Ministry Training” with Arlington Woods Church in Ottawa, Ontario. This is a church training curriculum we’ll be offering to more churches in the years ahead. Emily, a course participant said, “Karis provided a safe, welcoming environment to learn and grow my understanding. The personal touches showed just how much they care and want to support the people around them.” Participants received a certificate of completion.
- Conversation with Karis Community Development Managers and other leaders led to us hosting a Children’s Ministry webinar on May 26. More than 70 people attended where we shared resources on our website. This webinar is available here: Disability and Belonging in Children’s Ministry | Karis Disability Services.
- Karis participated in Deeper Communion’s Banquet of Belonging on May 7 with 138 people attending at 5 locations in 4 provinces and some online. Participants included church leaders, theologians, and self-advocates.
We are very excited for all the great work that has been done, and the work that is upcoming!
Mark Wallace, Executive Director, Organizational Culture & International Partnerships