Disability Ministry Network
On August 31, 2022, Congregational Accessibility Network (CAN) changed its name to Disability Ministry Network (DMN). See certificate.
The Mission of the Disability Ministry Network is to build the capacity and enhance the impact of denominational and para-church organizations who promote inclusive congregational ministries for and with people with disabilities, their families, friends, and caregivers.
Membership is open to faith and disability organizations, denominational offices and task forces, consulting businesses, and seminaries that are involved in equipping Christian churches and congregations to be more inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.
A new Board of Directors is being formed and a new website will be created. More details about the process can be found by toggling the sections below. During this interim period, questions about the network, membership, and the ongoing transformation of CAN to DMN can be directed to Paul Leichty.
Foundational Documents
Foundational Documents
Disability Ministry Network
Bylaws including Vision and Mission Statements and Membership information.
Certificate of Amendment — CAN to DMN
Email List
Email Lists:
Two email lists are being used in this transitional phase.
Faith Advocates Announcement List. This is an announcement list for anyone who wants to stay informed about the development of Disability Ministry Network. It tends to be a low volume list with 1-3 messages monthly.
Faith Disability Advocates Discussion List. This is the current email discussion list for those interested in joining Disability Ministry Network. Anyone on the list can communicate with the list under the DMN guidelines.
Select either link to check if you a member of that email group. If you are not already a member, you can select the button which says, “Ask to Join Group.”
Database of Faith and Disability Offices
Documentation of the Founding
Disability Ministry Network
This section contains notes and information on the process of forming the Disability Ministry Network from the summer of 2021 until early fall 2022.
CAN History & Background
CAN History & Background
Congregational Accessibility Network was founded in 2011. A brief history is at About CAN.
CAN Background. This paper offers more background on the whole history of Congregational Accessibility Network from the perspective of Paul Leichty, founding director.
Mission of CAN, including Vision and Goals
Other Background Information
Institute on Theology and Disability
Collaborative on Faith and Disabilities
AAIDD Religion and Spirituality Interest Network
Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC)
August 19, 2021 meeting
Agenda for August 19, 2021 meeting: Download PDF. View on Google Drive.
Summary of Meeting: Zoom Meeting summary, August 19, 2021
Zoom Video: Collaboration Discussion, August 19, 2021
Powerpoint Slides: Presentation (PPTX) Slides (PDF)
Spreadsheet List: Collaboration interest. Persons/organizations that expressed interest in this discussion.
Questions or comments? Send an email to the host, Paul Leichty.
September 27, 2021 meeting
Monday, September 27, 2021 Meeting
Agenda: Minutes of Planning Committee for September 27 meeting.
Meeting Files
- Video Recording of the Zoom Meeting
- Audio Recording of the meeting
- Chat Box from the meeting. PDF version
- Short presentation at the meeting: Powerpoint PDF
October 25, 2021 Meeting
Monday, October 25, 2021 Meeting
Summary: Summary Notes for October 25 meeting.
Meeting Files
- Video Recording of the Zoom Meeting
- Audio Recording of the meeting
- Chat Box
- Summary Notes
February 7, 2022 meeting
Meeting of February 7, 2022
Includes video and chat box of the meeting.
February 28, 2022 meeting
March 21, 2022 meeting
April 25, 2022 meeting
May 23, 2022 meeting
June 20, 2022 meeting
August 29, 2022 meeting
August 29, 2022 meeting and follow-up
Articles of Amendment – State of Indiana